Apollo Go review: Electric scooter testing at 28 mph
If you’ve been in the market for an electric scooter, you’ve probably already seen Apollo’s name alongside the list of usual suspects. But while the brand is best known for its more expensive flagship models, the new Apollo Go was launched earlier this year to reach a budget-minded price that would appeal to more riders.
To get there, they had to shave off some of the features and performance specs that we’ve seen on larger Apollo Scooters in the past. But ultimately, it meant getting onto an Apollo Scooter for much cheaper, to the tune of $1,199.
So, how well does the scooter ride, and is it worth the lower price? Check out my video review below to see it in action, or keep reading for more!
Apollo Go Video Review
Apollo Go Tech Specs
- Motors: Dual 350W hub motors (750W peak-rated)
- Battery: 36V 15Ah (540 Wh)
- Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Range: 20-30 miles (32-48 km)
- Weight: 46 lb (21 kg)
- Load capacity: 265 lb (120 kg)
- Brakes: Rear mechanical drum brakes plus variable regen braking
- Tires: 9-inch pneumatic off-road tires
- Lights: Front and rear LED
Who is the Apollo Go meant for?
The Apollo Go feels like it’s designed for those who want something that more closely approximates a premium scooter but don’t want to pay premium scooter prices. It’s not Apollo’s cheapest scooter, but it’s near the bottom of the price list.
At an MSRP of $1,299 (and a current sale price of $100 off), it certainly isn’t designed to compete with the ultra-affordable $500 scooters on the market. But it’s also got more going for it in the specs and features department.
How does it ride?
Right out of the box, I was a bit disappointed to find that the steering was notchy. This happens from time to time, usually as a result of an imperfection in the head tube bearings or the bearing race (the track that those little ball bearings roll inside of).
It can sometimes happen due to shipping damage, such as if there’s a major bump along the way, though that’s pretty rare. I’m surprised this wasn’t caught at the factory, as it’s pretty obvious that when you turn the bars, the steering sort of ‘clicks’ into a position close to the center. It wasn’t too bad; the scooter was still definitely rideable, and these things happen occasionally. Out of all the countless scooters I’ve reviewed over many years from just about every brand out there, I’ve seen it a total of three times. But two of those have been Apollo’s scooters, so hopefully quality control steps up a bit.
Getting past that initial disappointment, the ride really picked up. The thing is powerful off the line. Well, at least after you register it. I tried to ride it first without using the app, but it wouldn’t go past 12 mph (20 km/h) with gentle acceleration. Only after I paid the ransom of my email and using their app to register the scooter, did it unlock the full power and 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed. I’m not a huge fan of being forced to pair an app to be able to ride my bikes and scooters, but I guess that’s the world we live in these days.
Fortunately, you’re rewarded for handing over your details with some great performance. The scooter really launches when you ask it too, and the dual 350W motors are obviously punching above their weight class.
The battery isn’t huge, measuring just 504 Wh, so don’t expect to fly around at 28 mph all day. A real-world range of 20 miles (32 km/h) at higher speeds is more likely, but again, this is meant to be Apollo’s more affordable performance scooter. And if the battery isn’t huge, at least it’s nice to see that it is UL-certified.
The suspension in the front and rear also isn’t huge, but it works just fine for urban riding. This isn’t a scooter you take off-roading, so I don’t mind the more limited travel compared to the company’s larger scooters. For street use, the suspension is sufficient.
The regenerative braking is also impressive. Sure, there’s a rear mechanical drum brake, but you don’t really need it. The left ‘throttle’ thumb paddle is actually the opposite of a throttle since it controls the intensity of the regenerative braking. The regen is strong enough that you can mostly get away without using the brake lever at all. It’s still hard for me to break the habit of reaching for the mechanical lever, but after a few days of riding, you stop missing it and start enjoying the smoothness of regen. Apollo has done a great job with regen on their scooters, and this one is no different.
Some other nice features are the IP66 rating, which means you don’t have to worry about a rain shower ruining your scooter, and the built-in turn signals that illuminate the handlebar ends.
The bars aren’t exactly super wide though, so a car directly behind you might not notice the turn signals if you’re particularly broad-shouldered or wearing a jacket, but they’re definitely visible from most angles. And you shouldn’t really be assuming that cars understand your turning intentions anyway. Defensive riding means assuming cars either don’t know you’re there or are actively trying to hit you, so a turn signal is nice to have but shouldn’t be the end of all of signaling.
The last nice addition here is the folding mechanism, which is definitely robustly designed. No one should be worried this thing will fold up on them at 28 mph, as it’s a chunky solid metal latching setup. The rubber safety strap is a bit cheaper feeling than the rest of the mechanism, but I guess it’s better than no safety at all (though I’m not sure it’s even really necessary based on how strong the folding latch feels and that it already has a built-in orange aluminum safety latch).
Sum it up!
Basically, the Apollo Go offers some pretty impressive speed and power, not to mention additional features, for the $1,299 MSRP. If you’re on a tight budget, a $1,299 scooter isn’t even going to be on your radar, so I’m not sure while you’re still here. It’s pricey any way you slice it. But compared to other 28 mph scooters, that price is actually pretty decent.
I’d love to see the scooter shed a few of its 46 pounds or get some more robust quality assurance at the factory, but no scooter is perfect. Apollo seems to have done a good job designing the Go, and the ride proves that it’s an effective commuter for those seeking extra performance without an ultra-premium price.
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Robinhood stock hit an all-time high Friday as the financial services platform continued to rip higher this year, along with bitcoin and other crypto stocks.
Robinhood, up more than 160% in 2025, hit an intraday high above $101 before pulling back and closing slightly lower.
The reversal came after a Bloomberg report that JPMorgan plans to start charging fintechs for access to customer bank data, a move that could raise costs across the industry.
For fintech firms that rely on thin margins to offer free or low-cost services to customers, even slight disruptions to their cost structure can have major ripple effects. PayPal and Affirm both ended the day nearly 6% lower following the report.
Despite its stellar year, the online broker is facing several headwinds, with a regulatory probe in Florida, pushback over new staking fees and growing friction with one of the world’s most high-profile artificial intelligence companies.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier opened a formal investigation into Robinhood Crypto on Thursday, alleging the platform misled users by claiming to offer the lowest-cost crypto trading.
“Robinhood has long claimed to be the best bargain, but we believe those representations were deceptive,” Uthmeier said in a statement.
The probe centers on Robinhood’s use of payment for order flow — a common practice where market makers pay to execute trades — which the AG said can result in worse pricing for customers.
Robinhood Crypto General Counsel Lucas Moskowitz told CNBC its disclosures are “best-in-class” and that it delivers the lowest average cost.
“We disclose pricing information to customers during the lifecycle of a trade that clearly outlines the spread or the fees associated with the transaction, and the revenue Robinhood receives,” added Moskowitz.
Robinhood is also facing opposition to a new 25% cut of staking rewards for U.S. users, set to begin October 1. In Europe, the platform will take a smaller 15% cut.
Staking allows crypto holders to earn yield by locking up their tokens to help secure blockchain networks like ethereum, but platforms often take a percentage of those rewards as commission.
Robinhood’s 25% cut puts it in line with Coinbase, which charges between 25.25% and 35% depending on the token. The cut is notably higher than Gemini’s flat 15% fee.
It marks a shift for the company, which had previously steered clear of staking amid regulatory uncertainty.
Under President Joe Biden‘s administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission cracked down on U.S. platforms offering staking services, arguing they constituted unregistered securities.
With President Donald Trump in the White House, the agency has reversed course on several crypto enforcement actions, dropping cases against major players like Coinbase and Binance and signaling a more permissive stance.
Even as enforcement actions ease, Robinhood is under fresh scrutiny for its tokenized stock push, which is a growing part of its international strategy.
The company now offers blockchain-based assets in Europe that give users synthetic exposure to private firms like OpenAI and SpaceX through special purpose vehicles, or SPVs.
An SPV is a separate entity that acquires shares in a company. Users then buy tokens of the SPV and don’t have shareholder privileges or voting rights directly in the company.
OpenAI has publicly objected, warning the tokens do not represent real equity and were issued without its approval. In an interview with CNBC International, CEO Vlad Tenev acknowledged the tokens aren’t technically equity shares, but said that misses the broader point.
“What’s important is that retail customers have an opportunity to get exposure to this asset,” he said, pointing to the disruptive nature of AI and the historically limited access to pre-IPO companies.
“It is true that these are not technically equity,” Tenev added, noting that institutional investors often gain similar exposure through structured financial instruments.
The Bank of Lithuania — Robinhood’s lead regulator in the EU — told CNBC on Monday that it is “awaiting clarifications” following OpenAI’s statement.
“Only after receiving and evaluating this information will we be able to assess the legality and compliance of these specific instruments,” a spokesperson said, adding that information for investors must be “clear, fair, and non-misleading.”
Tenev responded that Robinhood is “happy to continue to answer questions from our regulators,” and said the company built its tokenized stock program to withstand scrutiny.
“Since this is a new thing, regulators are going to want to look at it,” he said. “And we expect to be scrutinized as a large, innovative player in this space.”
SEC Chair Paul Atkins recently called the model “an innovation” on CNBC’s Squawk Box, offering some validation as Robinhood leans further into its synthetic equity strategy — even as legal clarity remains in flux across jurisdictions.
Despite the regulatory noise, many investors remain focused on Robinhood’s upside, and particularly the political tailwinds.
The company is positioning itself as a key beneficiary of Trump’s newly signed megabill, which includes $1,000 government-seeded investment accounts for newborns. Robinhood said it’s already prototyping an app for the ‘Trump Accounts‘ initiative.
WATCH: Watch CNBC’s full interview with Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev
Korean auto giants Hyundai and Kia think lower-priced EVs will help minimize the blow from the new US auto tariffs. Hyundai is set to unveil a new entry-level electric car soon, which will be sold alongside the Kia EV2. Will it be the IONIQ 2?
Hyundai and Kia shift to lower-priced EVs
Hyundai and Kia already offer some of the most affordable and efficient electric vehicles on the market, with models like the IONIQ 5 and EV6.
In Europe, Korea, Japan, and other overseas markets, Hyundai sells the Inster EV (sold as the Casper Electric in Korea), an electric city car. The Inster EV starts at about $27,000 (€23,900), but Hyundai will soon offer another lower-priced EV, similar to the upcoming Kia EV2.
The Inster EV is seeing strong initial demand in Europe and Japan. According to a local report (via Newsis), demand for the Casper Electric is so high that buyers are waiting over a year for delivery.
Hyundai is doubling down with plans to introduce an even more affordable EV, rumored to be the IONIQ 2. Xavier Martinet, CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said during a recent interview that “The new electric vehicle will be unveiled in the next few months.”
The new EV is expected to be a compact SUV, which will likely resemble the upcoming Kia EV2. Kia will launch the EV2 in Europe and other global regions in 2026.
Hyundai is keeping most details under wraps, but the expected IONIQ 2 is likely to sit below the Kona Electric as a smaller city EV.
More affordable electric cars are on the way
Although nothing is confirmed, it’s expected to be priced at around €30,000 ($35,000), or slightly less than the Kia EV3.
The Kia EV3 starts at €35,990 in Europe and £33,005 in the UK, or about $42,000. Through the first half of the year, Kia’s compact electric SUV is the UK’s most popular EV.
Like the Hyundai IONIQ models and Kia’s other electric vehicles, the EV3 is based on the E-GMP platform. It’s available with two battery packs: 58.3 kWh or 81.48 kWh, providing a WLTP range of up to 430 km (270 miles) and 599 km (375 miles), respectively.
Hyundai is expected to reveal the new EV at the IAA Mobility show in Munich in September. Meanwhile, Kia is working on a smaller electric car to sit below the EV2 that could start at under €25,000 ($30,000).
According to the report, Hyundai and Kia are doubling down on lower-priced EVs to balance potential losses from the new US auto tariffs.
Despite opening its new EV manufacturing plant in Georgia to boost local production, Hyundai is still expected to expand sales in other regions. An industry insider explained, “Considering the risk of US tariffs, Hyundai’s move to target the European market with small electric vehicles is a natural strategy.”
Although Hyundai is expanding in other markets, it remains a leading EV brand in the US. The IONIQ 5 remains a top-selling EV with over 19,000 units sold through June.
After delivering the first IONIQ 9 models in May, Hyundai reported that over 1,000 models had been sold through the end of June, its three-row electric SUV.
While the $7,500 EV tax credit is still here, Hyundai is offering generous savings with leases for the 2025 IONIQ 5 starting as low as $179 per month. The three-row IONIQ 9 starts at just $419 per month. And Hyundai is even throwing in a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger if you buy or lease either model.
Unfortunately, we likely won’t see the entry-level EV2 or IONIQ 2 in the US. However, Kia is set to launch its first electric sedan, the EV4, in early 2026.
Ready to take advantage of the savings while they are still here? You can use our links below to find deals on Hyundai and Kia EV models in your area.
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As EVBox shuts down its Everon business across Europe and North America, EV charging provider Blink Charging is stepping up to offer support to customers caught in the transition.
EVBox’s software arm Everon recently announced it’s winding down operations alongside EVBox’s AC charger business. That’s left a lot of charging station hosts and drivers wondering what comes next. Now, EVBox Everon is pointing its customers toward Blink as a recommended alternative.
Blink says it’s ready to help, whether that means keeping existing chargers up and running or replacing aging gear with new Blink chargers.
“EVBox has played a significant role in the growth of EV charging infrastructure across the UK and Mainland Europe, and we recognize the trust hosts have placed in its solutions,” said Alex Calnan, Blink Charging’s managing director of Europe. “With the recent announcement of Everon’s withdrawal from the EV charging market, it’s natural to have questions about what this means for operations. At Blink, we want to assure Everon customers that we are here to help them navigate this transition.”
Blink says it’s able to offer advice, replacements, and ongoing network management to make the changeover as smooth as possible.
Everon users who switch to Blink will get access to the Blink Network portal via the Blink Charging app. That opens up real-time insight into charger usage and lets hosts set pricing, manage users, and download performance reports.
“At Blink, our charging technology is future-ready,” added Calnan. “With advancements like vehicle-to-grid technology on the horizon, our chargers are built to support the future of electric vehicles and charging habits.”
The company says its chargers are in stock and ready to ship now for any Everon customers looking to make the jump.
In October 2024, France’s Engie announced it would liquidate the entire EVBox group, which it said posted total losses of €800 million since Engie took over in 2017. EVBox is closing its operations in the Netherlands, Germany, and the US.
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