Apex

About

If the electric scooter world were a highway, most scooters would be sensible hatchbacks or reliable sedans. The RION MOTORS Apex, however, is a Formula 1 car that somehow found its way onto the street. This is not a vehicle designed for the casual commuter looking to save a few euros on bus fare. It is a "Hyperscooter" in the truest sense of the word-a machine built with a singular focus on speed, precision, and adrenaline. Manufactured in Los Angeles, California, the Apex represents a philosophy that rejects compromise. RION Motors has stripped away everything non-essential-lights, bells, whistles, and sometimes even comfort-to create the purest riding experience possible.

The Apex is the brainchild of Gal Thompson and the RION team, who approached scooter design not from a consumer electronics perspective, but from a racing pedigree. The chassis is a work of art, crafted from CNC-machined aluminum and carbon fiber, materials chosen for their supreme strength-to-weight ratio. Unlike mass-produced scooters that use cast parts and plastic fairings, the Apex feels mechanical, industrial, and bespoke. It positions itself at the very top of the food chain, competing not just with other scooters, but with the laws of physics themselves.

What makes the Apex special is its refusal to cater to the mainstream. It doesn't try to be a "do-it-all" vehicle. It is unapologetically aggressive, demanding respect and skill from its rider. It is an exotic machine, often requiring months of waiting to acquire, similar to ordering a bespoke supercar. For the enthusiast, the Apex isn't just a scooter; it's a statement piece that screams performance, engineered for those who want to feel the road beneath them in high-definition.

Safety

When you are piloting a stand-up vehicle capable of speeds exceeding 100 km/h, safety takes on a different meaning. It's not about turn signals or funny horns; it's about mechanical grip and stopping power. The RION Apex is equipped with Magura MT7 HC3 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes. In the mountain biking world, these are legendary for their stopping power. On the Apex, they are essential. The braking feel is incredibly modulated-you can scrub off a little speed with a single finger or lock the wheels instantly if panic sets in. The hydraulic system provides feedback that gives you confidence, letting you know exactly where the limit of traction lies.

Stability is the other pillar of safety on the Apex. The scooter features a long wheelbase and a specific rake angle on the steering column designed to eliminate "speed wobbles," a common terrifying trait of lesser scooters. The chassis is rigid, meaning there is no flex or play in the stem when you are hitting high speeds. This rigidity translates to predictability; the scooter goes exactly where you point it, without the vague, wandering feeling found on suspension-heavy off-road scooters.

However, it is important to address the "Spartan" safety approach regarding visibility. The Apex typically ships without integrated headlights, tail lights, or turn signals. The philosophy is that this is a race machine, and if you ride at night, you should add your own high-powered external lights. For the daily rider, this is a safety compromise. You are smaller than a motorcycle and quieter than a bicycle, making you invisible to cars. Riders must be hyper-aware and gear up like they are going to the track-full-face helmets and motorcycle armor are not optional on a Rion; they are mandatory for survival.

Performance

Performance is the RION Apex's raison d'être. At its heart lies a pair of ventilated brushless motors powered by high-voltage controllers. But numbers like "10 000 Watts" don't tell the whole story. The magic lies in the *delivery* of that power. The Apex uses Tronic VESC (Vedder Electronic Speed Controller) technology. Unlike the jerky "square wave" controllers found on most scooters, VESC controllers use "sine wave" technology (FOC - Field Oriented Control). This means the motors are completely silent-no whining, no buzzing-just a ghostly whoosh as you accelerate.

The acceleration is best described as "telepathic." Because of the RION Curve throttle (a scroll wheel rather than a trigger), you have infinite control over the torque. You can crawl at 3 km/h smoothly, or you can roll your thumb forward and experience G-force that tries to tear your arms from their sockets. The scooter pulls relentlessly, continuing to accelerate hard well past 80 km/h, a point where most other scooters run out of breath. Top speed is rated around 128 km/h (80 mph), though this is often limited by software or gearing. In reality, few riders will ever have the road space or the nerve to hit V-Max, but having that reserve power means you can overtake anything, anywhere, instantly.

Hill climbing is a non-issue. The Apex doesn't climb hills; it flattens them. The dual motors, fed by high-discharge Molicel batteries, do not sag under load. You can accelerate *up* a 30-degree incline. The ventilated motors are designed to shed heat, allowing for sustained high-power riding without the system throttling down to protect itself. It is a relentless machine that urges you to push harder, provided you have the skills to manage it.

Design

The design of the RION Apex is polarizing, industrial, and undeniably cool. It looks less like a consumer product and more like a prototype weapon from a sci-fi movie. The extensive use of carbon fiber-on the stem, the handlebars, and sometimes body panels-contrasts beautifully with the raw, CNC-machined aluminum of the subframe and swingarms. Every bolt, every weld, and every curve serves a function. There are no plastic shrouds hiding the engineering; the mechanics are on display, celebrated as part of the aesthetic.

The profile is low and sleek. The battery enclosure is slim, keeping the center of gravity as close to the tarmac as possible. The deck is wide enough for a comfortable stance but tapers aggressively. One unique design element is the lack of a traditional folding mechanism on some configurations, or a very stiff, tool-required folding clamp on others. This is intentional-folding mechanisms are points of weakness and flex. By eliminating or over-engineering this joint, RION ensures the structural integrity needed for hyper-speeds.

Owners often rave about the "stealth" factor. Because it's so quiet and low-slung, it doesn't attract attention until you vanish into the distance. The finish is premium, but in a raw way. You won't find RGB disco lights running down the side of the deck. The Apex is designed to look fast standing still, with an aggressive stance that mimics a crouching predator. It is a machine that you park in your living room just to look at it.

Comfort

If you are looking for a scooter that feels like a floating cloud, the Apex might shock you-literally. The ride quality is firm, bordering on harsh for the uninitiated. The front end is typically rigid, meaning there is no mechanical suspension fork. Instead, the front relies entirely on the tire and the carbon fiber flex to absorb road imperfections. The rear, however, features a suspension system-often a RockShox Monarch RL Air Shock in newer models (or a stiff urethane flex block in older ones)-which helps keep the rear wheel planted and absorbs larger hits.

This setup is intentional. Soft suspension is great for comfort but terrible for high-speed stability. The Apex is tuned like a track car: stiff enough to provide instant feedback from the road surface, but compliant enough to prevent the machine from skittering over bumps. You feel every crack, every pebble, and every texture of the asphalt. For the enthusiast, this "road feel" is vital for traction management. for a casual rider, it can be fatiguing on long rides over poor pavement.

A major contributor to the ride quality is the tires. The Apex comes stock with PMT tires. These are Italian-made racing slicks (or semi-slicks) made of real rubber, not nylon. They are widely considered the best scooter tires in the world. They are soft, grippy, and provide a level of damping that nylon tires simply cannot. They transform the ride, smoothing out the high-frequency vibrations that the rigid frame would otherwise transmit directly to your hands and feet. The deck is also covered in aggressive grip tape, ensuring your feet stay locked in place no matter how hard you corner.

Range

Range on a hyperscooter is a variable beast. The Apex is powered by a battery pack typically built with Molicel P42A 21700 cells. These cells are famous in the industry not just for capacity, but for their ability to discharge massive amounts of current without overheating. The pack is usually around 88.8V (nominal) with a capacity of roughly 30Ah. In "Eco" mode (if you can call it that), riding at a sensible 40 km/h, you might achieve 64 to 80 km of range.

However, nobody buys a RION to ride at 40 km/h. When ridden aggressively-hard acceleration, high speeds, and frequent braking-the range drops significantly. Real-world reports from the community suggest a "fun" range of about 40 to 55 km. While this is lower than some long-range touring scooters (like the Dualtron Storm or Bronco), it is acceptable for the type of riding the Apex is designed for. It's a sprint machine, not a marathon runner.

Charging is handled via high-voltage chargers, often requiring a specific startup sequence to avoid sparking. The battery management system (BMS) is smart, often Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to monitor individual cell voltages via an app on your phone. This level of transparency is excellent for battery health, letting you know exactly how your pack is performing. Just be aware that "range anxiety" is real if you get addicted to the throttle.

Use and Practicality

Let's be brutally honest: the RION Apex is terrible at being a "scooter" in the traditional sense. It is heavy, weighing in around 41 kg (ready to ride) despite its carbon construction. Carrying it up stairs is a workout. It often lacks a kickstand, meaning you have to lean it against a wall or buy a separate stand, which is annoying for quick stops at a shop. The lack of lights means you can't legally or safely ride it at night without aftermarket add-ons.

It is also not water-resistant. The open, vented motors (designed for cooling) and the high-performance electronics do not mix well with rain. This is a fair-weather vehicle only. If you live in a rainy city, the Apex will spend a lot of time in your garage. Furthermore, there is no storage, no hook for a bag, and the turning radius can be wide due to the steering limiters.

However, for its intended use-weekend joyrides, group rides, and track days-it is practical enough. It fits in the back of most cars if you fold it (which requires effort). The maintenance is also more involved; you need to check bolts, monitor tire pressure (PMTs leak air faster than nylon tires), and keep the drivetrain clean. It requires an owner who enjoys the ritual of machine maintenance as much as the ride itself.

General Assessment

The RION Apex is widely regarded by the electric scooter community as a "Holy Grail" vehicle. It represents the pinnacle of what is technically possible with current battery and motor technology in a stand-up form factor. Owners describe the riding experience as addictive, visceral, and unmatched by any production scooter. The combination of the silent VESC controllers and the raw power creates a sensation of flight that is unique to RION.

However, the ownership experience can be a test of patience. RION is a boutique manufacturer, and wait times for these machines have historically stretched into many months, sometimes over a year. Communication has been a pain point for some customers. But once the machine arrives, the frustration usually evaporates, replaced by the thrill of the ride. It is a flawed masterpiece-impractical, expensive, and demanding, but absolutely brilliant at what it does.

In the grand scheme of micromobility, the Apex is an outlier. It pushes the industry forward, forcing other manufacturers to upgrade their controllers, tires, and frame designs to catch up. It is not a scooter you "need"; it is a scooter you "want" with every fiber of your being.

Who Is This Scooter For?

The RION Apex is for the experienced enthusiast. This is not a first scooter. If you haven't logged thousands of kilometers on high-powered dual-motor scooters, the Apex will be dangerous. It requires a rider who understands body weight distribution, braking thresholds, and throttle control. It is for the person who already owns a practical commuter and wants a weekend toy that scares them a little bit.

It is also for the mechanically inclined. You need to be comfortable with tools, checking tire pressures before every ride, and potentially tweaking settings in an app. It is for the rider who treats their gear with respect and understands that a high-performance machine requires high-performance maintenance.

It is NOT for the commuter who needs to get to work rain or shine. It is not for the budget-conscious rider, and it is certainly not for someone who wants a "jump on and go" experience without safety gear. If you want comfort and convenience, look elsewhere. If you want to feel like a fighter pilot, this is your ride.

Community Feedback - Pros

• Telepathic Control: The Curve throttle and VESC controllers offer unmatched smoothness and precision.
• Insane Power: Acceleration is relentless and continues well beyond 80 km/h.
• Silent Operation: The motors are virtually silent, adding to the futuristic feel.
• Magura Brakes: The braking power is widely considered the best in the industry.
• PMT Tires: Stock Italian racing tires provide incredible grip and cornering confidence.
• Stability: The geometry prevents speed wobbles, even at 100+ km/h.
• Build Quality: Carbon fiber and CNC aluminum parts are beautiful and strong.
• Exclusivity: Owning one is joining an elite club of riders.
• Regen Braking: The variable regen on the thumbwheel is praised for saving brake pads.
• Made in USA: Riders appreciate the domestic craftsmanship and engineering.

The community most frequently praises the connection between rider and machine. The combination of the rigid chassis, the grippy tires, and the zero-latency throttle makes riders feel like the scooter is an extension of their body. Unlike other powerful scooters that feel "wild" or "jerky," the Apex feels controlled and sophisticated, despite its terrifying power output.

Community Feedback - Cons

• Wait Times: Delivery can take 6 months to over a year, frustrating many buyers.
• No Kickstand: The lack of a kickstand is a major annoyance for daily use.
• Stiff Ride: The suspension is race-tuned, punishing on bad roads.
• No Lights/Horn: The lack of safety features requires expensive aftermarket additions.
• Not Waterproof: You cannot ride this in the rain or through puddles.
• Portability: It is heavy and the folding mechanism is not quick-release.
• Price: It is one of the most expensive scooters on the market.
• Range Anxiety: If you ride it how it's meant to be ridden, the battery drains fast.
• Tire Wear: The soft PMT tires wear out much faster than standard hard rubber tires.

The most significant complaint is undoubtedly the wait time and communication. Many users in forums express frustration about delays in production. Once the scooter arrives, the complaints shift to practicality issues like the lack of a kickstand, which seems like a small thing until you have to lay your 8 000 EUR carbon fiber sculpture on the ground because there's no wall nearby.

Value for Money

At a price point hovering around 8 089 EUR, the RION Apex is an investment. To the average person, spending that much on a scooter sounds insane. You could buy a decent used car or a brand-new motorcycle for that money. However, value is subjective. If you compare the Apex to a mass-produced scooter, it seems overpriced. But if you compare it to a high-end racing bicycle (which can easily cost 10 000 EUR) or a custom motorbike, the perspective shifts.

You are paying for R&D, small-batch CNC manufacturing, and premium components like Magura brakes, carbon fiber, and VESC controllers. There are no "cheap" parts on this scooter. Every bolt is high quality. The resale value of RION scooters also tends to hold up relatively well because they are so rare and the wait times for new ones are so long. A used RION is often snapped up quickly by buyers who don't want to wait.

Is it a "good deal"? No. It's a luxury item. But for the rider who wants the absolute best, the fastest, and the most exclusive machine on the market, the price is justified. It delivers an experience that cheaper scooters simply cannot replicate, no matter how much you upgrade them.

About the Brand

RION MOTORS is a boutique manufacturer based in Los Angeles, founded by Gal Thompson. They started as a small operation building scooters that defied the industry standards of the time-lighter, faster, and more beautiful than anything else. They have built a reputation as the "Bugatti" of the scooter world. They don't produce thousands of units; they produce small batches of hand-assembled machines.

The brand is known for innovation. They were among the first to push 80V+ systems, the first to use high-end carbon fiber extensively, and the first to integrate VESC technology into a production scooter. Their partnership with Alien Rides (a major US distributor) has helped improve their customer service and distribution, addressing some of the early growing pains regarding communication.

However, the brand also carries a reputation for exclusivity and delay. They are perfectionists, and they will often delay shipping to tweak a design or wait for a specific part. This frustrates customers but ensures the final product is up to their standards. Owning a RION is as much about buying into this philosophy as it is about the hardware.

Specifications

• Weight: 29,5 kg (Base/Dry) / ~41,7 kg (Ready to Ride)
• Max Speed: 128 km/h
• Range: 64-120 km (Eco) / 40-55 km (Sport)
• Battery: 88,8V (100,8V Peak) 29,4Ah / 30Ah Molicel P42A
• Motors: Dual Ventilated Brushless Motors
• Power (Rated): 10 000 W
• Power (Peak): 30 000 W
• Controllers: Dual Tronic VESC (FOC/Sine Wave)
• Brakes: Magura MT7 HC3 4-piston Hydraulic
• Tires: 11-inch PMT Racing Slicks (Italian)
• Suspension: Rigid Front / RockShox Monarch RL Air Shock Rear (or Urethane Flex)
• Max Load: 113 kg
• Price: ~8 089 EUR

Known Alternatives

If the RION Apex seems too extreme, too expensive, or you simply can't wait six months for delivery, there are other high-performance monsters on the market. These alternatives offer similar thrills but often with more practicality or a different design philosophy.

The MUKUTA Mukuta 10 Plus is a fantastic alternative for those who want high performance without the "hyperscooter" price tag or maintenance. While it won't hit 128 km/h, it offers a robust dual-motor setup, excellent suspension for real-world roads, and plenty of torque. It is a more practical daily driver that still offers a massive adrenaline rush, and you can usually buy one off the shelf today.

For those who love the industrial, boutique look, the WEPED series (like the FS or Sonic) is the direct Korean competitor to RION. They feature unique suspension geometry and incredibly distinct aesthetics. Another option is the widely popular Dualtron X Limited, which is a massive, heavy cruiser with huge range and stability, acting as the "Grand Tourer" to the RION's "Track Car."