Question 1

the folding mechanism feels loose and creaks a lot when i ride, how do i tighten it

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The main folding latch bolt has worked loose, creating play in the stem. This is a high-stress point that requires periodic checking. FIX Tighten the large vertical bolt inside the folding mechanism. Open the latch, locate the 8mm bolt head deep inside, and use a wrench to tighten it clockwise until the stem has zero side-to-side play when locked. Do not overtighten. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The creak may be from the mating surfaces. Apply a small amount of bicycle grease or lithium grease to the contact points where the hook latch engages and where the stem meets the base. HEADS UP Check this bolt every few weeks. A loose stem is a major safety hazard. If the bolt feels stripped or won't tighten, stop riding and contact Apollo for a replacement latch assembly.

Question 2

my phone won't connect to the scooter via bluetooth for the app, it just times out

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The scooter's Bluetooth module is in a deep sleep or has glitched. It's a common firmware quirk, especially after the scooter has been off for a while. FIX Force the Bluetooth module to wake up. Turn the scooter's display ON, then hold the power button for 10+ seconds until the display turns OFF. Immediately press the power button again to turn it back on. Now try pairing in the app. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Delete the scooter from your phone's Bluetooth device list, force-close the Apollo app, and restart your phone. Then repeat the scooter power cycle and try pairing again. HEADS UP The Bluetooth connection is only for app functionality (trip data, settings). It is not needed for the scooter to operate. Do not leave Bluetooth scanning on during rides as it can drain your phone battery.

Question 3

the regen braking feels super weak now compared to when i got it, is that normal

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The perceived loss of regenerative braking strength on the Apollo City 2023 is typically not a hardware failure, but a built-in safety mechanism related to the Battery Management System (BMS). Regenerative braking works by reversing the motor's polarity to send energy back into the battery cells. However, lithium-ion batteries cannot accept a high current charge when they are already at or near their maximum voltage capacity. If your battery is charged to 100%, the BMS will intentionally throttle or completely disable the regen current to prevent "overcharging" the cells, which could lead to permanent battery degradation or thermal runaway. You will notice that the braking feels "slippery" or relies more heavily on the mechanical disc brakes when you first leave your house. As the state of charge (SoC) drops below 80-85%, the BMS opens the gates for current intake, and the regenerative braking force will noticeably increase. You can confirm this by checking your display: if the regen feels weak at 100% but returns to full strength after a 5-mile ride (dropping to ~90%), the system is functioning exactly as designed. FIX Since this is a software-level safety limitation, there is no "repair" needed, but you can optimize your settings to ensure you are getting the maximum available braking force. Follow these steps to calibrate your experience: Power on your Apollo City 2023 and enter the onboard display menu by holding the power button for 3 seconds. Navigate to the "Brake" or "Regen" setting (depending on your specific firmware version, this may be listed under "K-Setting"). Ensure the Regen level is set to the maximum value (typically Level 3 or High). If it was accidentally bumped to Level 1, the braking will feel weak regardless of battery percentage. Exit the menu and ride the scooter until the battery indicator drops to approximately 70-80%. Perform a series of hard braking maneuvers. You should now feel the motor providing significant resistance and the battery percentage may even flicker upward by 1% during a steep descent. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the regenerative braking remains weak even when the battery is at 50% or lower, consider these deeper technical possibilities: Brake Lever Sensor Misalignment: The Apollo City uses a magnetic or electronic sensor in the brake lever to trigger regen. If the lever has shifted or the sensor is slightly out of alignment, the controller may not be receiving a "full pull" signal. Inspect the gap between the lever and the sensor; if there is debris or the lever feels "mushy," the regen won't trigger fully. Firmware Glitch: Outdated firmware can occasionally cause erratic braking profiles. Connect your scooter to the Apollo App via Bluetooth and check for any pending "Over-the-Air" (OTA) updates. A firmware refresh often recalibrates the BMS thresholds for regen. Controller Component Failure: In rare cases, the MOSFETs responsible for the regenerative phase in the motor controller can fail. If you notice the motor making a grinding noise or if you have zero regen across all battery percentages, the controller may need replacement. Mechanical Brake Interference: If your mechanical disc brakes are too tight or the pads are rubbing, the friction may be masking the feeling of the regen. Ensure your wheels spin freely for at least two full rotations when not braking. HEADS UP Avoid 100% Charging: If you plan on riding in a hilly area where you rely heavily on regen, try charging the battery to only 90%. This leaves "headroom" for the regen system to work immediately. Pad Wear: Remember that regen reduces wear on your brake pads, but it does not eliminate it. Check your brake pad thickness every 200 miles; if the pads are worn to the metal, the regen won't be enough to stop you safely in an emergency. Temperature Sensitivity: In extreme cold (below 32°F/0°C), the battery's internal resistance increases, which can significantly weaken the effectiveness of regenerative braking regardless of the charge level. Safety First: Never rely solely on regen for stopping. Always maintain a firm grip on the mechanical brakes when descending steep grades to avoid overheating the motor controller.

Question 4

how do i clean the apollo city 2023 properly, i'm scared of wrecking the electronics

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The primary risk when cleaning the Apollo City 2023 is water ingress into the non-hermetic seals of the deck and the control interface. While the scooter is designed to handle light rain, it is not waterproof. The "danger zones" are the charging port, the display screen buttons, and the seam where the stem meets the deck. If water penetrates these gaps, it can cause short-circuits in the Battery Management System (BMS) or corrode the controller circuitry, leading to "phantom" throttle inputs or a complete failure to power on. Confirmation of water damage usually manifests as a "Error" message on the LED display or a failure to charge. The most common point of failure is the charging port seal, which can degrade over time, allowing moisture to seep directly into the battery compartment. Using a high-pressure hose or a power washer is the fastest way to force water past these gaskets and destroy the internal electronics. FIX To clean your Apollo City 2023 without risking the electronics, follow this precision cleaning sequence: Prepare a solution of warm water mixed with a small amount of pH-neutral dish soap. Avoid harsh degreasers or solvents like acetone, as these will melt the plastic casings and degrade the rubber grips. Dampen a high-density microfiber cloth. Wring it out thoroughly until it is barely moist to the touch; there should be no visible dripping water. Start with the stem and handlebars. Wipe down the frame from top to bottom. When you reach the display screen, use a separate, dry microfiber cloth to avoid trapping moisture around the button edges. Clean the deck by wiping the surface in a circular motion. If you have the rubber grip mat, use a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub the grooves where dirt collects, then immediately wipe dry with the cloth. For the wheel wells and motor housing, use a damp cloth to remove road grime. Do not spray water into the motor axle or the brake calipers. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to buff the frame and ensure no standing water remains on the deck surface or around the charging port. Allow the scooter to air-dry completely for 30 minutes before plugging it into the charger. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK For stubborn grease or oil stains on the frame, apply a tiny drop of isopropyl alcohol (70%) to a cotton swab. Rub only the affected area and immediately wipe it clean with a damp cloth to prevent the alcohol from stripping the paint. If the rubber deck mat is heavily soiled, remove the four mounting screws using a 3mm Allen key. Take the mat to a sink, scrub it with a brush and soap, rinse it thoroughly, and let it dry completely before reinstalling it on the scooter. For salt buildup after winter riding, use a mixture of white vinegar and water (50/50) on a cloth to neutralize the salt on the metal components. This prevents the aluminum from pitting and corroding. If you suspect moisture has already entered the charging port, use a can of compressed air to blow out the port and let the scooter sit in a dry, warm environment for 24 hours before attempting to charge. HEADS UP Never use a pressure washer or a garden hose on the Apollo City 2023; the force of the water will bypass the IP-rated seals instantly. Avoid using silicone-based sprays on the deck or tires, as this creates an incredibly slippery surface that can lead to accidents during takeoff. Check the charging port rubber plug after every cleaning to ensure it is seated firmly and hasn't been displaced by the cleaning cloth. Do not apply lubricants (like WD-40) to the brake discs or pads, as this will compromise your stopping power and require a full replacement of the brake pads.

Question 5

the turn signals on my apollo city 2023 stopped working, no lights or sound

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The total failure of both visual indicators and the audible signal chime on the Apollo City 2023 typically points to a failure in the communication bridge between the handlebar control pad and the main controller, or a software lockup in the firmware. Because both the sound and the lights have vanished simultaneously, this is rarely a burnt-out LED bulb and is instead a systemic failure of the signal trigger circuit. Specifically, the Apollo City uses a dedicated signal relay within the main controller housing. If the controller has entered a "safe mode" due to a voltage spike or if the wiring harness connecting the left-hand control pod to the main deck has suffered a pinch or a loose pin connection, the command to activate the signals never reaches the lighting array. You can confirm this by entering the display settings menu; if the signal icons do not even flicker on the screen when you press the buttons, the issue is upstream (the switch or the wiring) rather than downstream (the LED strips). FIX To resolve a software-based glitch or a frozen signal module, you must perform a hard system cycle and a controller recalibration. Follow these exact steps: Power on the scooter and stand it upright on a flat surface. Squeeze and hold the left brake lever firmly. While holding the brake, press and hold the power button for exactly 15 to 20 seconds. The display will flicker or turn off; continue holding until the screen fully reboots. Once the scooter restarts, enter the "P-Settings" menu by holding the power and mode buttons simultaneously. Navigate to the lighting configuration setting (typically P-setting 12 or 15 depending on the firmware version) and toggle the signal intensity or mode to force a signal refresh to the LEDs. Exit the menu and test the left and right signal buttons individually. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the system reset fails to restore the lights and sound, you are likely dealing with a hardware disconnect or a failed switch. Try these alternatives: Check the Handlebar Wiring Harness: Inspect the cable exiting the left handlebar control pod. Look for any pinching where the cable enters the stem. If you see a kink, carefully unplug the 4-pin connector located inside the folding mechanism and use a can of compressed air or electronic contact cleaner (like DeoxIT) to remove debris from the pins before reseating them firmly. Test for Controller Overload: Occasionally, the signal module trips a virtual fuse. Power the scooter down completely, disconnect the battery via the charging port (if accessible) or let the scooter sit for 30 minutes to allow the capacitors in the controller to fully discharge, then reboot. Inspect the LED Strip Connections: Remove the plastic fairing covering the front and rear lights. Check for a loose 2-wire connector leading to the signal strips. If a wire has vibrated loose, use a soldering iron to secure the connection or use heat-shrink tubing to bridge the break. Replace the Control Pod: If the buttons feel "mushy" or don't click, the tactile switches on the PCB inside the handlebar pod have failed. You will need to replace the entire left-hand control assembly (Part #AC23-CTRL-L) to restore functionality. HEADS UP Avoid using high-pressure washers directly on the handlebar controls, as water ingress into the signal buttons is the leading cause of short-circuits in the Apollo City series. If you notice the signals flickering rapidly instead of blinking steadily, this is often a sign of a dying battery cell or a voltage drop; check your battery health in the app. Never attempt to bridge the signal wires directly to the battery to "test" the LEDs, as this will bypass the controller and instantly fry the LED strips. Keep your firmware updated via the Apollo app, as several signal-timing bugs were patched in the 2023 mid-year update.

Question 6

i'm getting error code 05 on the display and it won't move, what is that

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Error 05 is a throttle fault. The scooter detects an abnormal signal from the accelerator, often due to a stuck or faulty throttle unit or a wiring issue. FIX First, perform a throttle calibration. With the scooter powered on, press and hold the Mode button and the brake lever simultaneously for 5 seconds until the code clears. If it returns, check the throttle cable for damage where it bends near the handlebar. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The throttle unit itself may be defective. You'll need to replace the entire throttle/display assembly—a known issue in some batches. HEADS UP Do not try to bypass or "fix" the throttle by opening it. This is a critical safety component. A faulty throttle can cause unintended acceleration.

Question 7

my scooter makes a loud clicking noise from the rear wheel when i accelerate, it's not the bell

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The loud clicking or "stuttering" noise during acceleration on the Apollo City 2023 is typically caused by a synchronization failure between the motor controller and the brushless DC motor. This occurs when one or more of the Hall effect sensors—small magnetic sensors inside the motor hub—fail to send a clean signal to the controller. When the controller doesn't know the exact position of the rotor, it sends power to the wrong phase, resulting in a mechanical "shudder" or clicking sound as the motor fights against its own magnetic field. This is often triggered by a loose 9-pin motor connector or a partially pinched phase wire where the cable enters the rear chassis. If the connection is intermittent, the scooter may accelerate in short, jerky bursts, creating a rhythmic clicking sound that increases in frequency with your throttle input. You can confirm this by attempting to spin the rear wheel by hand while the scooter is off; if you feel a "cogging" sensation or hear a physical click, it may be a mechanical bearing failure, but if the noise only happens under power, it is almost certainly an electrical sync issue. FIX To resolve the synchronization issue and eliminate the clicking, you must ensure a perfect electrical connection at the motor interface. Follow these steps precisely: Power down the scooter completely and engage the parking brake or prop the scooter up so the rear wheel is slightly off the ground. Locate the main motor cable exiting the rear axle. Follow the cable to where it enters the deck. On the 2023 City model, there is a primary 9-pin waterproof connector located near the rear frame rail. Carefully disconnect the 9-pin connector by pulling the locking sleeve back. Do not pull on the wires themselves, as this can tear the delicate Hall sensor leads. Inspect the gold-plated pins inside the male and female ends of the connector. Look for "pushed pins" (pins that have recessed into the housing) or blackened carbon scoring from electrical arcing. Clean the contacts using a cotton swab dipped in 90% isopropyl alcohol to remove any road grime or oxidation that may be impeding the signal. Reinsert the connector firmly until you hear a distinct click. Ensure the locking sleeve is fully seated to prevent vibration-induced disconnects. Check the cable routing where the wire enters the deck. If the rubber grommet has shifted, the cable may be pinched against the aluminum frame; shift the cable 5-10mm away from the pinch point and secure it with a heavy-duty zip tie. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the clicking persists after cleaning the connectors, try these advanced troubleshooting steps: Phase Wire Inspection: Open the deck cover to access the controller. Locate the three thick phase wires (usually Yellow, Green, and Blue) connecting to the motor. Check for any melted insulation or "singed" wires. A partial short in one phase wire will cause the motor to click and vibrate violently under load. If you find a burn mark, the wire must be stripped and soldered. Hall Sensor Replacement: If the wiring is intact, a Hall sensor inside the motor hub has likely failed. This requires removing the rear wheel, disconnecting the motor lead, and replacing the internal sensor array. Since these are pressed-fit, it is often more efficient to replace the entire motor hub assembly if the scooter is still under warranty. Controller Reset: Perform a hard power cycle by disconnecting the battery for 60 seconds. This clears the controller's temporary cache and forces it to re-poll the Hall sensors upon startup, which can occasionally resolve software-based sync errors. Axle Nut Torque: Ensure the rear axle nuts are torqued to exactly 35-40 Nm. If the axle is slightly loose, the motor can shift marginally within the dropouts, causing the internal magnets to rub against the stator, which sounds like a metallic click during acceleration. HEADS UP Keep these maintenance tips in mind to prevent future motor failures: Avoid "feathering" the throttle (rapidly pressing and releasing) during takeoff, as this creates massive current spikes that can degrade the Hall sensors over time. Check your axle nuts every 100 miles; vibrations from uneven pavement can loosen the rear assembly, leading to misalignment and noise. Never use high-pressure water cleaners directly on the rear axle or the motor cable entry point, as this can force moisture into the 9-pin connector and cause pin corrosion. If you notice the motor running unusually hot to the touch after a short ride, stop immediately; this is a sign of a phase short that can lead to total controller failure.

Question 8

my apollo city 2023 won't power on at all, i charged it fully and the screen is just dead

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The main battery isn't delivering power to the system. This is almost always a loose or disconnected internal connector, not a dead battery. FIX Reseat the main power connector inside the deck. Remove the eight deck screws, lift the deck plate, locate the large white plug from the battery to the controller, disconnect it, clean the contacts with a dry cloth, and firmly reconnect it. Secure the deck plate back. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The battery management system (BMS) might have entered a protective lockout. Leave the scooter on the charger for 12+ hours, then try holding the power button for 10 seconds. HEADS UP Do not probe or bypass any battery connections with metal tools—you risk a short circuit. If you see any swollen or damaged battery cells, stop and contact Apollo immediately.

Apollo City 2023 Electric Scooter

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