10 Factors to Consider When Buying an All-Terrain Electric Scooter

You’ve probably noticed electric scooters cropping up in cities across the country. However, city riders aren’t the only ones who enjoy taking these sleek vehicles out for a spin.

Electric scooters are growing in popularity amongst adventure-seekers and all-terrain enthusiasts too. That’s because many electric scooters have been crafted to take on a variety of terrains. An all-terrain e-scooter comes with the features you need to ensure your excursions are fast, smooth, safe, and exciting. 

If you’re wondering how to choose an all-terrain electric scooter, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll discuss how to pick the right all-terrain electric scooter for beginners and review some high-performance options from Apollo. 

What is an All-Terrain Electric Scooter?

All-terrain electric scooters provide more power, speed, range, and durability than their city-focused counterparts. This allows them to conquer a variety of terrains. 

With an all-terrain electric scooter in tow, you can scale steep hills and zip over rocky roads without missing a beat. 

While these vehicles are built specifically to handle rougher terrains, they’re just as capable of riding on smooth city streets. As a result, they offer more versatility than standard electric scooters.

How to Choose an All-Terrain E-Scooter That’s Right For You

If you’re in the market for an all-terrain electric scooter, you need to know what factors to focus on as you compare different models. 

Here are ten factors to consider when shopping for an all-terrain electric scooter.

#1 Motor Power

Many people are drawn to adventurous experiences because they allow them to break free of the boundaries of modern life. For example, you can ride your electric scooter at top speeds when you’re off the beaten path. In contrast, riding in the city requires you to stay within the speed limit of public roads.

If you want to indulge your need for speed, you need an electric scooter with a powerful motor. All-terrain e-scooters often feature dual motors with 750+ watts each. This enables them to achieve the following feats:

• Reach high top speeds
• Ascend steep hills
• Propel over uneven terrain

#2 Riding Range

Another crucial consideration for an all-terrain electric scooter is its range. You want to be able to explore the great outdoors without having your battery run out of juice prematurely. Luckily, all-terrain electric scooters usually come with generous ranges, thanks to their ample battery capacities. 

#3 Shock-Absorbing Suspension

Riding on rough terrain is exciting, but it can also get uncomfortable if you feel every tiny bump in the road. Luckily, you don’t need to sacrifice your comfort for a sense of adventure. You just need to look for an all-terrain electric scooter with a shock-absorbing suspension system. 

A high-quality suspension system can dampen the impact of rocky terrain, saving your joints the trouble. In turn, you can enjoy a serene ride the entire time. 

#4 Tire Size and Type

When you explore natural riding trails, your electric scooter may come into contact with rocks, thorns, and rolling hills. You want to make sure that its tires are up for this task. 

The best all-terrain vehicles feature large, thick tires. These types of tires can cross bumpy topography without getting stuck in its grooves. 

The type of tire you choose is just as important as its size. Here are two types of electric scooter tires:

• Pneumatic – Pneumatic tires are filled with air. These types of tires offer excellent traction and additional cushioning. Their main downside is that they can get punctured if you ride over something sharp. You also need to check their tire pressure every so often.
  
  
• Solid – Solid tires are totally solid, so they’re impossible to puncture. While you won’t need to worry about them going flat, solid tires can counteract the cushioning of your suspension system, resulting in a rockier ride. They also have inferior traction. 

• Honeycomb – Also known as run-flat tires, these are tires that offer a mix between pneumatic and solid tires. Honeycomb tires are often resilient to wear and tear and offer most of the benefits of pneumatic tires.

#5 Brakes

When you’re riding at top speeds, your braking system is of utmost importance. You need strong brakes to slow down safely and effectively on the open road. 

The main types of electric scooter brakes are disc brakes, drum brakes, and hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brakes are more reliable and require less maintenance than the other two. In turn, they’re the best choice for an all-terrain electric scooter. 

Some all-terrain e-scooters feature multiple braking systems, so you always have a backup brake ready to go.

#6 Foot Deck

Your electric scooter’s deck is where you place your feet while you ride. With a commuter electric scooter, you may not mind a narrower deck, since you usually only ride these types of e-scooters for short distances at slower speeds.

When you venture off the normal path, you may discover that you require a roomier deck. With more space, you can plant both of your feet in a comfortable position and maintain your stability at higher speeds. One of the best recommendations is to identify a scooter with a rear foot rest. This will ensure you have the traction for your feet and the wiggle room you need when riding all terrains.

#7 Safety Lights

There’s nothing more magical than riding your electric scooter as the sun rises or sets in the distance.

While beautiful, riding at dawn or dusk can be a little more dangerous. In the dark, other motorists may not notice you on the road. Additionally, you may have more trouble spotting obstacles that lie ahead in your path. 

A comprehensive e-scooter lighting system can solve these problems in one fell swoop. Here are a few types of lights you’ll want to look for in an all-terrain electric scooter:

• Front lights
• Brake lights
• Deck lights
• Headlights
• Tail Lights

#8 Water Resistance Rating

Riding off the normal path sometimes involves braving the elements. However, electric machines and water don’t mix well. 

Fortunately, some electric scooters have been manufactured to be water-resistant. These models can withstand some light rain while you ride. You can evaluate an electric scooter’s water resistance by looking at its Ingress Protection (IP) rating.

Electric scooters with a rating of four or above can be ridden in light rain for short periods of time. The higher the rating, the more water-resistant the e-scooter.

Note: It's not recommended to ride in the rain. Most manufacturers will not cover water damage in their warranty. Be sure to consult the warranty guide before riding in the rain.

#9 Durability

A flimsy electric scooter won’t be able to withstand the demands of all terrains. In turn, it’s important to invest in an electric scooter that’s built to last. 

Here are a few quick signs of a durable electric scooter: 

• Higher weight capacity – Electric scooters that can hold over 250 lbs tend to be more durable than those with lower weight capacities.
  
  
• Forged aluminum frame – Forged aluminum is a popular material used in e-scooters. It’s strong and corrosion-resistant. By purchasing a forged aluminum electric scooter, you can enjoy the peace of mind that it will ride well for years to come.
  
  
• Safety-testing – An all-terrain electric scooter should be extensively safety tested to ensure its quality. 

#10 Price

Finally, you need to factor in your budget as you compare various e-scooter models. All-terrain electric scooters usually have higher prices than entry-level e-scooters. That’s because they come with higher-performance features, like dual motors and innovative suspension systems.

Even so, you can still find high-quality rides at a variety of price points. For example, Apollo Scooters offers all-terrain electric scooters at price ranges between $1,799 CAD and $2,599 CAD. 

Once you’re clear on your budget, you can look for an electric scooter that has all of the features listed above at a price you can afford. 

What is the Best All-Terrain Mobility Scooter?

With these ten factors in mind, let’s take a look at a few of the best all-terrain electric scooter 2021 options from Apollo. 

Apollo Explore

The Apollo Explore was made for riders who long to venture off the beaten track. It can carry you up steep hills and across uneven roads thanks to its cutting-edge design and thick tires. No matter how rocky the road gets beneath you, you can expect a smooth ride. That’s because the Apollo Explore comes with a soft dual spring suspension system. 

If you want a rush of adrenaline when you reach your top speed, this e-scooter has you covered. It can reach peak speeds of 31 mph (50 kmh) in a matter of seconds. With the help of its powerful motor, you’ll be able to climb hills and zoom over rough terrain with ease. 

After whizzing along at top speeds, you can safely rely on the Apollo Explore’s dual disc brakes to slow you down. Its regenerative braking system can simultaneously top up its battery, optimizing its already abundant 34-mile range. A few raindrops won’t rain on your parade either, since the Apollo Explore boasts an IP54 water resistance rating. 

Apollo Explore Key Specs

Here are the Apollo Explore’s key specifications:

• Price of $1,799 CAD
• Single 1000W motor
• Top speed of 31 MPH
• Up to 34 miles of range
• 52 LB weight 
• 265 LB max load
• Dual spring suspension system
• Folding handlebars and stem

Apollo Pro 2023

Are you a technology enthusiast looking for unbeatable performance and revolutionary features? If so, the Apollo Pro 2023 is your perfect match. It provides unrivaled speed and a level of innovation you won’t find anywhere else.

The Apollo Pro 2023’s proprietary build is powered by a MACH 2 controller and LUDO mode, enabling it to reach a 0-30MPH time of just 4.99 seconds. And when it’s time to slow down, you can safely rely on its Power RBS (regenerative braking) system that provides smooth and efficient braking while simultaneously recharging the battery.

With the Apollo Pro 2023, you can enjoy the most cutting-edge features that the e-scooter market has to offer. This ride features a built-in GPS (IoT) for advanced capabilities, a Quadlock phone mount for convenient smartphone access, and an innovative 360-degree lighting system for unparalleled visibility. As a result, this e-scooter powerhouse is truly in a class of its own.

Apollo Pro 2023 Key Specs

• Dual Motor System
• Top speed of 44 mph
• Up to 63 miles of range
• Self-healing tires, 12 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide
• Regenerative braking system and two drum brakes
• Front Hydraulic Suspension, rear rubber block

Apollo Ghost

Another excellent all-terrain option is the Apollo Ghost. This robust ride can skillfully glide across a wide range of terrains at supernatural speeds. It’s eerily quiet and spookily swift, due to its top-notch dual motors.

After experiencing its top speed of 34 mph, you’ll quickly discover that this vehicle isn’t for the faint of heart. Fortunately, its dual disc brakes can bring you down to Earth if your speed gets a little out of this world. As you soar around on the Apollo Ghost, you’ll feel like you’re levitating on thin air, thanks to its dual spring suspension system. Its 10-inch pneumatic tires also help cushion your ride, all while providing you with top-notch traction. 

Like the Apollo Explore, a sprinkle of rain here or there won’t spook the Apollo Ghost. It comes with an IP54 rating, as well as protective aluminum fenders. If a dark night falls upon you, you’ll stay safely illuminated with the help of the Apollo Ghost’s eye-catching LED deck lights. 

Apollo Ghost Key Specs

Here are the Apollo Ghost’s key specs:

• Price of $1,599 USD ($1,999 CAD)
• Dual 800W motors
• Top speed of 34 mph (55 kmh)
• Up to 39 miles of range
• Weight of 64 LB
• 300 LB max load
• Adjustable dual spring suspension
• Folding handlebars and stem 

Apollo Phantom

Are you an advanced rider looking for top-of-the-line performance? If so, the Apollo Phantom is your perfect match. It provides unprecedented power and a degree of durability you won’t find anywhere else. 

The Apollo Phantom’s proprietary build is powered by two 1200 watt motors, and when it's time to reign in your rapid speed, you can safely rely on this ride’s multifaceted braking system. It comes with mechanical disc brakes, hydraulic brakes, and regenerative hand brakes. You can also rest assured that its tires will propel you over whatever terrain you come across during your excursions. 

With the Apollo Phantom, you can enjoy the best bells and whistles that the e-scooter market has to offer. This ride features a gravity-defying quadruple suspension system, a proprietary HEX display, and an extensive suite of LED safety lights. As a result, this e-scooter powerhouse is truly in a league of its own. 

Apollo Phantom Key Specs

Here are the impressive specs you’ll receive with the Apollo Phantom:

• Price of $2,599 CAD
• Dual 1200W motors
• Top speed of 38 mph (61 kmh) speed
• Up to 40 miles of range
• Weight of 77 LB 
• 300 LB max load
• Quadruple spring suspension system

Apollo Scooters: Conquer All Terrains With Confidence

As you can see, there are many essential features to look for in an all-terrain electric scooter. Here at Apollo Scooters, we bestow our rides with everything you need to hit the open road. We also carry plenty of helpful accessories, including additional headlights, security horns, attachable bags, phone holders, and on-the-go air pumps. 

Most importantly, we proudly stand behind the quality of our electric scooters. No matter which model suits your budget and needs, you can rest assured that your Apollo ride has been thoroughly safety tested and manufactured with care. 

Learn more about our all-terrain Apollo scooters today. 

Sources:

IEC. IP ratings. 

https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings

The Aluminum Association. The Strength of Aluminum. 

https://www.aluminum.org/strength-aluminum