Fast Answer for Busy Riders ⚡ (TL;DR)
The Apollo City Pro is the overall winner here: it rides more grown-up, feels far more refined, and is clearly built to survive real daily commuting rather than just impress on a spec sheet. Its better water protection, stronger brakes, smoother power delivery and genuinely premium, low-maintenance package make it the safer bet if you depend on your scooter.
The TurboAnt R9, on the other hand, is for riders chasing maximum speed and suspension on a tight budget, who are willing to live with rougher refinement, weaker range and more compromises in support and longevity. It's a "fun first, questions later" machine.
If you want something to replace your car or your bus pass, lean toward the Apollo. If you mostly want to blast around for less money and can accept some corners cut, the TurboAnt can still make sense.
Stick around for the full comparison - the devil, as always, is hiding in the details and the potholes.
Electric scooters have grown up. We are no longer choosing between flimsy toys and 40-kg death machines; there's now a crowded middle ground of "serious commuters" with real power and real comfort. The Apollo City Pro and the TurboAnt R9 are both gunning for that sweet spot - just from very different directions.
I've put real kilometres on both: weaving through wet European backstreets on the City Pro, and blasting badly maintained bike lanes on the R9 until the batteries - and occasionally my nerves - gave up. On paper they overlap: fast for commuters, decent suspension, proper lights, and enough range for a full working day.
In reality, one behaves like a polished daily vehicle and the other like a very spirited budget project that punches above its price, but also reminds you where that price comes from. Let's dig in and see which one fits your life, not just your wishlist.
Who Are These For, and Why Compare Them?
Both scooters live in the "performance commuter" category: faster and comfier than rental-style toys, but still theoretically usable for daily trips across town. The Apollo City Pro sits firmly in the premium camp - the sort of scooter you buy instead of a second car. The TurboAnt R9 sits several shelves lower in price, aiming to give you a taste of that performance with a very aggressive sticker.
The overlap is obvious: both promise higher than typical top speeds, proper suspension, large air tyres and enough power to deal with hills without embarrassing you. They're aimed at riders who are done with 25 km/h rental clunkers and want something faster and more capable - without jumping to massive, 40-kg monsters.
In short: same type of rider, very different budgets - and very different attitudes to refinement, safety margin and daily grind.
Design & Build Quality
In the flesh, the Apollo City Pro looks and feels like a single, unified product. Cables are tucked away inside the frame, the lighting is built in rather than bolted on, and that distinctive single fork gives it a futuristic, "urban gadget" vibe. Pick it up by the stem and there's almost no flex, no rattles, no sense that anything is hanging on for dear life. The rubber deck is grippy yet easy to clean, and most contact points feel like someone actually thought about long-term use.
The TurboAnt R9, by contrast, feels much more conventional: chunky aluminium frame, exposed cabling, a very typical fold-and-hook design and a cockpit that's functional rather than elegant. The matte black with red highlights looks decent - especially for the price - but you can tell you're dealing with a budget-focused machine. Things fit, nothing screams "junk", but it doesn't have the same tight, overbuilt feel the Apollo offers. It's more "well-made budget scooter" than "polished product."
Philosophically, Apollo clearly chased integration and longevity: sealed drum brakes, hidden wiring, high water resistance. TurboAnt chased value and headline features: big motor, dual suspension, decent lights, but with fewer signs of obsessive engineering when you start poking around details like seals, tolerances and finishes.
Ride Comfort & Handling
After a few kilometres of patchy tarmac and cobbled side streets, the City Pro quickly reminds you what you're paying for. Its triple-spring suspension is tuned on the firmer side - you're not bouncing like a pogo stick - but it soaks up typical city nastiness very effectively. Add in the large tubeless tyres, and you get a controlled, slightly "floating" ride that still tells you what the road is doing without punishing your knees.
The R9, with its spring stacks front and rear and knobbier tyres, definitely feels plush at first. Coming from a rigid scooter, you'll think you've upgraded to a Cadillac. But push it harder, or spend an entire commute on poor surfaces, and the differences emerge: the suspension is less sophisticated; it can get a bit bouncy if you hammer through repeated bumps, and the knobby tyres add a faint, constant vibration and hum on smooth asphalt.
Handling-wise, both benefit from wide handlebars and generous decks, but the Apollo feels more planted and precise at higher speeds. The weight, geometry and stiff chassis give you that reassuring "on rails" sensation when you lean into corners. The R9 is stable enough, and leagues better than most cheap scooters, but you can feel its price point in the form of a bit more flex and less precise feedback when you're really hustling.
If your daily route includes long stretches of broken pavement, the R9 will feel like a massive upgrade over budget toys. But back-to-back, the City Pro is calmer, more predictable and simply easier on the body over long weeks of use.
Performance
The Apollo City Pro's dual motors don't slap you in the face; they lean on you steadily. Acceleration is strong but controlled - more "velvet hammer" than "catapult". From a standstill or when pulling out into a busy roundabout, it gives you that confident surge without ever feeling like it's about to rip your feet off the deck. On hills, it's in a different league from most commuters: even steep slopes become a non-event rather than a shameful crawl.
The TurboAnt R9 comes across more eager and youthful. With a single rear motor but a sprightly voltage, it steps off the line willingly and feels genuinely quick up to its top end. For its price bracket, the punch is impressive. It doesn't have the same relentless, effortless torque of the Apollo when the gradient gets nasty, but for normal city hills and flyovers, it keeps up well enough that you're not sweating every incline.
At speed, the Apollo feels composed and adult. There's a confidence to cruising in the upper part of its range that makes longer commutes less mentally tiring. The R9 will go fast enough to make you grin, but you're more aware that you're on a budget scooter doing things budget scooters didn't used to do. You feel a bit more of the road, a bit more of the chassis, and you ride with just a touch more caution, especially on less-than-perfect surfaces.
Braking is another clear differentiator. Apollo's dual drums combined with that separate regen throttle create one of the better braking experiences in this class: smooth, predictable, and very easy to modulate precisely. You can ride almost entirely on regen in the city, barely touching the mechanical levers. The R9's dual drums plus strong electronic braking certainly stop you, but the tuning is harsher: the regen bites harder, earlier. It'll pull you up quickly, but finesse requires more practice and the overall feel is less refined.
Battery & Range
Manufacturers always quote fantasy-land range figures, and both of these are guilty. In the real world, the City Pro's larger battery translates into commutes you simply don't think about. Typical urban riding - some hills, mixed modes, and normal traffic speeds - will comfortably carry you through a full day and often a second, unless you deliberately hammer it in the most aggressive mode the whole time. It's essentially "charge a few times a week" territory for many riders.
The R9's smaller pack gives you roughly a solid day of spirited commuting, but not much beyond that. Ride it hard in its fastest mode, and you'll see your practical range shrink to something that works fine for a modest round-trip commute, but not much more. You start to notice the gauge more often, especially if you decide to detour, run errands or enjoy a few full-throttle blasts on the way home.
Charging is another area where Apollo clearly aimed higher. Its fast-charging setup means you can realistically arrive at work low, plug in for half a day and ride home full. That's very commuter-friendly. The R9's slower charge cycle is more of a traditional "overnight top-up" story. Perfectly acceptable, but less flexible if you forget to plug it in and only realise at breakfast.
If you hate thinking about range at all, the Apollo is the calmer companion. The R9 works, but you'll occasionally find yourself doing back-of-the-napkin range maths at lunchtime.
Portability & Practicality
Let's be clear: neither of these is a featherweight last-mile toy. Once you're above twenty-odd kilos, "portable" becomes very relative.
The Apollo City Pro is heavy, and it feels it. Lifting nearly 30 kg into a car boot or dragging it up a long flight of stairs is not an everyday pleasure. The folding mechanism itself is solid and secure when locked, but the hook that connects stem to deck when folded can be a bit fiddly until your hands learn the trick. The handlebars do not fold, which helps stability but makes it more awkward in narrow corridors or packed trains.
The TurboAnt R9 is lighter by a few kilos, and you do notice that when you're wrestling it up steps or into a hatchback. Its folding system is straightforward, and it packs down to a reasonably manageable size, again with wide bars limiting how "slim" it truly becomes. Still, if you absolutely must carry your scooter more than occasionally, the R9 is the marginally kinder of the two on your lower back.
Day-to-day practicality tilts the other way. Apollo's superior weather sealing means rain is an inconvenience, not a threat. Its drum brakes and self-healing tubeless tyres keep maintenance mostly in the "wipe it down and ride" category. The R9, with its lower water resistance and tubed tyres, requires a bit more old-school care and attention - not disastrous, but more to think about if you ride year-round.
Safety
Safety is one of the areas where the Apollo quietly justifies its price. The braking system - especially that separate regen lever - gives you a level of control that lesser scooters don't. Lighting is genuinely road-ready: a strong forward beam, a clear rear light and integrated indicators that are bright and easy to use without taking a hand off the bars. The chassis feels extremely stable at speed, and that high water protection rating means you're far less likely to fry electronics on a wet commute.
The R9 does a decent job with what it has. The lights are surprisingly good for the budget class, and the inclusion of indicators (with audible feedback) and a proper horn is commendable. The wide handlebars and large tyres also help stability, and at sane speeds it feels solid enough. But the braking tuning isn't as smooth, the water resistance is more modest, and the overall "margin" you feel at high speed in poor conditions is narrower.
In short: both can be ridden safely with proper gear and common sense. The Apollo just gives you more tools and more tolerance for bad weather and bad roads before things get sketchy.
Community Feedback
| Apollo City Pro | TurboAnt R9 |
|---|---|
| What riders love Smooth, "cloud-like" ride; superb regen braking; strong hill performance; very solid build; excellent wet-weather confidence; integrated lights and indicators; fast charging; low maintenance. |
What riders love High top speed for the price; surprisingly good suspension; strong torque for a single motor; big air tyres; "serious" feel compared with cheap commuters; very attractive value. |
| What riders complain about Heavy to carry; premium price; rear mudguard not perfect in heavy rain; folding hook a bit finicky; wide bars awkward in tight spaces. |
What riders complain about Abrupt braking feel; weight still high for stairs; no app or smart features; customer service hit-or-miss; range lower than marketing suggests; display not great in full sun. |
Price & Value
Here's the awkward bit: the Apollo City Pro costs several times what a discounted TurboAnt R9 often goes for. You can almost kit out two friends with R9s for the price of one Apollo. So it's fair to ask whether the City Pro really earns that premium.
From a pure thrill-per-euro perspective, the R9 is undeniably strong. You get real speed, real suspension and a genuinely fun ride for money that usually buys you a stiff, slow commuter. If your budget is tight and you mainly care about going fast and not being rattled to pieces, it looks like a bargain.
But value isn't just about the purchase price. Apollo gives you significantly better weather protection, a larger battery, faster charging, more refined braking, better integration, and a brand structure geared more towards long-term ownership. If you're planning to ride daily, year after year, that matters. The City Pro feels more like a proper vehicle; the R9 feels like a very entertaining shortcut to "almost there."
Service & Parts Availability
Apollo has invested heavily in being a "real brand" in Western markets: local partners, warranty handling, spares, and a reasonably engaged community. They've had their growing pains, but they do iterate hardware and firmware to address issues, and parts like tyres, brake components and controllers are obtainable without heroic effort.
TurboAnt, while far from a fly-by-night operation, runs a leaner direct-to-consumer model. Shipping and initial delivery are usually fine, but stories about inconsistent after-sales support and slower parts sourcing are common enough to take seriously. If you're mechanically inclined and happy to improvise or wait when something breaks, that's manageable. If you want hassle-free support, the R9 is more of a gamble.
Pros & Cons Summary
| Apollo City Pro | TurboAnt R9 |
|---|---|
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Parameters Comparison
| Parameter | Apollo City Pro | TurboAnt R9 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor power | Dual 500 W (≈ 2.000 W peak) | Single 500 W rear hub |
| Top speed | ≈ 51,5 km/h | ≈ 45 km/h |
| Claimed range | Up to 69,2 km | Up to 56 km |
| Real-world range (approx.) | ≈ 40-50 km | ≈ 25-32 km |
| Battery | 48 V 20 Ah (960 Wh) | 48 V 12,5 Ah (600 Wh) |
| Weight | 29,5 kg | 25 kg |
| Brakes | Dual drum + regenerative (separate lever) | Dual drum + electronic regen |
| Suspension | Front spring + dual rear springs | Dual spring front & rear |
| Tyres | 10" tubeless self-healing pneumatic | 10" pneumatic (tubed), all-terrain |
| Max load | 120 kg | 125 kg |
| IP rating | IP66 | IP54 |
| Charging time | ≈ 4,5 h | ≈ 6-8 h |
| App support | Yes | No |
| Typical price | ≈ 1.649 € | ≈ 462 € |
Final Verdict - Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between these two is less about "which is faster" and more about "what kind of relationship do you want with your scooter?" The Apollo City Pro is the more complete, grown-up solution. It's better protected against weather, goes further, stops more confidently, rides more smoothly and clearly aims to be part of your life for years. It's not perfect - it's heavy, and the price is definitely ambitious - but as a primary commuting tool, it inspires trust in a way the R9 doesn't quite match.
The TurboAnt R9 is the classic temptation: big speed, comfy suspension and a small price tag. If your use case is relatively modest - shorter commutes, mostly fair-weather, and you're willing to accept some compromises around range, refinement and long-term support - it absolutely delivers a lot of fun per euro. As an upgrade from a wobbly rental-style scooter, it will feel like a rocket that finally respects your spine.
But if you're relying on a scooter as your daily urban transport, through all seasons and all moods, the Apollo City Pro is the one I'd rather stand on when the sky turns grey and the road turns nasty. The R9 is the bargain thrill; the City Pro is the scooter you depend on when the fun has to share space with responsibility.
Numbers Freaks Corner
| Metric | Apollo City Pro | TurboAnt R9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Wh (€/Wh) | ❌ 1,72 €/Wh | ✅ 0,77 €/Wh |
| Price per km/h of top speed (€/km/h) | ❌ 32,02 €/km/h | ✅ 10,27 €/km/h |
| Weight per Wh (g/Wh) | ✅ 30,73 g/Wh | ❌ 41,67 g/Wh |
| Weight per km/h (kg/km/h) | ❌ 0,57 kg/km/h | ✅ 0,56 kg/km/h |
| Price per km of real-world range (€/km) | ❌ 36,64 €/km | ✅ 16,21 €/km |
| Weight per km of real-world range (kg/km) | ✅ 0,66 kg/km | ❌ 0,88 kg/km |
| Wh per km efficiency (Wh/km) | ❌ 21,33 Wh/km | ✅ 21,05 Wh/km |
| Power to max speed ratio (W/km/h) | ✅ 19,42 W/km/h | ❌ 11,11 W/km/h |
| Weight to power ratio (kg/W) | ✅ 0,0295 kg/W | ❌ 0,05 kg/W |
| Average charging speed (W) | ✅ 213,33 W | ❌ 85,71 W |
These metrics strip things down to pure maths: how much scooter you get per euro, per kilogram, per watt and per kilometre. Lower cost per Wh or per kilometre of range favours budget efficiency, while weight-related ratios show how much battery and performance you're dragging around. Power-to-speed and weight-to-power ratios hint at how "overbuilt" the drivetrain is, and average charging speed tells you how quickly you can refuel that capacity in practice.
Author's Category Battle
| Category | Apollo City Pro | TurboAnt R9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ❌ Heavier, harder to carry | ✅ Slightly lighter, less strain |
| Range | ✅ Comfortably longer daily range | ❌ Shorter, more planning needed |
| Max Speed | ✅ Faster, more headroom | ❌ Slightly slower top end |
| Power | ✅ Dual motors, stronger pull | ❌ Single motor, less punch |
| Battery Size | ✅ Much larger capacity pack | ❌ Smaller, day-trip focused |
| Suspension | ✅ Better tuned, more controlled | ❌ Plush but less refined |
| Design | ✅ Integrated, modern, distinctive | ❌ Generic, more utilitarian |
| Safety | ✅ Stronger overall safety package | ❌ Less margin, basic sealing |
| Practicality | ✅ Better wet use, low upkeep | ❌ Cheaper but more compromise |
| Comfort | ✅ Smoother, less fatigue | ❌ Good, but more jittery |
| Features | ✅ App, regen lever, extras | ❌ Basic display, no app |
| Serviceability | ✅ Better parts, clearer support | ❌ Harder parts, hit-or-miss |
| Customer Support | ✅ Generally stronger reputation | ❌ Mixed experiences reported |
| Fun Factor | ✅ Fast, composed, confidence fun | ✅ Cheap thrills, lively feel |
| Build Quality | ✅ More solid, less flex | ❌ Decent but more budget |
| Component Quality | ✅ Higher-grade, better finished | ❌ Functional, cost-conscious |
| Brand Name | ✅ Stronger premium positioning | ❌ Newer, more budget image |
| Community | ✅ Larger, more active base | ❌ Smaller, less resources |
| Lights (visibility) | ✅ Integrated, bright, clear | ❌ Good, but less polished |
| Lights (illumination) | ✅ Strong beam, high mounted | ❌ Adequate, but less reach |
| Acceleration | ✅ Strong, smooth dual-motor | ❌ Quick, but less authority |
| Arrive with smile factor | ✅ Fast, comfy, feels premium | ✅ Cheap speed, playful ride |
| Arrive relaxed factor | ✅ Less effort, more composure | ❌ More fatigue, more buzz |
| Charging speed | ✅ Much quicker turnaround | ❌ Slow, true overnight only |
| Reliability | ✅ Proven, evolving revisions | ❌ Okay, but more question marks |
| Folded practicality | ❌ Heavy, wide, hook fiddly | ✅ Lighter, simpler fold |
| Ease of transport | ❌ Brutal on stairs | ✅ Manageable for short carries |
| Handling | ✅ More precise, more planted | ❌ Stable, but less sharp |
| Braking performance | ✅ Strong, very controllable | ❌ Effective but grabby feel |
| Riding position | ✅ Well-thought-out ergonomics | ❌ Fine, but less refined |
| Handlebar quality | ✅ Solid, confidence inspiring | ❌ Functional, more basic |
| Throttle response | ✅ Smooth, predictable mapping | ❌ Harsher, less nuanced |
| Dashboard/Display | ✅ Clear, integrated, app-linked | ❌ Basic LCD, sun issues |
| Security (locking) | ✅ App lock, more options | ❌ Physical lock only |
| Weather protection | ✅ Excellent, true rain capable | ❌ Light rain, more caution |
| Resale value | ✅ Holds price fairly well | ❌ Budget, drops quicker |
| Tuning potential | ✅ App tweaks, enthusiast mods | ❌ Limited, basic controller |
| Ease of maintenance | ✅ Drums, tubeless, low fuss | ❌ Tubes, more hands-on |
| Value for Money | ❌ Expensive, refined package | ✅ Huge performance per euro |
Overall Winner Declaration
In the Numbers Freaks Corner, the APOLLO City Pro scores 5 points against the TURBOANT R9's 5. In the Author's Category Battle, the APOLLO City Pro gets 35 ✅ versus 6 ✅ for TURBOANT R9.
Totals: APOLLO City Pro scores 40, TURBOANT R9 scores 11.
Based on the scoring, the APOLLO City Pro is our overall winner. When you strip away the spreadsheets, the Apollo City Pro simply feels like the more complete partner in crime: calmer, more reassuring and much better suited to the grimy reality of real commuting, not just sunny joyrides. It's the scooter that makes you forget you sold your transit pass. The TurboAnt R9, meanwhile, is that mischievous friend who turns every ride into a bit of a dare - fast, fun and cheap enough to be tempting, but not quite the one you trust with your daily life in all weather. If you can afford it, the Apollo is the scooter you build your routine around; the R9 is the one you take out when you just want to play.
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.