How to Adjust the Folding MechanismUpdated 3 hours ago

A properly adjusted folding mechanism should feel secure when locked, yet still fold and unfold without excessive force. If the latch feels too loose or too tight, you can usually correct it with a simple adjustment.

When to adjust it

Adjust the folding mechanism if you notice any of the following:

The latch pops open too easily.
The stem feels loose when locked.
Folding the scooter takes too much effort.
The mechanism does not snap firmly into place.

What you need

The tools depend on your Apollo model:

Phantom 2.0: 6 mm Allen key and 3 mm Allen key.
Apollo Pro (2024): two 5 mm Allen keys, a 1.5 mm Allen key, a punch, flush cutters, and a rubber mallet or similar tapping tool.
Other Apollo scooters with the newer folding mech design: two 5 mm Allen keys and a punch.

Phantom 2.0 adjustment

Use this method if your Phantom 2.0 folding mechanism is too loose or too stiff.

Use the 3 mm Allen key to loosen the grub screws on both sides of the folding mechanism.
Use the 6 mm Allen key to tighten the main bolt if the mechanism feels loose.
If the mechanism becomes too hard to fold, back the main bolt off slightly.
Adjust until the mechanism folds and locks without forcing it.
Once the feel is correct, retighten the side grub screws with the 3 mm Allen key.

Apollo Pro (2024) replacement-style adjustment

On the Apollo Pro 2024, the folding mechanism is serviced differently from the Phantom 2.0 adjustment method.

Remove the C-clip from the pin holding the folding mechanism in place.
Use a punch to tap the pin out.
Keep track of the spring so it can be reused.
Remove the old folding mechanism from the stem.
Install the new folding mechanism and position the spring so its arm presses against the screw in the mechanism.
Reinsert the pin, using a punch or Allen key to help align the spring if needed.
Tap the pin fully into place.
Reinstall the securing screw and tighten it with two 5 mm Allen keys.
Test the fold to confirm the mechanism locks and releases correctly.

Standard folding mechanism replacement

For scooters that use the standard folding mechanism design, the process is similar and uses two 5 mm Allen keys and a punch.

Remove the security strap, if your scooter has one.
Fold the stem down.
Use two 5 mm Allen keys, one on each side of the screw, and hold one side steady while turning the other counterclockwise.
Remove the screw.
Use a punch to gently push out the barrel nut.
Hold the area with your hand as you remove it, since the spring can come out suddenly.
Separate the parts: folding mechanism, barrel nut, and spring.
Install the new mechanism in reverse order.
Make sure the shorter end of the spring sits against the stem, and the other end sits against the screw in the folding mechanism.
Use a tool if needed to compress the spring into place.
Slide the barrel nut back through, reinstall the screw, and tighten it with two 5 mm Allen keys.
Test the mechanism by raising the stem and confirming it snaps firmly into place with no wobble.

Important tips

Keep a hand over the mechanism when removing parts, since the spring can pop out.
Do not overtighten the main bolt, or the folding action may become too stiff.
After any adjustment or replacement, always test the lock several times before riding.
If the stem still feels loose after adjustment, stop riding and inspect the mechanism for wear or damage.

Safe test before riding

After adjusting the folding mechanism, test it in this order:

Fold and unfold the stem several times.
Check that the latch locks with a solid snap.
Make sure there is no play or wobble in the stem.
Confirm any security strap or locking hardware is reinstalled correctly.
Take a short stationary test before your first ride.

Need different steps by model

Apollo scooters use more than one folding mechanism design, so the exact adjustment or replacement steps can differ by model. The Phantom 2.0 uses a simple loosen-and-tighten adjustment, while the Apollo Pro 2024 and standard folding mechanisms involve removing the pin or screw hardware and handling the spring assembly.

If you are working on a different Apollo model, match the steps to the hardware on your scooter before starting.

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