This is the Apollo Phantom electric scooter, the game-changing 40 mph, light, heavyweight electric scooter we first reviewed in 2021.
This review shows how our Apollo Phantom V2 is holding up 1,000 miles later. We also reveal exclusive insights on the new Apollo Phantom V3, and explain how Apollo’s upgrade paths make the Phantom the world’s most future-proof electric scooter.
Highlights
| Gorgeous Unique Design | |
| Standout Lighting Package | |
| Top-of-the-Line Overall Ride Ergonomics | |
| Next-Gen Display | |
| Upgraded Stronger Kickstand | |
| No Bell or Front Turn Signals |
Apollo Scooters
When Apollo launched the 52 volt Phantom in early 2021, it was a big leap forward and the most complete electric scooter design we’d seen.
Apollo Phantom Scooter Specifications
From the ergonomics and ride quality to the high-mounted headlight and full feature display.
The Phantom V1 also came with a choice of hydraulic brakes or cable-operated mechanical disc brakes.
Right out of the box, it basically had everything you’d want in a high-performance scooter, with the possible exception of front turn signals.
The Phantom wasn’t just some scooter that Apollo bought and stuck their name on.
No, the Apollo Phantom was an in-house Apollo design, which is why virtually every component of the Phantom is unique to this electric scooter.
Apollo Phantom V2
Then, Apollo surprised everyone when less than a year later, they launched the Apollo Phantom V2 with a brighter display, smoother throttle, plug-and-play cabling and a much stronger kickstand, among other improvements.
Phantom V1 owners, the early adopters, couldn’t have been too happy with this news.
However, Apollo has always operated on a customer-centric business model, which is why it came as no surprise when they gave all the V1 owners a free upgrade kit. The kit included all of the most essential features of the V2, because they didn’t want to penalize the early adopters.
Apollo is also continually innovating, and we’ve seen them give 2022 upgrades to their best selling models: Apollo City, Apollo Ghost and Apollo Pro. The Phantom was not left behind as Apollo just announced the third generation Phantom, the 2023 Phantom, aka the V3.
In this article, we’ll highlight how our Apollo scooter is holding up after daily riding, covering over 1,000 miles. We’ll also compare the V2 to the original V1 and the incoming V3.
Let’s get into it.
The Apollo V2 E scooter Performance After 1,000 Miles
Now that our V2 has over 1,000 miles, let’s take a closer look at how it’s holding up.
When we re-tested our Apollo Phantom V2’s performance we weren’t surprised to find acceleration, top speed, and hill climb capability were all unchanged.
On the other hand, we were surprised to discover that the electric scooter’s braking performance hadn’t deteriorated, and here’s why:
Responsive brakes
After 1,000 miles most semi-metallic brake pads, like the ones on the V1, will have lost some grip. The V2’s ceramic pads on the other hand still feel and perform like new brakes, and are less prone to squeaking than the semi-metallic.
But what about the rest of our V2’s build quality? How is that holding up?
Incredible Build Quality 1,000 Miles Later
The V2’s hex display still looks good with only minor scratches. The Folding mechanism and stems still get an ‘A’ for lack of stem wobble, even after 1000 miles.
It’s easy to use and safe but not overly complicated – like the VSETT 10+. We’ve also never lost the latch safety pin, thanks to the V2’s new tether.
- Pro tip 1: Apply a spray of lithium grease to the folding mechanism on the foldable handlebars every couple of months to keep the stem latch quiet and operating smoothly.
- Pro tip 2: The Apollo Phantom has the best feeling handlebar grips ever, but they tend to twist on long rides. Adding a small zip tie to the grip helps keep them in place.
Solid Steel Kick Stand
At 1000 miles, the steel kickstand on the V2 still feels good – it’s easy to kick with your heel, and keeps the electric scooter completely stable when parked.
While the forged aluminium side stand on the V1 isn’t so great, fortunately all V2s come with the new steel side stand.
So, if you’re struggling with the kickstand on your V1, rejoice because the upgraded version is included in the V1 upgrade kit.
Upgraded Charge Port Covers
Also new on the V2 are metal charge port covers to protect the charge ports from impact.
On our scooter, 1000 miles later both covers are still here, though one of them took a hit at some point. The charge port underneath is still perfect.
Apollo has since switched to screw-on plastic covers for electrical safety.
Key Lock Ignition
This is one thing we aren’t sorry to see the last of.
We’re glad the key lock ignition has been deleted on the V2, because turning on the scooter is faster without it, plus, the key switch on our V1 is sticky and feels like it’s getting ready to fail.
Smooth Throttle
The new V2 throttle still feels good and gives it a smoother response than the V1, but you could smooth it out further by setting initial acceleration to three or four where five would be the maximum.
Apollo Phantom Review: Real Rider Feedback
So altogether, everything on our V2 is feeling fresh and tight at 1000 miles, even the quad spring suspension system.
But what do real rider owners think?
We surveyed 14 Apollo Phantom electric scooter owners and here’s some of the things they like and don’t like about their Phantoms.
Likes:
- The most complete scooter with great power
- Quad suspension system
- High mounted light
- Proprietary hex display
- Quick and safe folding mechanism
- Large deck space
- Thumb throttle
- 10″ x 3″ tires
- Build quality
- Comfortable to ride on long rides
- Easy to control throttle
Dislikes:
- It’s not a smart scooter
- No turn signals on the front
- Lower top speed mode than other comparable scooters
- Hard to read display on sunny days
Comparable Other Electric Scooters
We also have other comparable scooters on the market:
Kaabo Wolf X Vs. Apollo Phantom V2
Has a higher maximum speed but is slightly heavier and with no IP rating.
VSETT 10+ Vs. Apollo Phantom V2
Has quicker acceleration but the ergonomics aren’t as good.
Kaabo Mantis V2 Vs. Apollo Phantom V2
Has smoother throttle but a dated display that could be brighter.
Comparison scooters section Model
Top Speed**
Range**
Weight**
Price
Kaabo Mantis V2
37.3 mph
27.2 mi
66 lb
$1,499
Kaabo Wolf Warrior X
44.1 mph
32.0 mi
80 lb
$1,899
Apollo Phantom (52V)
39.7 mph
31.4 mi
76 lb
$1,999
Vsett 10+
43.3 mph
33.6 mi
80 lb
$2,190
So what’s next in the electric scooter world?
Apollo 60 V Phantom V2 Electric Scooter
Apollo’s just launched a new 60 volt Phantom V2. We expect it to have about the same 30 mile range as the 52 volt Phantom V2, but with 10% better acceleration and a top speed that should increase up from 40 mph to 43 mph, matching the VSETT 10 +.
Then there’s the recently announced Phantom V3 news.
Apollo Phantom V3 News
In the past, Apollo’s made a few ultra fast and ultra expensive hand built ludicrous mode scooters – the Apollo Pro Ludo and the Phantom Ludo prototype.
The big news on the Phantom V3 is that every V3 comes with Ludo mode.
What sets Apollo’s Ludo versions apart is a seemingly impossible combination of crazy fast acceleration, and silky smooth throttle.
Apollo’s Ludo scooters, including the V3, have another signature feature that no other - plus scooter has – and that’s the variable regen lever on the left side handlebar.
The V3 will also get front turn signals, a new display with Bluetooth connectivity, and will work with the same app as the Apollo City and the Apollo Air Pro, so you’ll get navigation a and remaining range counter.
Insights From Apollo Co-founder, Chris Rey
We reached out and interviewed one of Apollo’s founders Chris Rey for more details.
While he stated that no pricing was available yet, we did learn that the 2023 model may not arrive until the end of the 2022 riding season.
But before you get sad, the good news is…
There’ll be an upgrade kit that brings the Phantom V2s and even the Phantom V1s up to 2023 Phantom V3 specs.
It won’t be a free upgrade, but it will be sold at cost, which is the next best thing.
Apollo Phantom V2 – The World’s most future-proof scooter
After more than 1000 miles of testing and daily use, the ergonomics and ride quality of our Apollo Phantom V2 still make it an ESG office favorite.
This is the only scooter we’ve ever seen that’s upgradeable from first generation to second, and soon from first generation all the way to the third generation, making it by far the world’s most future-proof scooter.
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Before you go, check out our 2021 review of the Apollo Phantom V1 which includes the world’s only performance test of an early prototype Phantom Ludo, or you can find out all the details on what changed from V1 to V2 in our V2 upgrade video.
