Fast Answer for Busy Riders ⚡ (TL;DR)
The Dualtron Mini Special comes out as the more exciting and better-rounded choice if you want a compact scooter that feels genuinely premium and seriously fast, with real enthusiast DNA baked in. The Apollo City 2022 counters with a softer, plusher ride and excellent weather protection, but feels more like a polished appliance than a passion machine.
Choose the Dualtron if you care about punchy acceleration, brand-grade build, and long-term modding potential in a still-manageable package. Pick the Apollo City 2022 if comfort, low maintenance and high water resistance matter more to you than thrills or outright power per euro.
Both can be daily commuters, but only one feels like something you'll still be grinning on a year later. Keep reading and we'll dig into where each one shines - and where the spec sheets quietly lie.
There's an interesting clash happening in the mid-range "serious commuter" segment: on one side, the Dualtron Mini Special, a compact hot rod distilled from a performance dynasty; on the other, the Apollo City 2022, a carefully integrated, app-enabled commuter that wants to be your everyday urban tool.
I've put real kilometres on both - from grim winter bike lanes to summer evening sprints - and they approach the same problem from very different angles. The Dualtron asks, "How much fun can we cram into a small chassis?" The Apollo counters with, "How comfy and civilised can we make your daily ride?"
In short: the Dualtron Mini Special is for riders who secretly want a mini street weapon. The Apollo City 2022 is for riders who want a smooth, low-drama glide to the office and back. The interesting bit is where those worlds overlap, and that's where this comparison gets juicy - so let's get into it.
Who Are These For, and Why Compare Them?
These two scooters sit in the same broad price band, clearly aimed at riders who've outgrown rental toys and cheap Xiaomi clones, but aren't ready to drag a forty-kilo monster up a ramp every day. Both promise real-vehicle performance, proper suspension, decent range, and brand-level support.
The Dualtron Mini Special plays in the "premium compact performance" niche: relatively small footprint, very serious power, and the cachet of the Dualtron name. The Apollo City 2022 positions itself as a highly integrated commuter: smart design, high water resistance, great comfort and low maintenance, especially in the Pro (dual-motor) version.
They'll be cross-shopped by the same people: riders with mid-length commutes, some hills, mixed road surfaces, who want a scooter that feels like an actual transport solution - not a toy - but still fits under a desk or in a small boot.
Design & Build Quality
Park them side by side and you instantly see the philosophy split.
The Dualtron Mini Special looks like someone shrunk a full-fat Dualtron in the wash but left the attitude at 100 %. Angular swingarms, chunky stem, and that unmistakable RGB light show along the stem and deck - it oozes "enthusiast gear" rather than anonymous commuter. Metalwork feels dense and confidence-inspiring, the deck is long and rubberised, and nothing about it suggests corners were cut on structure.
The Apollo City 2022 goes the other way: sleek, sculpted unibody look, hidden cables, almost no visible fasteners. It's very "consumer electronics" - in the best way. The grey-and-orange colour scheme and integrated cockpit make it look modern and expensive, the sort of thing you can park in a glass-and-concrete lobby without getting side-eye from security.
In the hands, the Dualtron feels like a compact tank - heavier than it looks, but solid and overbuilt. The welds and swingarms are classic Minimotors: not delicate, but dependable. The Apollo feels more refined to the touch: smooth edges, tidy rubber deck, thoughtful details. If you judge quality by how tight everything feels and how little it rattles, both are good; if you judge by how long components are likely to survive abuse and upgrades, the Dualtron's more industrial hardware has the edge.
One caveat each: the Dualtron's folding system is structurally robust but, inexplicably, doesn't lock the stem to the deck when folded. It's the scooter equivalent of a suitcase without a handle - strong but awkward. The Apollo locks down nicely for riding and does have a stem hook when folded, though some owners report it can unhook when you carry it at the wrong angle. Between the two, Apollo wins on folding polish, Dualtron wins on sheer chassis robustness.
Ride Comfort & Handling
This is where the Apollo City 2022 earns its keep. The triple spring suspension, combined with large self-healing tyres, gives you that "floating" feeling people rave about. On broken city tarmac, cobblestones and expansion joints, it rounds off the edges so well that you arrive more relaxed than you probably deserve after a day in traffic. It's a comfort-first tune: soft enough to forgive mistakes, but not so wallowy that it feels like a pogo stick.
The Dualtron Mini Special is firmer and more communicative. The classic Dualtron spring-plus-rubber setup front and rear doesn't pamper you quite as much, but it keeps the scooter very composed when you start riding quicker. You feel what the tyres are doing, which is what you want when you're overtaking cyclists or carving down a fast cycle path. On really bad pavement the Apollo simply wins; on moderately rough roads at higher speed, the Dualtron's tauter chassis feels more precise.
Deck space is another story. The Mini Special's extended "Long Body" deck plus rear footrest gives you a natural, staggered stance that locks you into the scooter when accelerating hard or braking. It feels very "sporty commuter". Apollo's deck is also spacious, and its rear kickplate is comfortable, but the overall stance is more upright cruiser than brawler. Taller riders will be fine on both; the wider bars on the Apollo do give a slightly more relaxed, bicycle-like control feel, while the Dualtron's cockpit invites a more aggressive riding posture.
If your commute is full of cracked sidewalks and you prioritise comfort above all, the Apollo is kinder to knees and spine. If you like a firmer, more dynamic feel and you occasionally ride like you're late for a plane, the Dualtron's handling feels more confidence-inspiring at speed.
Performance
Let's be honest: if you care about pure excitement, the Dualtron Mini Special is the one you notice after ten metres.
With a proper dual-motor setup and that classic Minimotors controller tuning, the Mini Special launches with a shove that will wake you up faster than any espresso. The torque off the line is strong enough that new riders genuinely need to respect the trigger. Mid-range pull is excellent, and on steeper hills where most "commuter" scooters politely give up, the Mini just keeps grinding upwards like it has something to prove. Top speed is more than enough to get you into "you'd better be wearing gear" territory, and the chassis feels surprisingly planted there.
The Apollo City 2022, in its Pro dual-motor trim, is no slouch. It will pull ahead of traffic lights confidently, and its acceleration is very usable in day-to-day riding. But the character is different: the throttle mapping is deliberately smooth and linear. There's less of that "oh, hello" hit when you open it up, more of a measured, progressive surge. For newer riders or those who ride in busy mixed traffic, that's a blessing; for performance junkies, it can feel a little too polite.
Hill climbing on the Apollo Pro is solid - you won't be pushing it up inclines - but the Dualtron's extra peak power and more aggressive tune give it the edge when the road really points upward or when carrying heavier riders. On flat ground, the Apollo can run at its top speed steadily and feels rock-steady, but the experience is more "efficient transport" than "mini rocket".
Braking is where Apollo claws some ground back. The combination of strong regenerative braking on a dedicated thumb control and dual drum brakes means you can ride almost one-pedal style: accelerate with the right thumb, slow with the left, and rarely touch the mechanical system. It's intuitive and surprisingly addictive. The Dualtron uses dual drums plus electronic braking with ABS - plenty of stopping power and very low maintenance - but the feel isn't quite as slick or modern as Apollo's regen-focused system.
Battery & Range
On paper, Apollo's larger battery options in the City Pro give it the edge, and in practice that holds for most riders. Riding enthusiastically, you can still manage a commute of several tens of kilometres with some margin, especially if your route isn't just endless full-throttle runs. The regen braking does squeeze a bit more out of the pack on stop-and-go urban routes.
The Dualtron Mini Special, with its 52 V pack and generous capacity for this size of scooter, is more efficient than you'd expect from something this punchy. Ride it hard in dual-motor mode and you're still looking at real-world distances that comfortably cover typical daily city use. Ride more sensibly or stick to single-motor at times, and you can stretch things nicely. Range anxiety is rarely a problem unless you're deliberately trying to hit the manufacturer's maximum claims every day.
Charging is a notable difference. Apollo charges comparatively quickly out of the box - a full top-up during the workday is perfectly realistic. The Dualtron is more of an overnight proposition with the standard charger, unless you invest in a fast charger to bring it down to something more convenient. If you're the type who forgets to plug in until the last minute, Apollo has a clear practicality advantage here.
Bottom line: Apollo City Pro wins the long-haul commuter crown, especially for riders doing bigger daily distances or wanting a quick charge during the day. The Dualtron Mini Special's range is still perfectly respectable - especially considering its performance - but its stock charge time asks for a bit more planning.
Portability & Practicality
Neither of these is a featherweight "throw it over your shoulder" scooter. They're both in the "yes, you can carry it, but you'll think twice" category.
The Apollo City 2022 feels every bit as heavy as it is when you need to lift it - up stairs or into a car boot - but the folding mechanism and stem latch make the process civilized. Fold, hook stem to deck, grab and go. On flat ground, rolling it folded is straightforward, and the integrated design means nothing snags on clothing or doorframes.
The Dualtron Mini Special is slightly more compact and has a smaller footprint when folded, which is great for storage in small flats, under desks, or in crowded lifts. However, the complete lack of a stem-to-deck lock when folded is... puzzling, especially from an otherwise thoughtful design. To carry it, you end up doing a two-handed dance holding stem and deck together. It's a small daily irritation if you fold it often, and you'll probably end up DIY-ing a strap or hook solution like half the community already has.
For multi-modal commutes with trains, neither is truly ideal at rush hour, but the Apollo's hooked-stem system and smoother exterior make it slightly more civilised in crowded spaces. For pure door-to-door riding and just tucking the scooter away at each end, the Dualtron's smaller folded size is easier to live with - as long as you're not constantly carrying it folded for long distances.
Safety
From a safety perspective, both scooters tick the essential boxes, but prioritise different aspects.
Braking first: Apollo's regenerative thumb brake plus dual drum brakes gives extremely controlled deceleration with minimal effort. You can smoothly scrub speed without pitching the chassis or locking wheels, and because the mechanical drums are sealed, their performance doesn't degrade much in foul weather. The Dualtron's twin drums and electronic braking with ABS are strong and predictable; the ABS can feel a bit odd at first with its pulsing sensation, but on slick surfaces it's a genuine asset.
Lighting is another clear separation. The Dualtron Mini Special is a rolling light show. Stem and deck RGBs, upgraded headlight, decent rear lighting - you're not just visible, you're unmistakable. Side visibility is fantastic, which matters more than people think when crossing junctions at night. The Apollo is more understated but functional: high-mounted front light, rear light, and integrated turn signals. The signals are a nice touch, though being low on the deck can limit how well drivers see them in heavy traffic, and the headlight is adequate for city use but not amazing on totally dark paths.
Weather protection: Apollo wins this round decisively with its higher water-resistance rating. It's one of the few scooters in this price class you can ride in proper rain without constantly worrying about frying the electronics. The Dualtron's improved protection on the Special edition is decent for light rain and wet roads, but it's not as "don't panic" as the Apollo in a downpour.
In terms of stability at speed, both feel composed, but the Apollo's zero-wobble stem and plush suspension make it particularly forgiving when you hit unexpected bumps at higher velocity. The Dualtron feels very secure too, especially given its compact size, but demands a bit more rider attention when really pushing it.
Community Feedback
| Aspect | DUALTRON Mini Special | APOLLO City 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| What riders love | Explosive acceleration for the size; iconic RGB lighting and looks; solid, "tank-like" frame; long, comfortable deck with rear footrest; excellent hill-climbing; low-maintenance drum brakes; strong brand ecosystem and easy parts availability; surprisingly stable at higher speeds. | Exceptionally smooth "floating" ride; regenerative thumb brake that feels futuristic; clean integrated design with hidden cables; self-healing tyres and drum brakes for very low maintenance; strong weather resistance; comfortable cockpit and ergonomics; app customisation for acceleration and regen. |
| What riders complain about | No latch to lock stem when folded; heavier than many expect for a "Mini"; tube tyres prone to flats, especially rear; some reports of stem flex when ridden very aggressively; desire for hydraulic discs at this price; short stock fenders; occasional Bluetooth/app quirks. | Heavy and awkward on stairs; folding hook can slip when carrying; headlight not bright enough for unlit high-speed rides; early batches with QC niggles like sticky throttles or hot chargers; turn signals mounted quite low; price on the higher side versus generic competitors. |
Price & Value
On sticker price alone, the Apollo City 2022 undercuts the Dualtron Mini Special, which at first glance makes the Apollo look like the obvious "smart money" choice. But value on scooters isn't just about who's cheaper - it's about what you actually get for those euros over the next few years.
The Apollo gives excellent value if you factor in reduced maintenance: self-healing tubeless tyres, sealed drum brakes, strong weather protection and fast charging all mean more riding and less wrenching. For a rider who treats the scooter as a practical tool first, that's real value. It feels like a well-rounded commuter that won't constantly be asking for attention.
The Dualtron Mini Special asks for a bit more upfront, but you're buying into the Dualtron ecosystem: premium cells, robust controllers, strong resale value, and a vast aftermarket of parts and upgrades. In the mid-term, that matters. It feels more like a long-term enthusiast purchase - something you'll be upgrading and tinkering with rather than replacing entirely in two years. If that aligns with how you think about vehicles, the "brand tax" starts looking more like an investment.
Service & Parts Availability
Minimotors' Dualtron line has one huge advantage: global penetration. In Europe in particular, there's a healthy network of dealers, service centres, and independent workshops that know Dualtrons inside out. Need swingarm bushings, a controller, or decorative LED strips? You'll find them - often from multiple sources.
Apollo has made good strides with European distribution and support, but its footprint is still smaller and younger. Genuine spare parts can be more centralised via official channels, and independent workshops may be less familiar with the proprietary design. That's not a disaster - the scooter is built sensibly - but you're more likely to be mailing parts around than popping into any random PEV shop.
If fast local support and an abundance of how-to guides and community mods matter, the Dualtron ecosystem is currently the safer bet. Apollo compensates somewhat with strong official documentation and app diagnostics, but the physical network simply isn't as dense yet.
Pros & Cons Summary
| DUALTRON Mini Special | APOLLO City 2022 (Pro) | |
|---|---|---|
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| Cons |
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Parameters Comparison
| Parameter | DUALTRON Mini Special | APOLLO City 2022 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Motor power (nominal) | 2 x 450 W hub motors | 2 x 500 W hub motors |
| Peak power (approx.) | ≈ 2.900 W total | ≈ 2.000 W total |
| Top speed | ≈ 55 km/h (unrestricted) | ≈ 51,5 km/h |
| Battery voltage / capacity | 52 V / 21 Ah | 48 V / 18 Ah |
| Battery energy | ≈ 1.092 Wh | ≈ 864 Wh |
| Claimed max range | bis zu etwa 65 km | bis zu etwa 61 km |
| Realistic mixed range | ≈ 40-50 km | ≈ 35-40 km |
| Weight | ≈ 27-30 kg | ≈ 29,5 kg |
| Brakes | Front & rear drum + ABS / EBS | Dual drum + regenerative thumb brake |
| Suspension | Front & rear springs + rubber (quad setup) | Triple spring suspension |
| Tyres | 9" pneumatic tube tyres | 10" tubeless self-healing tyres |
| Max load | 120 kg | 120 kg |
| Water resistance | IPX5 body, IPX7 display (newer) | IP56 |
| Charging time (standard) | ≈ 10 h | ≈ 4 h |
| Approx. price | ≈ 1.471 € | ≈ 1.145 € |
Final Verdict - Which Should You Choose?
If your main goal is a calm, comfortable ride with as little maintenance grief as possible, the Apollo City 2022 Pro makes a strong case. It's wonderfully cushy over bad surfaces, shrugs off rain that would send lesser scooters scurrying to shelter, and its regen-dominated braking system is genuinely modern and pleasant to live with. It's the scooter you buy when you want to replace part of your car or train use with something that just works and doesn't require you to become a hobby mechanic.
However, if you want a scooter that feels special every time you thumb the throttle, the Dualtron Mini Special is the more compelling machine. It offers stronger real-world performance, a more engaging chassis, and a brand ecosystem that rewards long-term ownership and tinkering. You give up a bit of weatherproofing and some polished commuter niceties, but you gain an urban rocket that still fits under a desk and carries serious Dualtron DNA.
Here's the simple split: if your priority list starts with comfort, rain, and low hassle, lean Apollo. If it starts with power, character, build confidence and future modding, the Dualtron Mini Special is the one that will keep you smiling long after the novelty of a faster commute wears off.
Numbers Freaks Corner
| Metric | DUALTRON Mini Special | APOLLO City 2022 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Wh (€/Wh) | ❌ 1,35 €/Wh | ✅ 1,33 €/Wh |
| Price per km/h of top speed (€/km/h) | ❌ 26,75 €/km/h | ✅ 22,24 €/km/h |
| Weight per Wh (g/Wh) | ✅ 24,73 g/Wh | ❌ 34,15 g/Wh |
| Weight per km/h (kg/km/h) | ✅ 0,49 kg/km/h | ❌ 0,57 kg/km/h |
| Price per km of real-world range (€/km) | ❌ 32,69 €/km | ✅ 30,53 €/km |
| Weight per km of real-world range (kg/km) | ✅ 0,60 kg/km | ❌ 0,79 kg/km |
| Wh per km efficiency (Wh/km) | ❌ 24,27 Wh/km | ✅ 23,04 Wh/km |
| Power to max speed ratio (W/km/h) | ✅ 52,73 W/km/h | ❌ 38,83 W/km/h |
| Weight to power ratio (kg/W) | ✅ 0,00931 kg/W | ❌ 0,01475 kg/W |
| Average charging speed (W) | ❌ 109,2 W | ✅ 216 W |
These metrics help quantify how efficiently each scooter turns money, weight and energy into performance and range. The price- and efficiency-related rows show where your euros and watt-hours go furthest, while the power and weight ratios highlight which scooter offers more "bang per kilogram" or "power per top-speed unit". Charging speed simply tells you how quickly you can realistically get back on the road from empty.
Author's Category Battle
| Category | DUALTRON Mini Special | APOLLO City 2022 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ✅ Slightly lighter, smaller footprint | ❌ Heavier for given battery |
| Range | ✅ More real range headroom | ❌ Slightly shorter when pushed |
| Max Speed | ✅ Higher top-end potential | ❌ Slightly lower ceiling |
| Power | ✅ Stronger peak, harder pull | ❌ Softer overall punch |
| Battery Size | ✅ Bigger pack, more energy | ❌ Smaller battery capacity |
| Suspension | ❌ Firmer, less forgiving | ✅ Plush triple suspension |
| Design | ✅ Bold, premium, iconic look | ❌ Sleek but less character |
| Safety | ❌ Weaker water rating, lighting focus | ✅ Better wet safety package |
| Practicality | ❌ Awkward folded handling | ✅ Easier daily usability |
| Comfort | ❌ Firmer, more feedback | ✅ Noticeably smoother ride |
| Features | ✅ RGB lights, ABS, appable | ✅ Regen throttle, app, signals |
| Serviceability | ✅ Common platform, many guides | ❌ More proprietary hardware |
| Customer Support | ❌ Dealer-dependent experiences | ✅ Brand-driven, structured support |
| Fun Factor | ✅ Sharper, more playful | ❌ Calmer, appliance-like |
| Build Quality | ✅ Overbuilt, very solid | ✅ Refined, well finished |
| Component Quality | ✅ Proven Minimotors hardware | ✅ Quality suspension, tyres, frame |
| Brand Name | ✅ Strong prestige, heritage | ❌ Newer, less established |
| Community | ✅ Huge global Dualtron base | ❌ Smaller, growing community |
| Lights (visibility) | ✅ RGB side visibility king | ❌ Functional but less eye-catching |
| Lights (illumination) | ✅ Upgraded headlight decent | ❌ Adequate, not impressive |
| Acceleration | ✅ Stronger, more urgent hit | ❌ Smoother but tamer |
| Arrive with smile factor | ✅ Grin every time | ❌ Satisfied more than thrilled |
| Arrive relaxed factor | ❌ Engaging, slightly more tense | ✅ Very chilled, low fatigue |
| Charging speed | ❌ Slow on stock charger | ✅ Fast turnaround charging |
| Reliability | ✅ Mature platform, robust | ❌ More early-batch quirks |
| Folded practicality | ❌ No stem latch, awkward | ✅ Hooks to deck, neater |
| Ease of transport | ✅ Smaller folded footprint | ❌ Bulkier, heavier carry |
| Handling | ✅ Sporty, precise at speed | ❌ Softer, less engaging |
| Braking performance | ✅ Strong drums + ABS | ✅ Excellent regen + drums |
| Riding position | ✅ Long deck, secure stance | ✅ Relaxed, ergonomic cockpit |
| Handlebar quality | ✅ Solid, functional layout | ✅ Wider, very ergonomic |
| Throttle response | ✅ Immediate, engaging | ✅ Smooth, controllable |
| Dashboard / Display | ✅ EY3 / IPX7 display | ✅ Clean integrated display |
| Security (locking) | ❌ No integrated electronic lock | ✅ App lock, wheel resistance |
| Weather protection | ❌ Good, but not class-leading | ✅ Excellent rain resilience |
| Resale value | ✅ Strong resale, sought after | ❌ Weaker used-market pull |
| Tuning potential | ✅ Huge modding ecosystem | ❌ More limited options |
| Ease of maintenance | ❌ Tube tyres, fiddlier flats | ✅ Self-healing tyres, drums |
| Value for Money | ✅ Performance and longevity | ✅ Comfort and practicality |
Overall Winner Declaration
In the Numbers Freaks Corner, the DUALTRON Mini Special scores 5 points against the APOLLO City 2022's 5. In the Author's Category Battle, the DUALTRON Mini Special gets 28 ✅ versus 20 ✅ for APOLLO City 2022 (with a few ties sprinkled in).
Totals: DUALTRON Mini Special scores 33, APOLLO City 2022 scores 25.
Based on the scoring, the DUALTRON Mini Special is our overall winner. For me as a rider, the Dualtron Mini Special simply feels like the more complete package if you want a scooter that does more than just commute - it excites, it reassures, and it feels like something you'll grow into rather than grow out of. The Apollo City 2022 is a very likeable, deeply sensible machine, but it rarely tugs at your sleeve begging for "one more loop round the block" the way the Dualtron does. If your heart leans even slightly toward spirited riding and long-term ownership, the Mini Special is the one that will keep you looking forward to every single trip. If your head is firmly in charge and you just want the smoothest, least troublesome urban glide, the Apollo will quietly get the job done - but it's the Dualtron that truly earns a place in the enthusiast's garage.
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.