Fast Answer for Busy Riders ⚡ (TL;DR)
The Apollo City 2022 is the more complete, grown-up commuter scooter overall: better safety package, much more refined chassis, stronger performance envelope and a noticeably more mature design and integration, especially if you go for the dual-motor Pro version. The Hiboy X300 counters with a tempting price and those huge 12-inch tyres that genuinely smooth out bad roads, but it feels more like a very competent budget workhorse than a truly sorted "daily vehicle".
Choose the Apollo if you want a serious, low-maintenance commuter that feels engineered as a system and you plan to ride in all weather at higher speeds. Choose the Hiboy if your budget is tighter, your roads are awful, and you value big-wheel comfort over outright polish and long-term sophistication. Both can get you to work; only one really feels like it was built to replace the car rather than the rental scooter.
If you care about how these two behave beyond the marketing claims - on wet cobbles, steep hills and in daily abuse - keep reading; the real differences show up once you've done a few hundred kilometres on each.
Electric scooters have grown up fast, and nowhere is that clearer than in the new generation of "serious commuter" machines. The Apollo City 2022 and the Hiboy X300 sit right in that space: not flimsy toys, not 40-kg hyper-scooters, but credible daily transport for people who'd rather not sit in traffic.
On paper, they look oddly similar: both run a 48 V system, both promise proper urban speeds and respectable range, both lean heavily on comfort as a selling point. In reality, they take very different approaches. The Apollo is the tailored city suit - integrated, tidy and techy. The Hiboy is more like a decent outdoor jacket: cheaper, tougher-looking, does the job, just don't inspect the stitching too closely.
If you're trying to decide which one deserves space in your hallway (and maybe your quads carrying it upstairs), let's dive into how they actually compare once rubber meets road, rain, tram tracks and the occasional angry taxi.
Who Are These For, and Why Compare Them?
Both scooters target riders who've outgrown the rental-fleet stuff and want "real transport" without leaping into monster dual-motor territory. Think daily commutes of around 5-15 km each way, bike-lane speeds that keep up with city flow, and enough comfort that you're not broken after a week of potholes.
The Apollo City 2022 (especially the dual-motor Pro) clearly aims a bit higher: power commuters, heavier riders, people who ride year-round and expect car-like reliability. It's for those who think of their scooter as a vehicle, not a gadget.
The Hiboy X300 lives a rung lower on the ambition ladder. It is built for the "pothole warrior on a budget": riders who want big-wheel comfort and a decent 48 V punch but still live in the sub-1.000 € world. It occupies that awkward middle ground where it tries to look premium, but some compromises inevitably peek through.
They overlap on speed, battery voltage and intended use, and if you're shopping for a mid-range city scooter right now, these two will likely end up on the same shortlist. That's why this comparison matters.
Design & Build Quality
Pick up the Apollo City 2022 and the first impression is "this has been drawn, not assembled." The frame is proprietary and sculpted, cables are routed internally, the deck is finished in rubber instead of cheap grip tape, and the stem latch locks with a reassuring clunk. It looks like a product; many scooters still look like a parts bin accident.
The Hiboy X300's design brief is more "rugged chunky utility". The oversized 12-inch wheels dominate the silhouette, the stem is satisfyingly thick, and the wide deck is genuinely practical. Up close, though, you start to see the price point: more exposed cabling, more generic hardware, and the kind of finishes that say "solid enough" rather than "refined". Nothing alarming, just not quite the same league of integration.
In the hands, the Apollo's controls, display and thumbs levers feel better sorted and more uniform - like one design team touched everything. On the X300 it's more of a mix: decent grips and a clear display, but the switchgear and brake lever feel more basic. The frame itself on the Hiboy is sturdy and pleasantly "tank-like", yet it lacks the Apollo's sense of tight tolerances and long-term polish.
If design cohesion and that "I spent actual money on this" feeling matter to you, the Apollo steps ahead. The Hiboy looks purposeful and robust, but it doesn't quite shake off its budget DNA.
Ride Comfort & Handling
Both scooters sell comfort hard, but they take different routes to the same destination.
The Apollo City 2022 leans on a triple-spring suspension setup combined with 10-inch self-healing pneumatic tyres. The result is a plush, "floating" feel over typical city abuse: expansion joints, patched asphalt, the odd shallow pothole. After a few kilometres of broken pavement, your knees still feel like they belong to you. The rounded tyre profile gives it a surprisingly willing lean, and the wide bars let you carve bike paths with confidence. It feels settled and balanced, even at higher speeds - there's a quiet confidence in the chassis.
The Hiboy X300 says: why fiddle with fancy suspension when you can fit absolutely enormous 12-inch tyres? Those big air-filled wheels are the star of the show. With the front fork taking care of the heavier hits, the X300 steamrollers over the sort of cracks and pavers that make small-wheel scooters stutter. On cobbles, the Hiboy actually has a slight edge - the larger rolling diameter just copes better with deep, irregular gaps.
Handling-wise, the Apollo feels more precise and "city sporty". You can place it exactly where you want in a lane, quick changes of direction feel natural, and the chassis doesn't argue when you push a bit. The Hiboy is more relaxed and SUV-like - stable, sure-footed, but a little slower to change course. Comfortable, yes; playful, only to a point.
If most of your riding is at moderate speeds on mixed but not apocalyptic tarmac, the Apollo's suspension and geometry feel more sophisticated. If your city has medieval cobbles and the council thinks "maintenance" is a French rumour, the Hiboy's giant wheels start to make a lot of sense.
Performance
This is where the divide widens.
The Apollo City 2022 in its base, single-motor form offers brisk but civilised acceleration and a top speed that's more than enough for urban use. It steps away from lights with authority, doesn't flinch at moderate hills, and keeps pace with the faster flow in bike lanes. Step up to the dual-motor Pro and the mood changes: it genuinely shoves. Full-throttle starts are lively, steeper hills are dispatched without drama, and higher-speed cruising feels well within its comfort zone rather than a party trick at the very end of the throttle.
Importantly, the Apollo's throttle mapping is very well sorted. Power comes in smoothly and progressively, with no digital on/off histrionics. It's easy to ride slowly through pedestrians without the scooter lunging forward, yet when you open it up, it keeps pulling in a linear, predictable way. Add the separate regen-brake throttle on the left, and you almost get a "one-pedal driving" feel that makes speed control addictive and intuitive.
The Hiboy X300's single 500 W motor on 48 V does a credible job for its class. It pulls away cleanly, and in its sportiest mode it will happily cruise at upper-bike-lane speeds. On flat ground, it feels fine - even pleasantly eager - and for lighter to average riders, most city inclines are handled respectably. It's when you load it up with a heavier rider or ask it to deal with repeated steeper climbs that you feel the limits: it will get there, but you're not exactly being catapulted.
The throttle tuning on the Hiboy is good enough - not twitchy, with sensible progression across the modes - but it doesn't have the same "dialled in" feel as the Apollo. It's competent, not special. And with a speed limiter that isn't eager to be bypassed, enthusiasts looking for more zest will hit a fairly firm ceiling.
If you want real commuting headroom - higher-speed stability, confident overtakes of slower bike traffic, and serious uphill competence - the Apollo, especially in Pro guise, lives in a different performance tier. The Hiboy is perfectly adequate for calmer city use, but you rarely forget you're on a mid-range, single-motor machine.
Battery & Range
Both scooters promise headline ranges that look impressive on a product page. Out in the real world, ridden the way real people ride - mixed speeds, hills, frequent stops - the story is more about consistency than marketing numbers.
The Apollo City 2022 offers two battery sizes, with the Pro model carrying a noticeably larger pack. Ridden with some enthusiasm, you can expect to cover a solid chunk of city in a day without nursing the throttle. Aggressive riding will eat into the theoretical maximum, of course, but even then you're looking at a comfortable daily round trip for most commuters, provided you're not trying to set land-speed records every morning. The regen brake helps squeeze a bit of energy back in stop-start traffic, which, over time, does make a difference.
The Hiboy X300's battery is roughly on par with the smaller Apollo pack on paper, and its claimed range is similarly optimistic. In practice, it holds its own respectably: steady riding in its mid mode, some hills, some sprints in the fast mode, and a medium-weight rider should see a full day's urban use without anxiety. Pushing it hard in Sport mode, especially if you're heavier and live in a hilly city, will bring that down noticeably, but that's true of anything in this bracket.
Where the Apollo scores quietly is charging. Its pack, especially in Pro trim, refills surprisingly quickly for its size, meaning a proper top-up at the office actually is realistic, not just brochure fantasy. The Hiboy's full charge is more in "overnight" territory - fine if you plug in at home, less ideal if you rely on daytime top-ups.
In short: both can handle a typical commute comfortably, but the Apollo gives you more breathing room, more headroom for spirited riding, and less time tethered to the wall.
Portability & Practicality
Let's be honest: neither of these is "throw it over your shoulder and jog for the bus" material. They're city vehicles that happen to fold, not folding toys that happen to reach city speeds.
The Apollo City 2022 is heavy. The single-motor version already feels substantial; the Pro adds a few more kilos just to make sure your staircase habits stay honest. Carrying it up one flight is doable. Doing that daily over three or four floors quickly becomes a lifestyle choice. The folding mechanism itself is very solid and quick to operate, and the folded package is reasonably tidy - it will slide under a large office desk or into most car boots - but the hook that locks the stem to the deck while carrying can be annoyingly fussy. Not a safety issue, just an "I wish they'd refined this one more time" thing.
The Hiboy X300 is only a bit lighter on the scale, but visually and physically it feels bulkier thanks to those 12-inch wheels and wide deck. Folded, it occupies a surprising amount of volume. Carrying it up multiple flights is strongly not recommended unless you're treating it as cross-training. For ground-floor living, lifts, or simple garage-to-street use, it's fine; for multi-modal commuting with crowded trains or buses, it's borderline too much machine.
Both scooters are practical as "personal vehicles": strong kickstands, adequate weather protection, and generally low maintenance needs. But if your idea of practicality involves constant lifting and carrying, you might want to scroll back to the spec table and reconsider your upper weight limit for sanity.
Safety
This is an area where the Apollo's design choices really pay off.
The Apollo City 2022 uses dual sealed drum brakes backed by a powerful, separate regenerative brake throttle. In daily use, you'll find yourself doing most of your slowing with the left thumb, using regen as your main brake and the drums as backup for emergency or low-speed stops. The feel is smooth and progressive, wet-weather performance is very consistent, and the sealed drums mean there's no rotor to bend or pads to glaze. Add in the inherently stable chassis and good high-speed manners, and you get a scooter that feels calm and predictable when you really need it to behave.
Lighting on the Apollo is fully integrated: a stem-mounted headlight, tail light and deck-level indicators. The indicators are a clever idea, though their low placement means cars don't always notice them as quickly as you'd hope. The headlight is good for being seen and for lit urban environments; out on unlit country paths at speed, you'll find yourself wishing for an aftermarket upgrade. Where it truly excels is weather tolerance - that high water-resistance rating means you can ride in serious rain with far less worry about killing your controller than on most mid-range scooters.
The Hiboy X300 takes a more conventional, budget-friendly approach: a rear mechanical disc paired with electronic braking on the motor. When adjusted properly, the braking is strong enough for its performance level and feels reasonably linear. The caveat: out of the box, the disc often needs a bit of fettling to stop rubbing or to give a firmer bite. For experienced riders, that's a 5-minute tweak; for first-timers, it's an unwelcome introduction to "DIY scooter wrenching".
Lighting on the X300 is actually quite good for the class: a bright headlight, clear tail light and proper turn signals, complete with audible beeps so you don't ride ten minutes with your indicator on. Some love the beeping as a safety feature; others feel like they're piloting a reversing truck through town. Either way, you are visible, and that matters more than elegance. The larger wheels also contribute heavily to safety: they're far less likely to get caught in tram tracks or thrown sideways by small debris.
Overall safety verdict: the Apollo feels more thoroughly engineered and robust in this department; the Hiboy is solid but requires a bit more owner effort and rides more on its big-wheel forgiveness than on clever systems.
Community Feedback
| Apollo City 2022 | Hiboy X300 |
|---|---|
| What riders love | What riders love |
| Ultra-smooth ride from triple suspension and self-healing tyres; intuitive regen-brake system; sleek, cable-free design; low maintenance (drum brakes, no inner tubes); strong weather protection; confident acceleration (especially Pro); customisable app; stable handling at higher speeds. | Big 12-inch tyres that "eat" bad roads; very stable, planted feel; wide, grippy deck; good visibility with lights and indicators; strong value for money; comfortable posture on longer rides; solid, "tank-like" frame; decent real-world range for the price. |
| What riders complain about | What riders complain about |
| Heavy and awkward on stairs; folding hook can slip when carrying; headlight weak for dark, fast riding; some early-batch quality niggles (throttles, chargers); rear indicators sit too low; price feels steep versus spec-sheet rivals. | Weight and bulk for carrying; rear brake often needs adjustment out of the box; noticeable speed drop on steeper hills for heavier riders; loud turn-signal beeping divides opinion; kickstand feels marginal for the mass; manual and maintenance guidance are quite basic. |
Price & Value
The Hiboy X300 lands in that tempting zone where your wallet doesn't start sweating immediately. For what it costs, you get a 48 V system, big pneumatic tyres, suspension and a proper lighting suite. Judged strictly on features per Euro, it's hard to call it anything other than strong value. That said, you are still buying into a mass-market, cost-conscious platform: decent hardware, but not a lot of headroom for relentless daily abuse or future-proofing.
The Apollo City 2022 asks for a noticeably chunkier investment. On spec sheets alone, some competitors seem to offer more watts or bigger batteries for similar or less money. But the Apollo's value story lies more in integration and ownership: low-maintenance brakes, self-healing rubber, higher water protection, refined control electronics and a chassis designed as a whole. If you actually commute hard, in all weather, for a few years, those "soft" factors have a nasty habit of turning into hard savings and less hassle.
If your budget ceiling is firm and comfort is your top priority, the Hiboy makes a lot of sense. If you're prepared to pay more up front for a scooter that feels more like a finished transport product than a very good budget tool, the Apollo justifies its premium over time.
Service & Parts Availability
Apollo has worked hard to be more than just another rebadger. They maintain an active support presence, stock spares, and their models are well-known enough in the enthusiast space that third-party help (guides, videos, community advice) is easy to find. Europe is still not their home turf, but parts and know-how are a lot less exotic than they were a few years ago. The flip side of their proprietary design is that you're not just grabbing any generic drum, stem or fender off the internet - you are somewhat tied to Apollo's ecosystem.
Hiboy, operating further down the budget spectrum, has also improved its support game. Availability of generic parts is decent, and plenty of components are standard enough that any bike shop with a bit of curiosity can help. However, depending on where you are in Europe, you may be relying more on online support and shipping delays if something specific fails. The brand has volume and reach, but it doesn't have the same "designed-in-house, supported-as-a-platform" feel as Apollo's City line.
In both cases you're not buying a unicorn, but for long-term, miles-heavy ownership, Apollo still feels the safer bet from a support and spares perspective.
Pros & Cons Summary
| Apollo City 2022 | Hiboy X300 |
|---|---|
Pros
|
Pros
|
Cons
|
Cons
|
Parameters Comparison
| Parameter | Apollo City 2022 (Pro) | Hiboy X300 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor power (rated) | 2 x 500 W (dual) | 500 W (single) |
| Top speed | ca. 51,5 km/h | ca. 37 km/h |
| Realistic range (mixed riding) | ca. 35-40 km | ca. 35-45 km |
| Battery | 48 V 18 Ah (ca. 864 Wh) | 48 V 13,5 Ah (ca. 648 Wh) |
| Weight | ca. 29,5 kg | ca. 24 kg |
| Brakes | Dual drum + regen throttle | Rear disc + electronic brake |
| Suspension | Front + dual rear springs | Front fork only |
| Tyres | 10" tubeless, self-healing pneumatic | 12" pneumatic |
| Max load | 120 kg | 120 kg |
| Water resistance | IP56 | IPX5 |
| Approx. price | ca. 1.145 € | ca. 667 € |
Final Verdict - Which Should You Choose?
After living with both of these on real streets, in real weather, the pattern is clear: the Apollo City 2022 is the more rounded, future-proof commuter, while the Hiboy X300 is a very likeable big-wheel comfort play with some predictable compromises.
Pick the Apollo City 2022 if you want your scooter to be your daily vehicle rather than a side project. You get better overall performance, a more sophisticated ride, safer and lower-maintenance braking, higher water protection and a chassis that still feels composed when you're pushing on a bit. It isn't perfect - the weight and a few niggles keep it just shy of "fantastic" - but it's much closer to the "grown-up transport" ideal than most in its class.
Pick the Hiboy X300 if your roads are rough, your wallet is watching you, and your ambitions are realistic. For the money, its ride comfort is excellent, those 12-inch tyres really do transform sketchy surfaces, and as a mid-speed city cruiser it's absolutely capable. Just be aware you're buying a good value package with clear limits, not a scooter designed to be your long-term, ride-hard workhorse.
If you treat both as tools rather than toys, the Apollo simply feels more thoroughly engineered for serious commuting. The Hiboy is the pleasant surprise at the price - but the Apollo is the one you're more likely to still be happily riding a few winters from now.
Numbers Freaks Corner
| Metric | Apollo City 2022 (Pro) | Hiboy X300 |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Wh (€/Wh) | ❌ 1,33 €/Wh | ✅ 1,03 €/Wh |
| Price per km/h of top speed (€/km/h) | ❌ 22,24 €/km/h | ✅ 18,03 €/km/h |
| Weight per Wh (g/Wh) | ✅ 34,15 g/Wh | ❌ 37,04 g/Wh |
| Weight per km/h (kg/km/h) | ✅ 0,57 kg/km/h | ❌ 0,65 kg/km/h |
| Price per km of real-world range (€/km) | ❌ 30,53 €/km | ✅ 16,68 €/km |
| Weight per km of real-world range (kg/km) | ❌ 0,79 kg/km | ✅ 0,60 kg/km |
| Wh per km efficiency (Wh/km) | ❌ 23,04 Wh/km | ✅ 16,20 Wh/km |
| Power to max speed ratio (W/km/h) | ✅ 38,83 W/(km/h) | ❌ 18,92 W/(km/h) |
| Weight to power ratio (kg/W) | ✅ 0,01475 kg/W | ❌ 0,03429 kg/W |
| Average charging speed (W) | ✅ 216,00 W | ❌ 92,57 W |
These metrics strip the scooters down to pure maths: what you pay per unit of energy, speed or range, how much mass you haul per unit of performance, and how quickly you can refill the battery. Lower "per-something" numbers mean you're getting more for less; higher power-to-speed and charging-speed values indicate stronger punch and less time tethered to a plug. They don't capture comfort or build quality, but they are very useful for sanity-checking value and efficiency claims.
Author's Category Battle
| Category | Apollo City 2022 (Pro) | Hiboy X300 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ❌ Heavier to lug around | ✅ Slightly lighter, still heavy |
| Range | ✅ More consistent at speed | ❌ Similar, less headroom |
| Max Speed | ✅ Much higher top end | ❌ Limited, commuter only |
| Power | ✅ Strong dual-motor punch | ❌ Single motor, modest |
| Battery Size | ✅ Larger pack, more buffer | ❌ Smaller overall capacity |
| Suspension | ✅ Triple-spring, very plush | ❌ Only front fork |
| Design | ✅ Sleek, integrated, premium | ❌ Chunky, more generic |
| Safety | ✅ Better brakes, water rating | ❌ Decent, needs adjustment |
| Practicality | ✅ All-weather, low maintenance | ❌ Bulky, more tinkering |
| Comfort | ✅ Balanced plush, stable | ✅ Superb on rough roads |
| Features | ✅ App, regen throttle, signals | ❌ Fewer smart features |
| Serviceability | ✅ Known platform, parts | ❌ Cheaper, less structured |
| Customer Support | ✅ Strong brand-backed support | ❌ Improving, still patchy |
| Fun Factor | ✅ Zippy, carvy, engaging | ❌ More relaxed cruiser |
| Build Quality | ✅ Tighter, more refined | ❌ Solid but budget feel |
| Component Quality | ✅ Higher-grade everything | ❌ Adequate, cost-cut parts |
| Brand Name | ✅ Strong enthusiast reputation | ❌ Budget-oriented image |
| Community | ✅ Active, mod-friendly base | ❌ Smaller, less organised |
| Lights (visibility) | ✅ Integrated, turn signals | ✅ Bright, audible signals |
| Lights (illumination) | ❌ OK, weak off-grid | ✅ Slightly better beam |
| Acceleration | ✅ Strong, especially dual | ❌ Adequate, not exciting |
| Arrive with smile factor | ✅ Feels like a proper toy | ❌ More "just works" |
| Arrive relaxed factor | ✅ Calm, composed ride | ✅ Sofa-like over bad roads |
| Charging speed | ✅ Much quicker turnaround | ❌ Slow, overnight mainly |
| Reliability | ✅ Low-wear systems, sealed | ❌ OK, more wear-points |
| Folded practicality | ❌ Heavy, only moderately compact | ❌ Bulky footprint folded |
| Ease of transport | ❌ Hard on stairs | ✅ Slightly easier carry |
| Handling | ✅ Precise, confidence-inspiring | ❌ Slower, more ponderous |
| Braking performance | ✅ Strong, consistent, low-care | ❌ Good but needs tuning |
| Riding position | ✅ Ergonomic, well-judged | ✅ Very natural, relaxed |
| Handlebar quality | ✅ Solid, integrated display | ❌ Simpler, more basic |
| Throttle response | ✅ Smooth, well-mapped | ❌ Fine, less refined |
| Dashboard/Display | ✅ Clean, integrated look | ❌ Functional but generic |
| Security (locking) | ✅ App lock, electronic drag | ❌ Basic, needs physical lock |
| Weather protection | ✅ Higher IP, better sealed | ❌ Adequate, less robust |
| Resale value | ✅ Stronger brand desirability | ❌ Budget scooter depreciation |
| Tuning potential | ✅ Popular, mod-friendly base | ❌ Limited, locked speeds |
| Ease of maintenance | ✅ Self-healing, drum brakes | ❌ Tubes, disc adjustments |
| Value for Money | ✅ Higher but earns its keep | ✅ Cheap for what you get |
Overall Winner Declaration
In the Numbers Freaks Corner, the APOLLO City 2022 scores 5 points against the HIBOY X300's 5. In the Author's Category Battle, the APOLLO City 2022 gets 35 ✅ versus 8 ✅ for HIBOY X300 (with a few ties sprinkled in).
Totals: APOLLO City 2022 scores 40, HIBOY X300 scores 13.
Based on the scoring, the APOLLO City 2022 is our overall winner. Out on real streets, the Apollo City 2022 simply feels like the more complete, more grown-up scooter. It rides with a composure and polish that make daily commuting feel less like a compromise and more like a deliberate choice, even if its weight and price keep it from being perfect. The Hiboy X300 fights back admirably on comfort and cost, and for riders trapped in cobblestone cities on a budget it's an honest, likeable machine. But once you've lived with both for a while, it's the Apollo that you're more likely to grab the keys for when the weather turns grim and you still absolutely need to get there.
That's our verdict when we try to stay objective – but hey, riding is mostly about emotions anyway, so pick the one that will make you look forward to your commute every single day.