Apollo Scooters is a Montreal-based direct-to-consumer brand that built a strong reputation by spec'ing its scooters above price expectations — hydraulic brakes, dual motors, and larger batteries at prices where competitors use mechanical brakes and single motors. The Apollo City Pro competes against the Segway-Ninebot ES4, a widely available single-motor scooter with Segway's extensive retail presence. The City Pro is roughly $300 more expensive. Here is what that premium buys.
Apollo City Pro
The Apollo City Pro is worth the premium for commuters who need better braking, more power, and longer range; the ES4 is the right choice if price and retail availability matter.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Apollo City Pro | Segway-Ninebot ES4 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Dual: 500W + 250W (750W combined) | Single: 300W nominal / 800W peak |
| Battery | 729Wh | 374Wh (dual battery combined) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc front + rear | EBS + rear foot brake |
| Tire Type | 10-inch airless hollow-core | 8.5-inch solid honeycomb |
| Weight | ~36 lbs | ~30 lbs |
| Real-World Range | 20-45 miles (mode dependent) | 15-28 miles |
| Price | ~$799 | ~$499 |
Motor Configuration and Power
The Apollo City Pro uses dual motors — a 500W rear hub motor as the primary driver, supplemented by a 250W front motor in full power mode — delivering a combined 750W nominal output and up to 1,500W peak. The dual-motor setup provides meaningful advantages: dramatically better hill-climbing, faster 0-15mph acceleration, and better traction in wet conditions because both wheels are powered.
The Segway ES4 uses a single 300W rear hub motor with an additional external battery that Segway designed to supplement range rather than power. Peak output on the ES4 is approximately 800W — adequate for flat terrain but noticeably strained on sustained 10%+ grades with a heavy rider.
In practical commuting, the power gap is most noticeable in two situations: climbing hills and keeping speed after a stop at intersections. The Apollo City Pro accelerates from 0-15mph in roughly 4.5 seconds; the Segway ES4 takes closer to 7-8 seconds. For urban stop-and-go riding, the difference in feel is real.
Brakes and Safety
Apollo's City Pro uses hydraulic disc brakes front and rear — a setup more at home on a bicycle or motorcycle than a scooter at this price. The lever feel is excellent, modulation is precise, and stopping distances are competitive with much more expensive scooters. Apollo publishes a stopping distance of 15 feet from 15mph — a legitimately short number.
The Segway ES4 uses an electronic anti-lock brake (EBS) system combined with a rear foot brake. The electronic braking is smooth and quiet, but stopping distances are longer than the Apollo's hydraulic setup. Segway's approach prioritizes simplicity and low maintenance over ultimate braking performance.
The rear foot brake on the ES4 — a pressure pad on the rear fender — is a fallback more than a primary brake. It works in emergencies but requires more rider awareness to use effectively at speed.
Range and Battery Design
The Apollo City Pro carries a 729Wh battery in a clean integrated design. Real-world range in dual-motor sport mode is 20-30 miles; in single-rear-motor mode with conservative settings, range extends to 35-45 miles. Apollo's range modes give riders meaningful control over the power-vs-range tradeoff.
The ES4 uses a clever dual-battery approach: a standard internal battery plus a detachable external battery that bolts to the deck above the front wheel. Combined capacity is approximately 374Wh. Real-world range is 15-28 miles — respectable for the price tier but clearly limited compared to the Apollo for longer commutes.
The external battery on the ES4 is a mixed blessing: it adds range, but it also adds an external cable connection point that is a potential weak spot for water intrusion and mechanical failure. Apollo's single integrated battery is cleaner architecturally.
Ride Quality, Weight, and Portability
The Apollo City Pro weighs approximately 36 lbs — heavy for a scooter but consistent with its dual motors and larger battery. Folded dimensions are compact. Apollo uses 10-inch hollow-core airless tires that eliminate flat risk entirely while maintaining reasonable ride compliance. This is a legitimate daily-use choice — you won't get a flat on the way to work.
The Segway ES4 weighs approximately 30 lbs — noticeably lighter, which matters when carrying it on public transit or up stairs. The smaller battery and single motor make it more portable. Segway uses solid honeycomb tires on the ES4 — they ride harshly on rough pavement relative to pneumatic-tire scooters.
Apollo's fit and finish is excellent for a direct-to-consumer product — the City Pro feels as well-assembled as the Segway. Apollo's customer support is Canada-based and responsive; Segway's US support is handled through their retail partners and is more variable in quality.
Apollo City Pro Strengths
- Dual motors — 750W nominal combined, better hill climbing and acceleration
- Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear — best-in-class stopping performance
- 729Wh battery — 35-45 miles range in single-motor mode
- Airless tires — zero flat risk on a daily commute
- Apollo's direct customer support is responsive and Canada-based
Segway-Ninebot ES4 Strengths
- ~30 lbs — lighter and more portable for transit-carrying situations
- Segway retail availability — buy at Best Buy, Target, or Amazon
- Simpler maintenance — no hydraulic fluid, no disc pad adjustment
- Lower price at ~$499 vs Apollo's ~$799
- Detachable external battery can be swapped for extended range
Apollo City Pro Weaknesses
- 36 lbs is heavy for carrying on transit or up stairs
- ~$799 retail price — $300 more than the ES4
- Direct-to-consumer only — no physical retail presence
Segway-Ninebot ES4 Weaknesses
- Single 300W motor — struggles on sustained steep grades
- 300 Wh combined range is limiting — 15-28 miles in real conditions
- Solid tires ride harshly on rough pavement
- Electronic braking system has longer stopping distances than hydraulic disc
Best For
- Apollo City Pro Daily commuters covering 10-20 miles who need better braking, more power on hills, and longer range
- Segway-Ninebot ES4 Occasional riders and shorter commuters who want retail availability and lower entry cost
FAQ
Are airless tires actually comfortable?
Apollo's hollow-core airless tires are significantly more comfortable than solid rubber honeycomb tires — the hollow structure provides flex and vibration absorption that rigid solid tires can't. They're not as smooth as pneumatic tires on rough pavement, but they eliminate flat risk entirely, which is worth a small ride quality trade for daily commuters.
Can you ride either scooter in the rain?
Both have an IP54 water resistance rating — meaning light rain and splashes won't damage the electronics. Neither should be submerged or ridden through standing water. Apollo's sealed hydraulic brake system is better suited for wet stopping than Segway's electronic system.