Kaabo Mantis Review: Overview This review is an in-depth look at the Kaabo Mantis — one of our favorite scooters of 2020. It packs punchy dual 1000-watt motors, nimble steering, semi-hydraulic brakes, and top build quality into a package. The Mantis will give you at least 48 kilometers of maxed-out urban commuting, based on our real-world range tests. Tech Specs Tested top speed: 60.5 kmh* Tested range: 46.9 km* Weight: 27 kg Max rider weight: 120 kg Water resistance: None * Based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims. Highlights Very fast and nimble Locking stem for easy carrying Top-notch suspension Too heavy for true portability Throttle is not ergonomic

Summary Mantis Tests Positive For Steroids | Kaabo Mantis (Base and Pro) Review

Watch this video on YouTube Subscribe to our channel for more great videos. The Kaabo Mantis is one of the newest electric scooters on the scene and packs a lot of power, range, and features at its very competitive price point. First off, the Mantis is a rocket and scored some of the better acceleration and braking times we’ve seen. Not only is it fast, but its large pneumatic tires and quality suspension keep the scooter pinned to the road and permit precision carving. The smaller capacity 17 Ah “base” version we tested can also go the distance — scoring nearly 48 kilometers in our rigorous max-power range test. Another notable feature is the bomb-proof stem folding mechanism that means zero creaking/wobble in the handlebars. The handlebars also lock to the rear fender and allow carrying by the stem. Though it tips the scales at 61 lbs — by no means ultra-portable — this feature will help you lift or carry the scooter for short distances. Finally, like the Wolf Warrior, its older brother, the Mantis delivers a ton of value, power, quality, and range at a ridiculously competitive price. The base version has semi-hydraulic brakes and a locking mechanism for carrying — features absent on some much more expensive scooters. This review is for the Kaabo Mantis 17.5 amp hour “base” version as well as seriously upgraded Kaabo Mantis Pro. If you are looking for a fast but nimble scooter that feels like a monster but doesn’t have monstrous weight, the Mantis is a great choice. It is basically a budget Dualtron Spider — similar feel and performance — but at a steep discount and higher weight. If you splurge for the Mantis PRO version, then you’ll also get a MiniMotors controller, EY3 display, and LG-branded batteries. Available in Canada from Fluid Freeride with $150 off using discount code: electric-scooter.guide4mantis

Kaabo Mantis Review

Introduction

Performance Tests

Results below are based on our independent testing and not data provided by the manufacturer. Read about our testing methodology or compare with other scooters on our electric scooter performance testing page.

Acceleration (0 to 24 kmh) 2.5 seconds Acceleration (0 to 32 kmh) 3.9 seconds Acceleration (0 to 40 kmh) 5.2 seconds Acceleration (0 to 48 kmh) 7.7 seconds Acceleration (0 to 56 kmh) 11.2 seconds Top speed 60.5 kmh Braking distance (24 to 0 kmh) 3.3 meters Range 46.9 kilometers Hill climb 9.2 seconds

Acceleration

The Kaabo Mantis rocked the acceleration test. The dual 1000-watt electric motors and 25 amp controller propelled it to 24 kmh in 2.5 seconds, to 32 kmh in 3.9 seconds, and let it fly past 48 kmh in 7.7 seconds.

How does this translate to feeling? Simply put: very fast, arm-yanking acceleration up to about 40 kmh. After 40 kmh, it cools down but still pulls all the way up to its top speed of 60.5 kmh. The motors are very torquey; you can readily spin both wheels at full throttle.

The throttle response is slightly laggy. By this, we mean the time between squeezing the throttle control and feeling the motors activate. On the Mantis, the lag is a fraction of a second, but noticeable if you test a lot of high-end scooters.

We wonder if accelerator lag is better on the Mantis Pro, which uses the MiniMotors eye throttle. The Pro version also has a beefed-up 1470 watt hour LG battery, 27 amp controller, and higher torque motors, which should make it even faster.

Hill Climbing

The Mantis completed our 60 m, 10% grade hill climb test in 24 kmh in 9.2 seconds with an average speed of 24 kmh in 24.0 kmh. We test all scooters on the same hill climb with the same 74 kg rider.

Compare with other scooters on our ESG certified performance page.

Top Speed

We were able to hit 60.5 kmh with a 74 kg rider — very close to the claimed 64 kmh top speed.

Range

We performed a range test on our urban test track in California with the Mantis in its maxed-out dual motor power mode. The range test simulates a challenging urban commute, with frequent starts and stops, hills, and rough terrain. We test all scooters on this same loop with the same 74 kg rider.

The lower capacity 17 Ah, 1050 watt hour version we tested made it 46.9 kilometers before running out of battery.

Braking

The Mantis has massive semi-hydraulic disc brakes that help keep its power in check.

The Mantis has fantastic braking — among the best we’ve tested. The grippy pneumatic tires plus cable-actuated dual semi-hydraulic disc brakes help keep your speed in check. Brake control is smooth. The hydraulic calipers amplify your braking efforts. The scooter also has an adjustable electronic braking system that can be quite strong.

In our braking test, the Mantis went from 24 kmh to a stop in just 3.3 meters. The only scooter to perform better than this is the record-setting Apollo Pro.

Ride quality

The dual spring shocks give the Mantis one of the best suspensions we’ve tested. The scooter feels very stable, agile, and has standout suspension — it delivers on nearly all terrain.

The Mantis is thrilling in the turns. As you lean into a curve, the contact patch between the tire and road remains constant thanks to the rounded profile of the 25.4-centimeter by 6.4-centimeter pneumatic tires. This makes the Mantis feel very nimble to whip around. Control over this scooter is much better than other large-tire scooters that have vague steering input.

Another standout feature is the dual spring suspension — reminiscent of the Apollo Pro (though not quite as good) — that provides a firm ride on smooth roads yet is soft enough to eat rough terrain or potholes readily. Not only is it highly functional, but it is dead quiet. Overall, this ranks among the top suspension systems we’ve tested.

Kaabo Mantis Features

Portability

The Kaabo Mantis is heavy and sizeable — even when folded. Yet its locking stem makes it very maneuverable for occasional lifting.

The Mantis is 27 kgs and has Its 61-centimeter, non-folding handlebars that are unpleasantly wide for bringing onto a packed commuter train during rush hour. Even folded, the Mantis is BIG — 122 centimeters by 61 centimeters by 48 centimeters — about 15-centimeters longer and 15-centimeters wider than the typical 12 kg budget scooter.

However, the Mantis does have two standout portability features: a quality folding mechanism and a locking stem. The stem folding mechanism is easy to use, and rock-solid once locked into place.

Stem Folding Mechanism

The stem folding mechanism for the Kaabo is absolutely rock solid. The clamping mechanism has two opposing quick-releases that are fast to use and don’t require annoying adjustments. Once locked into place, there is zero stem wobble and no bending/creaking when pushing on the handlebars.

Finally, the folding stem locks into place once folded. When the scooter is folded, the handlebars have a latch that secures it to the rear fender, allowing it to be carried by the stem. This helps make the Mantis portable enough to throw into the back of a car or carry up a short flight of stairs.

Cockpit

Overall, the Mantis has a fairly standard cockpit with wide bicycle-style handlebars and a trigger-style throttle. It has dedicated buttons for controlling motor mode (single or dual) and power (eco or the faster turbo mode).

The trigger-style throttle, which has become commonplace on performance scooters, can be uncomfortable for prolonged use.

One thing we did not like is the index finger controlled throttle. It requires your finger to be outstretched and is uncomfortable for prolonged use. Unfortunately, this has become the standard type of controller for all high-end scooters (save the Boosted Rev).

The throttle trigger is built into the information display LCD. The display is easy to read in full sunlight. Many so-called P-settings can be tuned by clicking through the mode and power buttons.

Handlebar grips are somewhat cheap foam ones but have held up decently well. If this were a personal scooter, it would probably be one of the first upgrades we’d do.

Lights

The Mantis has deck side LEDs that will help make you visible to cars at night. Note: side deck lights are white, not blue.

The Mantis has side LED deck lights, front button lights, and rear red button lights. None of the lights are particularly bright, nor are they mounted in a high position.

For riding at night, you’ll definitely need more lighting for better visibility.

Tires

The Mantis has large-diameter 25.4 centimeter by 6.4-centimeter pneumatic inner tube tires with rounded profiles that give it excellent ride quality. They help keep the scooter feeling surgically precise and pinned to the tarmac when cornering.

Deck

The Mantis has a spacious deck that is covered in Mantis-branded rubber that keeps your feet planted when pulling serious G’s.

The Kaabo has a spacious, 51.5 centimeter by 21.0 centimeter deck that gives 14.3 centimeters of ground clearance. The deck is covered with a grippy emblemized rubber mat that provides excellent traction in wet or dry conditions. Deck-to-handlebar height is 94.0 centimeters.

Warranty / Post-Purchase Support

The Kaabo Mantis typically has a 6 to 12 month warranty, depending on which retailer you purchase from.

Build quality

The Kaabo Mantis has the same exceptional build quality that we noted when we reviewed the Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11. It has very solid construction with lots of thick metal parts that are all buttoned up very nicely. The scooter is deathly silent with no rattling noises — even on the worst terrain — save for the pleasant hum of the massive motors.

Kaabo even got some of the small touches right. The scooter has A LOT of cables, but they are routed well and wrapped up in a protective mesh that bundles them together. Kaabo even got the kickstand right — an often overlooked feature.

The Kaabo brand, in general, seems to have a solid reputation and quality to match.

Kaabo Mantis: Review Conclusions The Kaabo Mantis packs a lot of performance and features into a decent-sized 27 kg package. We love the acceleration, handling, and ride quality. It really feels like a budget Dualtron Spider and is stiff competition up against the Apollo Pro. The Pro version brings even more to the table — including fully hydraulic brakes and MiniMotors components — at a significantly higher price but is also very competitive. If the Mantis doesn’t suite your needs, check out our suggested alternative scooters. You can also check out our Editor’s pick of best electric scooters. Available in Canada from Fluid Freeride with $150 off using discount code: electric-scooter.guide4mantis

Kaabo Mantis Compared to Other Scooters

Kaabo Mantis Technical Specifications From Manufacturer

Note: This may differ from our tested specifications.