${{ amount_no_decimals }}
The Phantom was Apollo’s first electric scooter to be designed in-house based on thousands of riders’ feedback, which was quite substantial.
They took it on as a challenge to deliver the most complete electric scooter package possible. And now, they lead the way with the Apollo Phantom V2.
It has one of, if not the best riding experiences of any electric scooter at the time of writing.
The various features are also outstanding and we suspect other manufacturers will copy or duplicate quite a few of them. They will have to in order to keep up with the Apollo Phantom V2.
- Pros & Cons
- Speed & Acceleration
- Hill Climb
- Range
- Motor Configuration
- Construction & Build Quality
- Suspension
- Ride Quality
- Lights
- Brakes
- Portability
- Tires
- Deck
- Display
- Water Resistance
- Reliability
- Known Issues & Solutions
- Conclusion
PROS
- Best in Class Build Quality & Design
- Quadruple Spring Suspension System
- Best Display of them All
- Phenomenal Lights
CONS
- No Horn
- No Front Indicators
Speed & Acceleration
The Apollo Phantom is part of the “fast electric scooter” club.
The first version of the Apollo, the V1, had slightly more of a brutal or jerky acceleration. This has been smoothed out with the V2 up to 15 mph (24 kph) whereupon it picks up and reaches its top speed of 38 mph (63 kph) slightly faster than the V1. It only takes 13,5 seconds to get there.
The numbers are not that much of a difference but the feeling is smoother and less of a yank from a standstill on the V2.
Hill Climbing
With this much power at hand, 1200W dual motors, and a Dynavolt 52V 23.4 Ah (1217Wh) battery pack, hills will not be a huge task to ask of the Apollo Phantom.
A 197 ft (60 m) stretch with a 10% incline and an average rider weight of 165 lbs (75 kg) takes about 9 seconds and with a speed of approximately 30 mph (48 kph).
It won’t fly up the hills but rather keep a steady fast pace.
Range
The range is another improvement on the V2 version and now you can get 31 miles (50 km) in real world riding at top speed most of the time. In eco mode, you can get closer to 40 miles (64 km). This puts the Apollo Phantom firmly on a shortlist of long range commuters or for going exploring on weekends.
Motor Configuration
Dual high-efficiency brushless motors with a continuous 1200W each, and with a peak power of 1600W give a total of 3200W in peak condition.
Powered by two 25 amp controllers, the Phantom V2 has the best acceleration in the Apollo lineup and offers maximum instantaneous power.
Construction & Build Quality
The first version of the Apollo Phantom, the V1, received a lot of critique and feedback from the field that Apollo took very seriously. They went to work and have upgraded and improved the Phantom V2 to an extent where you almost think it is a completely new electric scooter.
And boy have they delivered. The design is exquisite and the Phantom V2 is now probably the most innovative electric scooter you can get.
The Phantom is made from forged aluminum with a double reinforced stem, and the handlebars from a single piece of metal. These might seem like small design upgrades but they are huge improvements in quality.
The target for Apollo was to create the best overall riding experience as well as top-of-the-line features. Apart from its brilliant ride quality it now also has the largest electric scooter display we’ve seen, a superb lights package, triple secure folding mechanism, and much more.
See below under known issues & solutions for a more comprehensive list of upgrades.
Suspension
A so-called quadruple spring suspension system is a unique in-house design feature on the Apollo. By using four springs instead of two, shock dampening capabilities are superior while still offering dynamic travel.
The design includes a rubber bump stop preventing any sensations of bottoming or topping out abruptly. The resulting smooth ride is quite extraordinary. It reduces the feeling of porpoising or trampoline effect that can otherwise be prominent on bouncy suspensions.
Probably the best suspension system out there.
The weight limit is 300 lbs (136 kg).
Ride Quality
Someone who is not very familiar with electric scooters might think “if you’ve tried one you’ve tried them all”. How much difference can there be?
Well…about as much difference as a cheap regular single geared bicycle on a forest trail, and a proper fully dampened MTB.
The Apollo Phantom V2, as a package, is complete to an extent it makes some other e scooter manufacturers look like they are lost. The improved thumb throttle and mapping of the acceleration, perfect handlebar grip, and ergonomic position, make it so much fun to ride you can’t stop smiling all the time.
The cockpit is next level with its big center display of very intelligent functionality. Everything you need to know is at your fingertips, including letting you know your integrated rear turn signals are on.
Lights
Two other features of the Apollo Phantom that should make the rest of the electric scooter industry sit up and take notes are the 1000 lumen headlight and rear turn signals, both with on screen indicators.
Most electric scooters cant compete as some light packages out there seem more like an afterthought. If you ride at night, many times you need to add extra lights. Front and back, which is a bit of a faff.
In the Phantoms case, it is as close to perfection as you can get, just about.
A high-mounted headlight, ample deck lights up front, and bright orange rear turn signals which are very visible in daylight are top notch.
So why not perfect? Well, it seems that front turn signals should be part of such a brilliant lights package and also stem lighting and/or maybe under deck lights.
Brakes
You can order the Phantom with three versions of brakes. Dual mechanical brake system which is standard, or choose between ZOOM or NUTT hydraulic brakes.
Whichever you go for, you won’t be lacking in braking performance.
Huge 160 mm dual disc brakes are standard. With mechanical disc brakes, it only takes 10 ft (3,1 m) from 15 mph (24 kph) to a complete stop. Anything under 13 ft (4 m) is excellent.
Opting for the hydraulic disc brakes gives a different feel while the stopping distance is about the same.
Revised higher quality ceramic brake pads have further improved braking power, reduced squeaking, and increased durability.
Of course, it also has regenerative braking to decelerate the scooter and also to recharge the battery in the process.
Portability
Well, so so. It weighs 77 lbs (34 kg) which is normal for a bigger dual motor performance scooter.
It is easy to fold and the rock solid stem is held into place with a proper steel safety pin attached to a leash so you won’t lose it. It also attaches to the rear of the chassis.
Folded it measures 49 x 27 x 21 inches (124 x 69 x 53 cm). The handlebars do not fold though and them being 27 inches (69 cm ) wide, are likely to get stuck in all kinds of things when passing through any type of narrow space. Getting the Phantom into trunks will not be possible in all types of cars.
Tires
We are happy to find that the choice and quality of the tires have also been given a lot of attention.
10″ x 3,25″ (25 x 8 cm) pneumatic tires from TOUVT are a dream. They feel super confident at top speed even when leaning into corners. The tires are fitted on split rims for easier access when changes are needed and have higher quality inner tubes to prevent flats.
Deck
Looking down on the rubberized deck at the Apollo Phantom logo certainly gives a feeling of quality. Plenty of room as the deck measures 20,5 x 7 inches (52 x 18 cm).
And with a good ground clearance of 5,7″ (14,6 cm).
There is also a good sized rear footrest with just the right angle which makes the riding position feel natural.
Display
The big HEX display (biggest on the market) placed at the center of the handlebars is brilliant. Superbright and visible even in bright sunlight it further elevates the feeling of the Apollo Phantom V2 quality.
Apart from the speedometer, riding modes, range, the display has 20 adjustable settings where you can personalize your scooter. Easily operated by the right hand thumb.
A unique feature on the display is an indicator that shows the remaining miles of range based on battery voltage.
Word of warning though, depending on your riding style, I.e. if you go flat out with your hair on fire all the time, the read might be a bit optimistic. It doesn’t seem to take into account the power you burn at that pace. Subtract about 10+ miles (16 km) from the readout and you will be on the safe side.
The size of the display makes it easy to focus on riding and still be able to see all the info you want.
Water Resistance
It has an IP54 rating meaning it can tolerate some water and dust. However, exposing it too much to these elements is not recommended. Try to avoid riding in heavy rain.
Reliability
The V1 was loved by its users, yet lacked in many areas as mentioned above. The result was the V2 and now the reviews are great. With proper maintenance and usage, it is one of the most reliable scooters on the market.
Known Issues & Solutions
The V1 had quite a few issues which have been sorted with this V2 version.
To list a few:
– Better cable management from the factory
– Easy plug connectors on the handlebar
– No more “dead zone” on the throttle
– Better ergonomic thumb throttle
– No key lock function on throttle anymore
– Proprietary hex display, 40% brighter, higher refresh rate
– The plastic locking ring for the folding mechanism is now 75% more durable
– Thicker gooseneck, from 6 mm to 9 mm
– Longer fender bracket to prevent tire rubbing against the fender
– Steel kickstand instead of aluminum, much stronger
– Ceramic brake pads
– Logo now right side up when stem folded
– The gap between the metal and plastic part of the footrest improved
– Front deck light plastic cover gap tightened
– Improved opening of each side panel on deck
– Improved and more durable paint job.
– New deck design
– Improved brake light
Conclusion
The Apollo Phantom electric scooter is difficult to beat. It is fast, can go uphill at speed, has a fantastic suspension system, the best tires of any production scooter, superb ergonomics, brilliant super bright headlight, best display, great brakes, and the list goes on. It is also a dream to ride.
Exceptional build quality right out of the box with no need to readjust anything.
Available at $1999 it is a phenomenal choice for the everyday commuter even if it is a longer range commute over varying terrain.
It does seem like a no brainer if you are looking for the best option at this price range.
