Our review score is based on thorough real-world testing and is always held up against comparable models.
How We TestValues marked with '*' are based on our independent testing and may differ from those specified by the manufacturer.
Upgrade Alert: The Phantom V2 has evolved into the Phantom V3 with improved features and performance. Don’t miss our detailed review of the latest model.
The Apollo Phantom is arguably the most hyped electric scooter of 2021. Over the course of 4 months and 500 miles, I've put this electric scooter through demanding tests to benchmark its performance.
Apollo Scooters has been a major player in the scene for several years but the Phantom is the first independently designed electric scooter from the Canadian-based brand.
With the Phantom, they set out to create the best-in-class electric scooter in the world. With established contenders left and right, every little detail matters. That's why we set out to push the Apollo Phantom to its limits through rigorous testing over more than 500 miles.
Using pro-grade GPS data logging gear, we've tested:
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of our test results, let's establish the main hardware specs first.
| Motor & Power | 2x1200W = 2400W (3200W Peak) |
| Battery Type | 52V 23.4Ah Li-ion Dynavolt |
| Battery Capacity | 1216.8 Wh |
| Weight | 77 lbs (35 kg) |
| Max Load | 300 lbs (135 kg) |
| Tires | 10 x 3.25 inches (pneumatic) |
| Suspension | Quadruple springs |
| Brakes | Dual discs and re-gen braking |
The Apollo Phantom boasts a dual-motor system with a combined nominal output of 2400W. Together, they peak at 3200W of instantaneous power, making it the titan in the Apollo line-up.
Apollo advertises a blazing 38 MPH (61.2 KMH) top speed so I was super excited to get out and test that myself using my pro-grade GPS logging gear.
As a 170-pound (77 kg) rider, I got a GPS-certified tested top speed of 41.5 MPH (66.8 KMH), which is the fastest top speed I’ve gotten on an electric scooter so far.
It beats an array of high-tier names including the Zero 10X, Mantis 10 Pro, Inokim OXO, and the Apollo Ghost.
| Model | Top Speed (MPH) | Top Speed (KMH) |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Phantom | 41.5 | 66.79 |
| Mantis 10 Pro | 37.5 | 60.35 |
| Zero 10X (52V) | 36.0 | 57,94 |
| Apollo Ghost | 36.3 | 58.42 |
| Inokim OXO | 36.5 | 58.74 |
I honestly didn’t expect a 52-volt system to surpass 40 MPH but the Phantom crushed it.
When I tested the Apollo Ghost earlier this year, the acceleration blew me away and set an acceleration record in our tests.
However, geared with two 25 amp controllers, the power delivery on the Phantom is beyond incredible - in fact so incredible that it broke our previous record with a clear margin.
| Model | 0-15 MPH | 0-20 MPH | 0-25 MPH | 30 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Phantom | 2.62 s | 3.91 s | 5.80 s | 8.70 s |
| Mantis 10 Pro | 2.94 s | 4.05 s | 5.85 s | 8.70 s |
| Zero 10X (52V) | 3.11 s | 4.32 s | 6.10 s | 9.83 s |
| Apollo Ghost | 2.82 s | 4.00 s | 5.92 s | 9.22 s |
| Inokim OXO | 3.63 s | 5.01 s | 6.92 s | 9.81 s |
As far as acceleration goes, the Phantom goes head-to-head and even beats several of the most powerful dual-motor scooters on the market.
Like on the Ghost, Apollo advertise a max incline rate of 25 degrees.
I tested the Phantom out on the steepest hill in my area and it absolutely demolished the challenge, even picking up more pace along the way.
The Phantom is a truly versatile electric scooter that holds the power to deal with the most challenging hills on your path.
The Apollo Phantom has a 52V 23.4 Ah battery with an effective capacity of 1216.8 watthours.
That places it nicely in between the Zero 10X, Vsett 9+R, and the more expensive Inokim OXO, Kaabo Mantis 10 Pro in terms of capacity.
| Model | MSRP | $/Wh |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Phantom (Mechnical) 52V 23.4Ah = 1,216.8 Wh | $1,994.05 | $1.64 |
| Apollo Phantom (Hydraulic) 52V 23.4Ah = 1216.8 Wh | $2,136.55 | $1.76 |
| Zero 10X 52V 18.2Ah = 946.4 Wh | $1,699.00 | $1.80 |
| VSett 9+R 48V 21Ah = 1,008 Wh | $1,749.00 | $1.74 |
| Kaabo Mantis 10 Pro 60V 24.5Ah = 1,470 Wh | $2,184.05 | $1.49 |
| Inokim OXO 60V 26Ah = 1,560 Wh | $2,469.05 | $1.58 |
As far as battery capacity for the money goes, the Kaabo Mantis 10 Pro offers the most value. While the Phantom finds itself in the middle of the market.
The lithium-ion battery pack on the Phantom uses Dynavolt cells as seen in the entire Apollo line-up. They use Dynavolt cells to offer the Phantom at a more competitive price without compromising performance.
After testing dozens of Dynavolt and LG battery scooters, I’ve found that the performance is indeed about the same - and hands down way better than cheap off-brand cells.
Apollo advertises a 40-mile range when the scooter is ridden conservatively and a 25-mile range when going full throttle.
I’ve run three range benchmarks at various speeds on the Apollo Phantom in realistic road conditions with hills and traffic lights on the way to see what can be expected in the real world.
| Test (#) | Avg. Speed | Range |
|---|---|---|
| #1: Speed Priority | 27.1 MPH (43.6 KMH) | 28.1 miles 45.1 km |
| #2: Regular | 21.5 MPH (34.6 KMH) | 34.5 miles 55.6 km |
| #3: Range Priority | 15.8 MPH (25.4 KMH) | 39.2 miles 63.1 km |
In the first test, I rode the Phantom aggressively, accelerating as fast as possible and bottoming out the throttle whenever possible. This yielded just above 28.1 miles of range.
In the second test, I ride as I would normally do when I’m out cruising and this is what I consider the most comparable benchmark for others to use. This got me 34.5 miles of range.
In the last test, I try to preserve as much battery power as possible by riding in the single-motor mode in gear 2 and 3. The result was 39.2 miles of range.
Based on the 2nd range test, it comfortably beats the Zero 10X and Vsett 9+R while falling just shy of the Mantis 10 Pro. The INOKIM OxO goes the furthest as expected with its notably higher battery capacity.
Portability and high performance rarely go together in the electric scooter world. Weighing in at 75.2 pounds (34.1 kg), the Apollo Phantom is definitely not a featherweight but considering it’s a dual-motor performance e-scooter, it’s pretty much what you would expect.
While some of the previously mentioned models are lighter, the Phantom has features like a bigger suspension system, wider tires, and larger brake rotors that not only add to the weight but the ride quality as well.
The ultra-wide 27.2" (69 cm) handlebars do not fold. I, for one, prefer them like this on a performance scooter, as fewer moving parts typically result in less play in the build as a whole and a stronger overall build but if you’re relying on placing it in a trunk, it is worth noting.
The triple folding mechanism is something I wanna highlight because it works extremely well. With a single latch, locking ring and a reinforced safety pin, it is quick to use and incredibly safe and excellent at eliminating stem flex.
It more closely resembles what you see on the more costly Inokim OxO. In addition, there’s a handy hook located below the display that allows you to latch the stem into the cutout on the footrest for easier transportation.
Here's how to quickly fold the Apollo Phantom:
In a folded state, the Apollo Phantom measures 47.6" * 53.1" * 27.2" (121 cm * 53 cm * 69 cm). When upright, it measures 47.6" * 20.9" * 27.2" (121 cm * 135 cm * 69 cm).
The ride quality on the Apollo Phantom is heavenly. I am privileged enough to get to ride a range of incredibly fun and expensive scooters and the Apollo Phantom is on the shortlist for the best ride quality I’ve tried.
To start off, the quadruple spring suspension setup is incredible. The springs are large, they have lots of travel potential and they’re adjustable so you can fine-tune them for your weight and personal preference. I would argue that this spring setup is some of the best I’ve tried on an electric scooter.
Apollo has fitted the Phantom with extra-wide 10-inch tubed pneumatic tires on split rims. The tires are 3.25 inches wide. With a bigger contact surface, they provide more road grip than the 2.5-inch and 3-inch tires seen on the Zero 10X, Mantis 10 Pro, and Inokim OxO.
You really feel in control when turning or leaning at speed. The Phantom also has a whopping 7.1 inches (18 cm) of ground clearance to go over curbs and other obstacles.
Apollo calls them hybrid tires and I think that’s a good way to describe them. Although they don’t have as deep tire tread as the usual off-road tire, the added width along with the responsive spring suspension makes the ride capable of handling a fair bit of terrain without sacrificing performance on the road.
The tires and springs do an excellent job at eliminating shocks from rapid road vibrations as well as bigger obstacles like bumps, small potholes, and small branches. Furthermore, the Phantom feels extremely comfortable even when going at full speed - there’s very limited wobbling and I always felt in control of the unit.
The deck is 20.1 inches (51 cm) long and 6.9 inches (17.4 cm) wide. Although it isn't the widest, the length provides ample space for most.
I really love the footrest at the back as it is particularly useful for balancing when accelerating or braking hard. Riders with large feet will also enjoy the added space for their feet. This is something that I think all performance e-scooters should have but too many of them miss out on this essential feature.
I had no wobble or flex in the stem whatsoever and the curved handlebars with ergonomic and rugged grips are ultra-comfortable. As a 5’11” (180 cm) rider, I love the wide handlebars and the fairly high deck-to-handlebar distance, but I imagine small riders will find the ride a little bulky.
Now, I have a pre-production model (Pre-V1 - the current gen is V2 with plenty of improvements).
On this version (also seen on V1), there’s some dead space in the thumb throttle before the power kicks in but Apollo has already addressed that issue with all scooters shipping out since September 1st, 2021.
They have also removed the keylock, which I don’t really mind. It’s not anywhere near as safe as using an actual U-lock in the neck of the scooter and it was a bit in the way of the throttle. Maybe Apollo will be the team to design the first properly secure scooter keylock. Who knows?
All in all, the ride quality is one of my personal highlights on the Phantom.
The quality and safety of the build are of high importance on an electric scooter - and even more so for one that goes as fast as the Apollo Phantom. The Phantom is the culmination of feedback from thousands of Apollo electric scooter riders.
The mission from the start has been clear:
Apollo wants to build the best-in-class electric scooter in the world. To achieve that, every small detail matters. This means continual refining based on tons of rider feedback.
What I have here is the initial pre-production version of the Phantom. The overall feel of the build quality has been solid but with room for minor improvements, and Apollo have already addressed all the main problems that were highlighted by riders.
On the first batch of Phantoms, the throttle had some dead space when initiated and the display lacked brightness in direct sunlight. They’ve changed the throttle to a higher quality Hall sensor which removes that issue and makes it 25% more responsive.
For the HEX display, the refresh rate is now two times faster and the light has been increased by 67% which makes a world of difference.
The kickstand on the first batch was a little flimsy as pointed out by many customers. They now make it out of steel rather than aluminum which makes it about 3 times sturdier and more durable. They’ve also improved the plastic formula in the safety folding ring for improved flexibility and sturdiness.
The first batch saw a rare few units (below 0.04%) having issues with the neck. Heavy loads and hard riding could cause cracks to appear in the neck. Apollo were quickly on top of this issue.
After extensive testing - which I have gotten insight into - it was determined that the issue was the way the neck was cast.
It could on rare occasions cause inconsistencies. Apollo have now changed up the casting method as well as increased the neck material thickness to completely eliminate this issue and make the neck stronger than ever.
I have seen stress tests done on the neck, and it is incredibly strong at this point, and that goes for the entire build as a whole. It’s big, it’s beefy and it is well-constructed across the line. It can comfortably handle 300 lbs (135 kg) with ease so heavier riders will still be able to have plenty of fun on the Phantom.
The proprietary HEX display on the Phantom is probably one of the coolest and most next-gen solutions we've seen. It's very sleek and intuitive with lots of options at your fingertips without over-complicating things.
The fact that it is positioned in the very center of the handlebars along with its sheer size means you can easily see it out of the corner of your eye when riding. This way you don't have to take your eyes off the road to look at your speed or settings.
You've got all the important information right on the screen at all times and we love that you can see an estimated remaining mileage based on battery voltage. According to our tests, it's off by about 10 miles (16.1 km) but it's an innovative feature that'll be particularly useful for people just getting to know their scooter.
The standard QS and EY display seen on so many other electric scooters are inferior for many reasons including:
Through its P-settings, you can quickly and easily customize your ride to your liking:
| Setting | Feature |
|---|---|
| P00 | Unused |
| P01 | LCD brightness Min: 1, Max: 3 Default: 3 |
| P02 | Units (km/miles) km: 0, miles: 1 |
| P03 | Battery voltage (don't change) Min: 24V, Max: 72V Default: 52V |
| P04 | Automatic shutdown timer Min: 1 minute, Max: 60 minutes Default: 5 minutes |
| P05 | Unused |
| P06 | Tire diameter Default: 10 inches |
| P07 | Motor Magnets (don't change) Min: 1, Max: 100 Default: 30 |
| P08 | Power Level Min: 5%, Max: 100% Default: 100% |
| P09 | Start Method Zero-start: 0, Kick-to-start: 1 Default: 0 |
| P10 | Unused |
| P11 | Re-gen braking strength Min: 0 (off), Max: 3 Default: 3 |
| P12 | Acceleration Level Min: 1, Max: 5 Default: 5 |
| P13 | Unused |
| P14 | Unused |
| P15 | Unused |
| P16 | Unused |
| P17 | Cruise Control Off: 0, On: 1 Default: 0 |
The visibility setup on the Apollo Phantom is among the best in class. You’ll see way too many high-tier e-scooter manufacturers cut corners on lights to save money. Apollo are aware of the importance of road visibility which is why they fitted it with an ultra-bright 1000 lumen headlight as well as ample deck lights at the front and rear.
I love to see commuter-focused features which is why I’m excited about the turn signals on the Phantom. On the left side of the handlebar, you have two buttons that’ll enable the turn signals. From the display, you can see which is enabled and which is not. You can even enable both in case you end up in a situation that calls for proper warning lights.
While it’s an excellent feature I hope will become a staple in future electric scooters, they don’t get the full potential out of it because it only operates on the rear deck lights. In my opinion, it would be more effective if they integrated this functionality on the front deck lights as well so you can show the oncoming traffic that you are about to turn and not only the traffic behind you.
With a lot of motor power, you need an equal amount of braking power. The Phantom comes with dual disc brakes and adjustable regen braking.
The cheaper version of the Phantom has mechanical ones while the upgraded version runs Nutt hydraulic brakes.
Apollo decided to bring supersized 160 mm rotors to the Phantom for increased braking performance and better heat distribution. These are, by all means, superior to the 140 mm discs seen on a lot of closest competitors.
When traveling 15 MPH (24 KMH), the Apollo Phantom brakes to a stop in just 10.3 feet (3.14 m) which is some of the best we’ve ever tested on an electric scooter.
All things considered, anything under 15 ft (4.57 m) is good and anything below 12 feet (3.66 m) is excellent.
In our tests, it beats both the Zero 10X, Mantis 10 Pro, and Vsett 9+R while only slightly losing out to the Inokim Oxo.
As far as braking performance goes, the Apollo Phantom once again finds itself in company with the very best performers in the industry.
The Apollo Phantom has an IP54 ingress protection rating.
The first '5' means that all crucial components are protected against solids (e.g. dust).
The second '4' means that the scooter is protected against water splashes from any direction.
This does not mean the Phantom is waterproof. It can handle light to moderate rain or the occasional puddle, but we highly recommend wiping off any water from the scooter after riding.
Water has a bad tendency to creep in through cracks and openings in the build and it is generally not good for the mechanical parts to be wet for days on end.
In under a year, Apollo has already managed to refine the Phantom to the point where it is almost perfect in my eyes. The issues with the throttle, HEX display, and kickstand were the only ones I encountered myself through my first 500 miles of riding.
It’s awesome to see Apollo bringing upgrade kits for these things to all first-batch buyers free of charge (they’re all integrated upon purchase of a Phantom September 1st, 2021, and onwards).
I would've liked to see a higher water protection rating (the Emove Cruiser does it well) and I think that's the next step for Apollo to take the Phantom further.
The Apollo Phantom is heavy on features and high in value. It is an innovative scooter that performs incredibly well across the line. The result is an eye-wateringly powerful ride with a responsive build that is safe as houses. Its tried and true design has already been refined to the point where you’ll have to look long and hard for anything to nitpick about.
In an industry where many of the products are similar reiterations sourced from the same factories under different names, it’s great to see a brand like Apollo taking a step forward in the name of innovation and advancement for the industry.
Developing an electric scooter from scratch is not an easy task. In reality, it’s something very few brands would ever dare to do, and I think Apollo has done a pretty damn good job with the Phantom. It did have imperfections initially, but pretty much all concerns have been addressed swiftly and all units shipped after September 1st, 2021 are the latest generation of Phantoms.
The Apollo Phantom is close to being the perfect electric scooter. Having tried dozens of different high-end scooters, the Phantom feels like the complete package. From the game-changing HEX display to the impressive lighting setup with turn signal functionality, the Phantom goes the distance where other scooters cut corners.
As the title suggests, we see the Apollo Phantom as an almost perfect electric scooter. Some would call it nitpicking but we see slight room for improvement.
Here's what we would like to see next:
| Top Speed | 41.5 MPH (66.79 KMH) |
| Acceleration 0-15 MPH (24 KMH) | 2.62 s |
| Acceleration 0-20 MPH (32.2 KMH) | 3.91 s |
| Acceleration 0-25 MPH (40.2 KMH) | 5.80 s |
| Acceleration 0-30 MPH (48.3 KMH) | 8.70 s |
| Acceleration 0-41.5 MPH (66.8 KMH) | 18.50 s |
| Range: Speed Priority Avg. 27.1 MPH (43.6 KMH) | 28.1 miles (45.1 km) |
| Range: Regular Avg. 21.5 MPH (34.6 KMH) | 34.5 miles (55.6 km) |
| Range: Range Priority Avg. 15.8 MPH (25.4 KMH) | 39.2 miles (63.1 km) |
| Brake distance From 15 MPH (24 KMH) to 0 | 10.3 ft (3.14 m) |
| Weight | 75.2 pounds (34.1 kg) |
| Handlebar width | 27.2 inches (69 cm) |
| Ground Clearance | 7.1 inches (18 cm) |
| Deck size (Usable space) | 20.1" * 6.9" (51 cm * 17.4 cm) |
| Deck to handlebar height | 41.3 inches (105 cm) |
| Upright Dimensions | 47.6" * 53.1" * 27.2" (121 cm x 135 cm x 69 cm) |
| Folded Dimensions | 47.6" * 20.9" * 27.2" (121 cm x 53 cm x 69 cm) |
| Motor power (nominal) | 2400W (2*1200W) |
| Motor power (peak) | 3200W |
| Top Speed | 38 MPH (61.2 KMH) |
| Max incline | 25 degrees |
| Battery Type | Li-ion 52V 23.4Ah |
| Cell origin | Dynavolt |
| Battery Capacity | 1216.8 Wh |
| Power structure | 126 x 18650 lithium units |
| Battery voltage limit | 58.8V |
| Charging ports | 2 |
| Range | 40 miles (64.4 km) |
| Tires | 10" x 3.25" pneumatic |
| Tire type | Inflatable rubber (tubed) |
| Weight | 77 lbs (34.9 kg) |
| Weight Limit | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Suspension | Adjustable quad springs |
| Charging time | Standard charger: 12 hrs Fast charger: 6 hrs |
| Physical brakes | Dual disc (mech or hydraulic) |
| Electric braking | Adjustable re-gen braking |
| Disc size | 160 mm |
| Lights | 1 * 1000 lumen headlight 2 * Red rear lights 2 * Yellow turn signal lights 2 * White front lights |
| Throttle type | Thumb |
| Display | Independent HEX display |
