Apollo City 2022 vs KUKIRIN G2 Pro - Budget Beast Meets Civilised Commuter: Which One Actually Deserves Your Money?

Fast Answer for Busy Riders ⚡ (TL;DR)

The APOLLO City 2022 is the overall winner here: it rides more maturely, feels better engineered, and is built to survive daily commuting with less drama and maintenance. It suits riders who want a "real vehicle" for the city - strong comfort, excellent weather protection, great brakes, and low-fuss ownership, even if the price stings a bit.

The KUKIRIN G2 Pro is for riders chasing maximum bang-for-buck performance and don't mind living with rougher edges, some DIY wrenching, and more questionable refinement. If your primary goal is to get speed, suspension and a big battery for as little money as possible, the G2 Pro is the cheap thrill that delivers.

If you care more about daily reliability, safety in the rain, and long-term ownership, keep reading - the differences get much starker once you look past the spec sheets.

Both the KUKIRIN G2 Pro and the APOLLO City 2022 sit in that grey zone between "toy scooters" and "serious light vehicles". They promise real speed, proper suspension and enough range to make your car feel strangely redundant for city errands. I've put meaningful kilometres on both, in everything from glass-smooth bike paths to the kind of cracked, patched tarmac that makes city councils nervous.

The KUKIRIN G2 Pro is the loud value proposition: big motor, big battery, dual suspension, seat included, and a price that undercuts most mid-range brands by a shocking margin. It's the one your wallet roots for.

The APOLLO City 2022 is more grown-up: proprietary frame, integrated wiring, self-healing tyres, drum + regen braking, higher water protection - the sort of scooter that looks at a week of heavy commuting and shrugs.

On paper they're rivals. On the road, they're very different personalities - and which one you should buy depends less on top speed and more on how you want to live with your scooter. Let's dig in.

Who Are These For, and Why Compare Them?

Both scooters target riders who have outgrown basic Xiaomi-style commuters and want something faster, more comfortable, and able to tackle hills without sounding like a dying blender.

The KUKIRIN G2 Pro goes for "affordable performance". It's aimed at riders who want as much motor, battery and suspension as possible for the lowest possible price, and who are happy to trade some refinement, after-sales support and brand polish to get it. Think: student, budget-conscious thrill-seeker, or the "I'll fix it myself" type.

The APOLLO City 2022, especially in the Pro (dual-motor) version, is for the "power commuter": someone who actually relies on the scooter daily, rides in all sorts of weather, and will gladly pay more not to be constantly adjusting brake cables or chasing rattles.

They overlap in performance and weight class, so people naturally cross-shop them. One looks like a screaming deal, the other like a solid long-term partner. Exactly the kind of comparison worth having.

Design & Build Quality

Pick up the G2 Pro and the first impression is: "Whoa, that's a lot of scooter for the money." The frame is thick, angular, and leans toward a budget cyberpunk look - exposed springs, orange swingarms, bold branding. It feels solid underfoot, but some of the details give away the price: cheaper plastics, a basic display that scratches easily, a folding mechanism that needs to be dialled in carefully to avoid stem play. It's not that it will instantly fall apart, but out of the box it has that "might need a spanner and some thread-lock" vibe.

The APOLLO City 2022, by contrast, feels like something that was designed as a single product, not assembled from a parts catalogue. The frame is sleek, cables are routed internally, and the deck's rubber mat and burly fenders feel purpose-built. Nothing rattles unnecessarily, and the stem locks up with a reassuring, tight clunk. The drum brakes are neatly integrated, and even the charging port has a serious, weatherproof cap. Where the KUKIRIN feels like hardware for cheap, the Apollo feels like an actual finished vehicle.

In the hands, the difference is stark: the G2 Pro is "good enough if you're forgiving", the Apollo is "this should survive daily abuse". And over time, that matters more than the spec sheet fireworks.

Ride Comfort & Handling

On poor roads, both scooters embarrass the typical rigid commuter, but they do it with different levels of finesse.

The G2 Pro's dual-spring, multi-arm suspension looks impressive and, to be fair, works decently. Rolling over broken pavement and even light gravel, you feel less of the sharp hits that would normally travel straight to your knees. But the tuning is on the crude side: it can feel a bit bouncy, especially at higher speeds, and the shorter 9-inch tyres give you slightly less "suspension from rubber". Hit a string of small bumps at speed and the chassis can start to feel busy, as if it's reacting rather than gliding.

The APOLLO City 2022, with its triple-suspension setup and larger self-healing tyres, simply feels more composed. On the same rough stretch of cobbles where the G2 Pro makes you work a little with your legs and arms, the Apollo just... smooths. The chassis doesn't pogo, it settles. You can carve through bends with one hand lightly on the bar if you really want to tempt fate - not that I recommend it - and the scooter tracks predictably.

Handling-wise, the G2 Pro has that slightly nervous "budget sporty" feel: fun when you're in the mood, less reassuring when the road gets sketchy. The Apollo is calmer, more neutral and confidence-inspiring. If your daily route involves cracked bike lanes, horrible city joints, and the occasional evil tram track, the Apollo is the one that leaves your knees and forearms less angry at the end of the day.

Performance

Let's be honest: both of these will absolutely dust any rental scooter at the traffic lights.

The KUKIRIN G2 Pro's rear motor hits surprisingly hard for its class. From a standstill, the trigger throttle pulls you off the line with a proper shove, and up to typical city speeds it feels lively enough to make you grin. On steeper climbs, it doesn't give up easily - it just leans into a slower, grunty crawl. At top speed, you're well past bicycle pace and should definitely be wearing more than a T-shirt and optimism.

The APOLLO City 2022 in its single-motor flavour feels a touch more civilised off the line - plenty quick, but less "snap" than the KUKIRIN. The Pro (dual-motor) version is a different beast: you get the kind of torque that has your weight shifting back instinctively as it slingshots to top speed. What stands out isn't just the raw pace, but the smooth, linear way power is delivered. You can creep at walking speed next to pedestrians without jerkiness, then open it up and let it roar-all without feeling like the controller is confused about what you're asking.

Braking is where the difference in philosophy really bites. The G2 Pro's dual mechanical discs can stop you strongly, but they need attention: cables stretch, pads glaze, rotors squeal. When they're freshly adjusted, they're fine; when they're not, you notice. The APOLLO's drum + regenerative setup is a commuter's dream: you mostly slow with the regen throttle, which feels natural after a few rides and barely wears anything. When you do need the mechanical drums, they're sealed, consistent and blissfully unaffected by rain or grime.

In short: the G2 Pro gives you cheap thrills with some caveats. The Apollo gives you sophisticated, repeatable performance that feels engineered rather than improvised.

Battery & Range

Both scooters advertise ranges that assume you ride like a scared student late for an exam but unwilling to admit it: light rider, flat ground, low speed. In the real world, where there's wind, hills and a heavy right thumb, things change.

The G2 Pro's battery is decently sized on paper, and in practice you can squeeze a solid city day out of it if you're sensible. Ride it hard in the fastest mode, with lots of full-throttle blasts and some hills, and you're realistically looking at what I'd call "comfortably commuting distance" rather than "touring". Once the battery drops below the last third, you feel the motor lose some of its punch - it doesn't die, it just gets lethargic.

The APOLLO City 2022, especially the Pro version, manages its energy better. Real-world aggressive riding still chops the rosy brochure figures down to something like two-thirds, but that still leaves you enough juice for a proper commute plus detours. The regenerative braking adds a few bonus kilometres over a stop-and-go day - nothing magical, but noticeable over time. Crucially, the power delivery stays more consistent deeper into the pack; you don't feel the same dramatic "tired" phase as early.

Charging is another story. The KUKIRIN is a classic overnight job: plug it in after dinner, hope it's ready in the morning. The Apollo charges significantly faster relative to its capacity, which makes it much more viable to top up at the office and double your daily range. If you're range-anxious or forgetful with charging, the Apollo is markedly less stressful to live with.

Portability & Practicality

Both of these scooters are firmly in the "I lift weights or I regret my life choices" category. If you're coming from a featherweight commuter, prepare your lower back.

The KUKIRIN G2 Pro is heavy and feels it. The folding mechanism is functional but a bit agricultural: you undo a collar, flip a latch, and manhandle the stem down. Once folded, it's reasonably compact lengthwise and will go into a boot or under a desk, but carrying it for more than a short flight of stairs is punishment. Add the seat post and it becomes even more awkward.

The Apollo City 2022 is no ballerina either, especially the Pro, but the folding latch and stem geometry make it a bit easier to handle. The latch is quick, secure and doesn't demand constant fiddling. When folded, the scooter feels more balanced in the hand and the hook system, while not perfect when carrying, at least keeps stem and deck together most of the time. For rolling through a hallway or lifting in and out of a car, the Apollo is the slightly less hateful companion.

In day-to-day practicality, the tables really turn. The KUKIRIN does basic commuting and weekend fun fine, but it asks more of you: more adjusting, more checking bolts, more avoiding heavy rain. The Apollo is designed to be a low-fuss daily tool: you ride, you charge, you occasionally wipe it down. Drum brakes and self-healing tyres dramatically cut down on workshop time - or the "on the pavement with a mini pump and curses" time.

Safety

Safety is a combination of three big pillars: how well you can stop, how well you can stay in control, and how well others can see you. Both scooters tick some boxes, but not with equal conviction.

The KUKIRIN's dual disc brakes give strong stopping power when dialled in, but being mechanical and exposed, they're prone to squeaks, rub, and gradual decay in performance unless you keep an eye on them. The 9-inch tubeless tyres do give decent grip and are less prone to catastrophic flats than tubes, but the smaller diameter means less stability over potholes and road debris. Its lighting package is actually impressive for the price - multiple lights, indicators, plenty of "look at me" on dark streets - although the brightness and angle aren't exactly professionally tuned.

The APOLLO City 2022 plays a more serious safety game. The drum + regen brake combo means consistent, predictable stopping in dry and wet without constant tweaking. The larger self-healing tyres grip well and forgive more sins when you misjudge a pothole. The suspension keeps the chassis flatter in emergency braking, so you're less likely to get pitched forward or have the rear dance around.

Lighting-wise, the Apollo's integrated solution looks and behaves like it belongs on a purpose-built vehicle: high-mounted headlight, rear light, indicators. The placement of the rear signals could be better, but overall visibility is solid. Add in the significantly higher water resistance rating, and in bad weather or sloppy streets the Apollo simply feels like the safer choice. The KUKIRIN will do it if you insist; the Apollo was designed for it.

Community Feedback

Price & Value

On sticker price alone, the KUKIRIN G2 Pro looks like daylight robbery in your favour. For roughly half the cost of the Apollo, you get speed, suspension, a biggish battery and even a seat. For a rider who counts every euro and is comfortable doing their own maintenance or doesn't mind living with budget quirks, the value proposition is undeniable.

The APOLLO City 2022 demands a serious step up in budget. In pure "watts and Wh per euro" terms, it doesn't win. But that's not really what you're paying for. You're buying lower maintenance, much better weather resistance, higher-quality components, and a more cohesive product. Over several years of regular use, not needing to constantly fix brakes, change tubes, or worry about riding in rain is worth a lot - especially if your time isn't free.

So: short-term thrills and savings? KUKIRIN. Long-term, fuss-free commuting with grown-up safety and comfort? Apollo, even if your bank account winces at first.

Service & Parts Availability

KUKIRIN sits firmly in the "big Chinese budget brand with community support" camp. You'll find spare parts around various online shops, and there's a healthy ecosystem of YouTube guides and forum posts showing you how to fix pretty much anything. Official support is... variable. Some riders get quick responses and parts, others get silence and a tracking number that never moves. If you're even mildly handy, you'll cope. If not, you may find yourself frustrated or dependent on third-party repair shops that may or may not know the model well.

Apollo, based in Canada with a European presence via partners and distributors, takes a more traditional route: documented support channels, warranties that are actually honoured, and an official parts pipeline. They've had their growing pains with response times, but generally, if something goes wrong, there's a clear path to resolution. The trade-off is that proprietary parts can be more expensive and you're less likely to just grab a random cable or brake off AliExpress and call it a day.

For Europe specifically, the Apollo still isn't as ubiquitous as some mainstream brands, but its support framework and documentation are far ahead of typical budget players. If having someone else fix things matters more than tinkering, the Apollo ecosystem is the safer bet.

Pros & Cons Summary

Parameters Comparison

Final Verdict - Which Should You Choose?

If you look only at the headline specs and price, the KUKIRIN G2 Pro seems like the obvious choice: plenty of speed, real suspension, big battery, and a seat, all for the cost of a mid-range "boring" commuter. And if you're mechanically inclined, mostly ride in fair weather, and just want cheap thrills with enough range for a daily ride, it will absolutely do the job. You'll smile, you'll tinker, you'll occasionally swear at a brake or bolt, but you won't feel ripped off.

The APOLLO City 2022, though, is the scooter that feels like it was built for adults who depend on it day in, day out. It's more expensive, heavier, and not perfect-but it rides better, feels safer, shrugs off rain, and demands far less from you in terms of ongoing faffing about. Where the KUKIRIN is a very capable budget experiment, the Apollo feels like a considered decision.

If your scooter is a toy, a weekend rocket or a bargain project, go KUKIRIN G2 Pro and enjoy the chaos. If it's a daily vehicle you'll use in all weather and you'd prefer to arrive calm, dry and not thinking about cable tension, the APOLLO City 2022 is the one that actually deserves to carry you every day.

Numbers Freaks Corner

These metrics strip away feelings and just compare "how much" you get: money versus battery energy and speed, how heavy each scooter is per unit of performance or range, how efficiently they turn energy into kilometres, and how fast they recharge. Lower is better in most cases (cheaper, lighter, more efficient), except for power-to-speed (where more punch per km/h is good) and charging speed (where a higher wattage means less time stuck by a plug).

Author's Category Battle

Overall Winner Declaration

In the Numbers Freaks Corner, the KUKIRIN G2 Pro scores 5 points against the APOLLO City 2022's 5. In the Author's Category Battle, the KUKIRIN G2 Pro gets 13 ✅ versus 29 ✅ for APOLLO City 2022 (with a few ties sprinkled in).

Totals: KUKIRIN G2 Pro scores 18, APOLLO City 2022 scores 34.

Based on the scoring, the APOLLO City 2022 is our overall winner. In the end, the APOLLO City 2022 simply feels like the more complete, grown-up scooter. It's the one I'd reach for on a rainy Monday when I just want to get to work safely and comfortably, without thinking about what might rattle loose next. The KUKIRIN G2 Pro fights back hard on value and raw excitement, and for the right rider it will be a blast, but it never quite shakes off that "cheap fast toy" aura. The Apollo may not win many budget arguments, yet on the road it quietly proves why it's the scooter you end up trusting more, and that trust is ultimately what makes a daily ride worth paying for.

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.