About
If there is one electric scooter that has generated a massive buzz in the enthusiast community over the last few years, it is undoubtedly the APOLLO Ghost 2022. This machine represents a pivotal moment for many riders-it is often the "step-up" scooter for those who have graduated from the sluggish, rental-grade commuters and are finally ready for something that offers genuine adrenaline. Designed by the Canadian team at APOLLO, the Ghost was built with a specific philosophy in mind: to provide high-end, dual-motor performance without the exorbitant price tag usually associated with "hyper-scooters." It strikes a fascinating balance, sitting right in the sweet spot between a portable commuter and a heavy-duty racing machine.
What makes the Ghost 2022 special is its deceptive nature. At first glance, it has a somewhat industrial, skeletal aesthetic-hence the name "Ghost"-that looks sleek but not necessarily intimidating. However, underneath that aluminium frame lies a beast waiting to be unleashed. It positions itself in the market as a "performance commuter," which is a polite way of saying it is a vehicle practical enough to get you to work, but powerful enough to terrify you if you slam the throttle too hard in dual-motor mode. It was designed to answer the feedback from thousands of riders who wanted the power of the flagship Phantom model but in a more compact and slightly more affordable package.
The 2022 iteration of the Ghost brought several refinements over its predecessor, smoothing out the rough edges that early adopters identified. It is not just a collection of parts; it feels like a cohesive, well-thought-out machine. Whether you are navigating the urban jungle or taking a weekend joyride on light trails, the Ghost commands respect. It is a scooter that asks the rider to be present and engaged, rewarding you with a riding experience that feels fluid, responsive, and undeniably fun. It is the scooter for the rider who looks at a steep hill not as an obstacle, but as a challenge to be conquered.
Safety
When you are dealing with a machine capable of hitting speeds near 60 km/h, safety stops being a "nice-to-have" and becomes the single most critical aspect of the ride. Fortunately, the Apollo Ghost 2022 takes stopping power very seriously. The model comes equipped with dual disc brakes, and the version we are looking at features hydraulic actuation. For the uninitiated, the difference between mechanical and hydraulic brakes is night and day. With hydraulics, you can feather the levers with just one finger to scrub off a little speed, or squeeze them firmly for a locked-in, immediate stop. There is no cable stretch, and the modulation gives you immense confidence when weaving through traffic. Riders consistently report that the braking performance is one of the scooter's strongest assets, often saving them from near-misses in chaotic city environments.
Beyond the physical calipers, the Ghost features adjustable regenerative braking (often controlled via the P-settings on the display). This system uses the motors to slow the scooter down while putting a tiny bit of charge back into the battery. Community feedback on this is mixed but generally positive once tuned; out of the box, the regenerative braking can feel a bit abrupt, almost throwing you forward if you aren't prepared. However, once you dial it down to a setting that suits your riding style, it acts as a fantastic primary brake, saving wear on your brake pads. The stability of the scooter at speed also contributes to safety. The 10-inch pneumatic tires provide a substantial contact patch with the road, offering grip that solid tires simply cannot match, especially on damp tarmac.
Visibility is another pillar of the Ghost's safety suite. It features a distinct lighting setup with LED strips running along the deck and stem, making you look like a floating light show at night. This ensures that cars see you from the side, which is often a blind spot for scooter riders. While the front headlights are decent for being seen by others, many hardcore users in the community recommend adding a dedicated aftermarket headlight if you plan on doing serious night riding on unlit roads. The rear taillights flash when braking, alerting anyone behind you that you are slowing down. It is these thoughtful integrations that make the Ghost feel like a serious vehicle rather than a toy.
Performance
Let's get to the part that everyone really cares about: the power. The APOLLO Ghost 2022 is powered by dual motors with a rated power of 1 000 Watts each (totaling 2 000 Watts nominal, with a peak that is significantly higher). What does this mean in the real world? It means acceleration that can genuinely surprise you. When you engage the "Turbo" and "Dual Motor" buttons on the handlebars, the Ghost transforms. Riders often describe the feeling as having their "soul lurch out of their body." The torque is instant. From a dead stop, you can beat almost any car across an intersection, hitting 25 km/h in roughly 2.5 to 2.8 seconds. It is exhilarating, addictive, and requires you to hold on tight.
Top speed is another area where the Ghost shines, capable of reaching between 58 km/h and 60 km/h depending on the rider's weight and charge level. While most riders rarely spend time at these maximum speeds, having that headroom means the scooter never feels strained at cruising speeds of 30 or 40 km/h. It hums along effortlessly. The dual motors also mean that hills are virtually non-existent. Where a single-motor scooter would groan and slow down to a crawl on a 15-degree incline, the Ghost accelerates up it. You can maintain traffic speeds going up steep bridges or hilly residential streets without breaking a sweat.
The throttle response is sharp, perhaps too sharp for some beginners in the highest settings. However, the Eco mode allows you to tame the beast, turning it into a manageable cruiser for crowded paths. The community frequently discusses the "square wave" controllers used in the Ghost, which provide that punchy, aggressive acceleration curve that enthusiasts love. While it might not be as silky smooth as the sine wave controllers found on ultra-premium models, it adds to the sporty, rally-car feel of the scooter. It is a machine that wants to go fast, and it begs you to push it.
Design
The design language of the Apollo Ghost is distinctively utilitarian and aggressive. It doesn't try to hide its mechanics; instead, it puts them on display. The forged aluminium construction gives it a robust, durable feel, free from the plastic creakiness found on cheaper models. The "hollow" look of the swingarms and the exposed spring suspension contribute to a futuristic, industrial aesthetic that turns heads. It looks technical, like a piece of precision engineering. The deck is spacious, allowing riders to place their feet in a staggered stance, which is crucial for stability during that intense acceleration we discussed.
One of the standout design features is the folding mechanism. Apollo utilizes a rugged claw-like clamp and a safety pin system that is far superior to the wobbly collars found on generic scooters. Once locked into place, the stem feels solid with minimal play. When folded, the stem hooks into the rear of the deck (a feature improved in the 2022 model to be more integrated), allowing you to pick up the scooter. However, the design isn't just about looks; it is about function. The fenders, while present, are a common point of discussion; they look sporty but some users note they could be longer to prevent water splash-back on wet days.
The cockpit is clean and functional, dominated by the standard QS-S4 display (or similar trigger throttle units depending on the specific batch). While this display is ubiquitous in the scooter world, it gets the job done, showing speed, battery voltage, and trip distance. The handlebars fold down-a feature often overlooked but absolutely essential for fitting the scooter into the trunk of a compact car. This blend of high-performance rigidity with practical folding elements is what makes the Ghost's design so successful among urban riders.
Comfort
Riding at 50 km/h requires a suspension system that can handle imperfections, and the Ghost delivers with a dual spring suspension setup. Both the front and rear wheels are supported by adjustable springs. This is a game-changer compared to rigid or simple rubber suspension scooters. The suspension has a decent amount of travel, allowing it to soak up cracks, potholes, and cobblestones. Riders describe the feeling as "floating" over minor bumps. Because the springs are adjustable, you can tighten them if you are a heavier rider or prefer a stiffer, sportier feel, or loosen them for a plush, bouncy ride.
The 10-inch pneumatic (air-filled) tires work in tandem with the springs to provide ride quality. Unlike solid tires which transmit every vibration to your knees and jaw, these air tires act as the first line of defense against road noise. They dampen the ride significantly. However, because they are air-filled, they are susceptible to flats, so checking tire pressure regularly (aiming for around 45-50 PSI) is a ritual that Ghost owners must adopt. The community suggests that keeping pressures optimal is key to both comfort and preventing pinch flats.
Standing on the Ghost for long periods is surprisingly comfortable due to the deck size. It is wide enough that you don't feel like you are balancing on a tightrope. The rear kickplate (footrest) is perfectly angled, allowing you to shift your weight back during braking or acceleration. This reduces fatigue on your arms and legs, meaning you can actually drain the battery in one session without feeling like you have been in a wrestling match. While it's not a sit-down cruiser by default, the ride quality makes 20-kilometer commutes feel short and enjoyable.
Range
The manufacturer claims a range of 40 to 90 km, but as any experienced electric scooter enthusiast knows, these numbers are often achieved under laboratory conditions with a light rider going very slowly. In the real world, the APOLLO Ghost 2022 still performs admirably, but expectations should be managed. With a 52V 18.2Ah battery (offering roughly 947 Wh of energy), a realistic range for a rider weighing around 80 kg, riding in mixed conditions with some bursts of speed, is closer to 40-50 km. If you are constantly in Turbo mode, mashing the throttle at every green light and climbing hills, you might see that drop to 30-35 km.
Conversely, if you are disciplined and stick to Eco mode or keep your speed under 25 km/h, approaching that 60-70 km mark is entirely possible. The 52V system is efficient, and the scooter maintains its top speed well even as the battery voltage drops, although you will feel a slight decrease in "punch" once the battery dips below 40%. This range is more than sufficient for most daily commutes, allowing you to ride to work, run errands, and ride home on a single charge.
Charging is one area where patience is required. The standard charger supplied with the scooter takes about 12 hours to fill the battery from empty. This is an overnight affair. However, the Ghost features dual charging ports. If you invest in a second charger or a fast charger, you can cut this time in half, which many heavy users recommend. The community feedback generally praises the battery quality (often using Dynavolt cells), noting that voltage sag is manageable and the range estimates are consistent over time.
Use and Practicality
Living with the Apollo Ghost is generally a joy, but the "weight" of the situation cannot be ignored. Weighing in at roughly 29 kg, this is not a scooter you want to carry up three flights of stairs every day. It is portable in the sense that it folds, but it is heavy. If you live in a walk-up apartment, this might be a dealbreaker. However, for lifting into a car trunk or an elevator, it is manageable for most adults. The folding handlebars are a massive practicality bonus, significantly narrowing the scooter's profile so it can slide into tight spaces or under a desk without protruding.
As a daily commuter, the Ghost is a reliable workhorse. It has an IP54 water resistance rating, meaning it can handle splashes and light rain, though riding in a downpour is never recommended. The key ignition (a voltage lock) adds a layer of security, preventing someone from simply turning it on and riding away, although a physical lock is still mandatory for street parking. The "finger throttle" is a point of contention regarding practicality; on long rides, your index finger can cramp up. Many users swap this for a thumb throttle or use cruise control to mitigate the fatigue.
Storage is minimal on the scooter itself, so you will likely need a backpack or an aftermarket stem bag. The kickstand is sturdy enough to hold the weight, situated on the side. In terms of last-mile commuting, it might be overkill if you only need to go 1 km, but for 5-15 km trips, it is vastly superior to public transport. It turns a mundane commute into the best part of your day. Just be aware that due to its power and size, it commands more attention and requires more responsible riding than a small kick-scooter.
General Assessment
Overall, the Apollo Ghost 2022 is widely regarded as one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" dual-motor scooters on the market. It occupies a unique space where it offers 80% of the performance of super-scooters that cost twice as much. The community sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with owners frequently praising the sheer fun factor. It is often described as a "gateway drug" into high-performance personal electric vehicles. The combination of speed, acceleration, and ride quality creates an experience that is hard to match at this price point.
There are minor gripes, of course-the display visibility in direct sunlight could be better, and the stock fenders are a bit short-but these are often viewed as quirks rather than fatal flaws. The chassis is known for being incredibly mod-friendly, with a vibrant community of owners sharing upgrades, from hydraulic brake swaps (if not equipped) to custom lighting and deck grip tape. It is a scooter that you can make your own.
Is it perfect? No. But it is exciting, robust, and reliable. For the price, it delivers a level of performance that makes you question why anyone would spend more, unless they need extreme range or 80 km/h speeds. The Ghost proves that you don't need to bankrupt yourself to own a serious, high-performance electric vehicle. It remains a benchmark in the mid-range performance category for good reason.
Who Is This Scooter For?
The APOLLO Ghost 2022 is squarely aimed at the intermediate-to-advanced rider. It is the perfect upgrade for someone who started on a Xiaomi M365 or a Segway Ninebot Max and found themselves bored, craving more torque and the ability to keep up with traffic. It is for the commuter who has a hilly route and is tired of slowing down to a crawl. It is also an excellent choice for heavier riders (up to 136 kg), as the dual motors provide the necessary power to move more weight without straining the system.
This scooter is not for children or complete novices who lack balance or throttle discipline. The acceleration in dual-motor mode can be dangerous if you aren't prepared for it. It is also not ideal for people who need an ultra-lightweight solution for multi-modal commuting (e.g., carrying it onto a crowded bus or train). If portability is your number one priority, the Ghost is likely too heavy.
However, for the thrill-seeker who wants a weekend toy that doubles as a viable daily vehicle, the Ghost is a match made in heaven. It suits the tech enthusiast who enjoys tweaking settings, checking tire pressures, and perhaps doing a little DIY maintenance. If you want to feel connected to the road and experience the rush of electric torque, this scooter is designed for you.
Community Feedback - Pros
- Incredible Acceleration: The 0-25 km/h time is consistently praised; it beats cars off the line.
- Hill Climbing Ability: Owners love that it doesn't slow down on steep inclines.
- Adjustable Suspension: The ability to tune the springs for rider weight is a favorite feature.
- Lighting System: The deck lights and stem lights look cool and improve visibility.
- Folding Handlebars: A massive plus for fitting the scooter into car trunks.
- Value for Money: Widely considered the best performance-per-euro deal.
- Braking Power: The disc brakes (especially hydraulic versions) are cited as confidence-inspiring.
- Deck Size: Spacious enough for a comfortable, safe riding stance.
- Aesthetic: Riders love the industrial, skeletonized look.
- Dual Charging Ports: Reduces downtime significantly if a second charger is purchased.
The most consistently praised aspect of the Ghost is undoubtedly the power-to-value ratio. Users are constantly amazed that a scooter costing under 1 700 € can deliver such visceral acceleration. The "fun factor" is mentioned in almost every user review, with many stating that it transformed their commute from a chore into a joyride. The suspension also gets high marks for making the ride feel premium and planted, rather than rattly and cheap.
Community Feedback - Cons
- Finger Throttle Fatigue: The trigger style throttle can cause cramping on long rides.
- Weight: At 29 kg, it is heavier than many expect, making stairs difficult.
- Display Visibility: The screen is hard to read in bright direct sunlight.
- Short Fenders: Riders complain about getting wet backs/legs when riding on wet ground.
- Charger Speed: The single included charger is slow (12+ hours).
- Kickstand: Some users feel the kickstand could be more robust or better positioned.
- Abrupt Regenerative Braking: Requires tuning in the P-settings to feel smooth.
- Tire Maintenance: Inner tubes can be tricky to change if you get a flat.
The most common complaint revolves around the finger throttle ergonomics. Many riders find that holding the trigger for 30 minutes leads to hand cramps, leading some to swap it for a thumb throttle. Additionally, the weight is a reality check for many; while "portable" on paper, the physical effort to lift it is significant. However, most owners agree that these cons are manageable trade-offs for the performance gained.
Value for Money
At a price point of roughly 1 694 €, the Apollo Ghost 2022 represents exceptional value. In the electric scooter market, there is often a steep jump in price when you move from single-motor commuters to dual-motor performance machines. The Ghost bridges this gap perfectly. Comparable scooters from high-end brands can easily cost 2 500 € or more for similar specs (speed, range, and battery voltage). You are effectively getting 90% of the performance of a "hyper-scooter" for 60% of the price.
When you factor in the build quality, the warranty support from a reputable brand like Apollo, and the feature set (dual motors, full suspension, lights), the proposition becomes even stronger. It holds its resale value reasonably well because it is a desirable model. For the rider who has a budget of around 1 500 - 1 800 €, there are very few options that can touch the Ghost in terms of raw capability and smile-per-mile.
Is it cheap? No, it is a significant investment. But is it worth it? Absolutely. The jump in quality and experience from a 500 € scooter to this is astronomical. You aren't just paying for speed; you are paying for a robust chassis, better brakes, and a suspension system that protects your body. It is a purchase that feels justified every time you pull the throttle.
About the Brand
APOLLO Scooters is a Canadian company that has made a significant impact on the global electric scooter scene in a relatively short time. Unlike many "box-shifter" brands that simply rebrand generic Chinese scooters without any changes, Apollo is known for being deeply involved in the design and engineering process. They take existing platforms and refine them based on Western safety standards and rider feedback, often proprietary components and improved quality control. Their headquarters in Montreal serves as a hub for design and customer support.
The brand has built a reputation for trying to be the "Apple" of the scooter world-focusing on sleek design, user experience, and post-purchase support. While no company is immune to support complaints in this rapidly growing industry, Apollo is generally regarded as having one of the better customer service infrastructures, with warranty centers in multiple regions. They are active in the community, often releasing surveys to ask riders what they want in the next model.
The community's experience with Apollo is largely positive, particularly regarding their transparency and willingness to iterate on products (as seen with the improvements from the 2021 to the 2022 Ghost). They position themselves as a premium lifestyle brand rather than just a hardware manufacturer. If the Ghost interests you, it is definitely worth checking out other scooters from this brand, such as the Apollo City for commuters or the Apollo Phantom for those wanting even more power.
Specifications
- Weight: 29 kg
- Range: 40-90 km
- Max Speed: 58-60 km/h
- Rated Power: 2 000 W (Total)
- Battery Voltage: 52 V
- Battery Capacity: 18.2 Ah
- Battery Energy: 947 Wh
- Charging Time: 12 hours (standard)
- Motors: Dual
- Brake Type: Dual Hydraulic Disc
- Suspension: C-shaped front / double spring rear
- Wheel Size: 10 inch
- Tire Type: Air Filled
- Max Load: 136 kg
- Price: 1 694 €
Known Alternatives
While the Ghost is a fantastic machine, it is always smart to shop around. One of the most direct competitors is the KAABO Mantis V2. The Mantis is often cited as the "speed freak's" choice. It is known for having slightly punchier acceleration and a very distinct, sporty handling characteristic. However, some riders find the Ghost's folding mechanism to be more robust than the Mantis, which has had stem issues in older iterations. If your priority is pure, raw acceleration, the Mantis is worth a look.
If you like the idea of dual motors but want something more rugged and perhaps off-road oriented, consider the KAABO Wolf Warrior X Pro. It shares the "Wolf" DNA with dual stems (forks) which makes it incredibly stable, though it is often heavier and less portable than the Ghost. For those who want premium quality but in a different package, the DUALTRON Eagle offers the legendary Dualtron build quality and suspension, though often at a higher price point and sometimes lacking features like hydraulic brakes out of the box.
Finally, for riders who want a modern, tech-heavy alternative, the MUKUTA 9 Plus is a newer challenger offering fresh designs and competitive specs. Or, if portability is the absolute most important factor and you are willing to sacrifice some top speed and suspension travel, the E-TWOW line offers incredible power-to-weight ratios, though they are a completely different class of vehicle compared to the substantial Ghost.