6 Best Electric Scooters With Suspension (I Tested Them All)

The original Air sent scooterists into a frenzy with its unique front fork suspension. Well, I’m pleased to report that this excellent set-up has been retained in all its glory on the Apollo Air 2022. Collaborating exquisitely with the 10-inch air-filled tires, it glides like a figure skater across urban surfaces. What’s more, with those forks strutting their stuff, you can tackle slightly rougher terrain, including potholes and unkempt roads.

Dashing around city streets, you’ll roll smoothly, with every vibration soaked up. On our shock absorption scale, I rate it a 6, which is softer and more versatile than the suspension on the Horizon.

And that’s not all. The tires have been upgraded with a tread pattern that allows them to grip the road more effectively. This is great for carving and taking corners at speed, while their improved curvature significantly enhances the scooter’s maneuverability. Thicker walls also provide ample protection from those dreaded pinch flats.

Other upgrades hit just as well. The new 36V 500W motor delivers 43% more power than its predecessor’s 36V 350W motor, resulting in an improved top speed of 21 mph, which is 40% faster than the Air and 17% zippier than the Air Pro. Its acceleration rate of 0-15 mph in 5.7 seconds is also considerably better than its forerunners.

Elsewhere, the new 21700 36V 15Ah battery holds 44% more power than 2021’s 36V 10.4Ah unit, amounting to a hugely impressive range of 31 miles off a single charge. The superior cells hold more capacity and have a higher energy density, translating into more efficient, longer-lasting performance.

Now, when I say that Apollo is known for its outstanding build quality, I don’t just mean that their scooters look the part. I mean that they take all steps necessary to ensure that every part is perfectly aligned to minimize gaps and remove weak spots, wobbles, and vibrations. The Air 2022 is a great example of this: it looks great, feels secure under your feet, and moves smoothly at speed. Even on close inspection, you’ll agree that the parts flow together with no visible seams.

Its sleek, flowing design continues with its folding mechanism. Weighing 38.5 lbs it’s light enough to be considered a commuter scooter and most people will find it easy to carry for short distances.

When it comes to folding, the previous Air models had a cumbersome clamp and release lever. Thankfully, the Air 2022 now features a smooth, one-click folding mechanism similar to that pioneered by its cousin, the Apollo City 2022.

The brakes benefit from scrupulous attention to detail and careful planning, too. A mechanical drum brake is located on the front wheel and a regenerative brake is built into the motor at the rear. By spreading the braking power across both wheels and placing the drum brake at the front, its stopping power is noticeably enhanced.

The difference that these simple choices make is apparent when you look at the impressive stopping distance. From 15 mph you’ll come to a complete halt in just 3.4 meters. That’s one of the best distances in this price class, matching the braking prowess of the previous Air Pro and the recent Apollo City.

As well as its spectacular build quality and rarified performance, it’s home to many other excellent extras. If you need to head out in the wet, you’ll be grateful for its IP54 water-resistance rating and grippy deck. What’s particularly noteworthy, though, is the oil-based graphite paint that now coats the frame. It’s resistant to corrosion and general wear and tear, while it looks good enough for an influencer’s Instagram.

The LED display, too, is beautifully simple and fits seamlessly into the center of the upswept, ergonomic handlebars. It lets you view relevant riding data and even switch between three riding modes. Impressively, you get app connectivity, which grants access to even more riding stats and customizable settings. For instance, you can control the accelerative and regen braking intensity, adjust the top speed of each riding mode, turn the digital lock on, and even change the scooter from a kick-to-start model to one that fires up as soon you push the throttle.

So, any downsides? There are precious few, though the display is nowhere near bright enough to be seen in direct sunlight. Also, on a similar theme, the taillight doesn’t flash when you brake, making your intentions less visible to traffic.

With all things considered, this latest version of the Air scooter line carries its pedigree with pride and doesn’t disappoint. It offers enough upgrades to forge a new path and raises the standards for Apollo’s customers to enjoy. With an effective suspension system working effortlessly with big, plush pneumatic tires, the Air 2022 more than deserves its title of the best sub $1,000 scooter.