Kaabo Mantis 8 - $1299
Paul Somerville
October 18, 2020
Rider Guide’s Editor-in-Chief is a seasoned expert in the electric scooter industry. With a wide-ranging background that includes managing scooter warehouses, selling thousands of motorcycles, and restoring high value (+1M) European sports cars, his expertise is unmatched. Having personally tested more than 100 electric scooters, he offers invaluable insights and recommendations to our readers. We are fortunate to have him as part of our team, as his diverse skill set and extensive experience ensure top-notch reviews.
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Kaabo Mantis 8 Summary
The Kaabo Mantis 8 packs a super solid, whisper quiet ride without the arm-yanking torque of its bigger brothers, the Mantis and Mantis Pro. It appeals to riders in search of good speed, range, and the famous Mantis brand — and is the tamest member of the family when it comes to acceleration.
PROS
Stem redemption
Nimble
Excellent braking
Superb fit and finish
CONS
Sluggish acceleration
Not water resistant
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
26.9 mph**
Water Resistance:
None**
Max Rider Weight:
265 lb**
Weight:
53.6 lb**
Tested Range:
26.7 mi**
Acceleration:
4.9 s**
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Kaabo Mantis 8 is available in United States from Fluid Freeride.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Our Take: An Excellent 26 MPH Entry Into Performance-Level Scooters
Kaabo is a world-recognized brand producing serious performance scooters for off-roading and commuting. Enter their newest Manti, the Mantis 8: Kaabo’s answer to a lighter weight, performance commuter scooter.
The Manti are known for head-whipping power and nimble handling, but also for stem creak and wobble. However, the Mantis 8 represents serious redemption for the Kaabo brand, bringing the stem from worst to first in quality. Unlike it's predecessors, the Mantis 8 is not a racing scooter, but has many of the high quality features we expect from Manti, resulting in a super smooth, comfortable ride. The fact that it’s not jumping off the start line is part of its charm, and it’s a really comfortable commuter riding at 20 mph.
The Kaabo Mantis 8 is the tamest member of the Manti family: it's got a lighter build, smaller, wider tires, and rides with not quite as much bite as dual motor Manti. We performance tested the Kaabo Mantis 8 (single 800 w motor).
Here's a Kaabo Mantis comparison table, detailing the main differences between models.
The Manti are known for head-whipping power and nimble handling, but also for stem creak and wobble. However, the Mantis 8 represents serious redemption for the Kaabo brand, bringing the stem from worst to first in quality. Unlike it's predecessors, the Mantis 8 is not a racing scooter, but has many of the high quality features we expect from Manti, resulting in a super smooth, comfortable ride. The fact that it’s not jumping off the start line is part of its charm, and it’s a really comfortable commuter riding at 20 mph.
The Kaabo Mantis 8 is the tamest member of the Manti family: it's got a lighter build, smaller, wider tires, and rides with not quite as much bite as dual motor Manti. We performance tested the Kaabo Mantis 8 (single 800 w motor).
Here's a Kaabo Mantis comparison table, detailing the main differences between models.
Is It Good for Bigger, Heavier Riders? -Yes.
Big Dawgs are larger riders that are over 200 lbs and 6 feet or taller, often favoring oversized decks, tall handlebars, pneumatic tires, and suspension.
Our resident Big Dawg, Ramier, has ridden the other Manti and, when comparing to the full-size models, really likes the newest Mantis 8 because the stem is rock solid and the suspension and wider tires feel great, making it a nice ride for heavier riders.
The brakes are good, and it just feels solid for a single motor. It was able to climb part of a fairly steep hill, even though it was slowing down. The Mantis 8 can accommodate riders up to 265 lb and is a single-motor performance scooter that Big Dawgs approve.
Our resident Big Dawg, Ramier, has ridden the other Manti and, when comparing to the full-size models, really likes the newest Mantis 8 because the stem is rock solid and the suspension and wider tires feel great, making it a nice ride for heavier riders.
The brakes are good, and it just feels solid for a single motor. It was able to climb part of a fairly steep hill, even though it was slowing down. The Mantis 8 can accommodate riders up to 265 lb and is a single-motor performance scooter that Big Dawgs approve.
Kaabo Mantis 8 Review
Acceleration
The Mantis 8 has super smooth acceleration, but is relatively slow off the start line, compared to other fast scooters.
The Mantis 8 takes 4.9 seconds to reach 15 mph, 8.2 seconds to reach 20 mph and 14.9 seconds to reach 25 mph. The Mantis 8 does not have fast acceleration compared to its more powerful siblings, but that could be a huge benefit for scooter riders that are in seek of daily commuting comfort over raw speed.
The Mantis 8 takes 4.9 seconds to reach 15 mph, 8.2 seconds to reach 20 mph and 14.9 seconds to reach 25 mph. The Mantis 8 does not have fast acceleration compared to its more powerful siblings, but that could be a huge benefit for scooter riders that are in seek of daily commuting comfort over raw speed.
Hill Climb
The Mantis 8 is an able hill climber, but falls behind other scooters in its class uphill. It made the 200 ft, 10% grade climb in 14.8 seconds with a 165 lb rider.
Compare with other scooters on our performance page.
Compare with other scooters on our performance page.
Top Speed
The Mantis 8 has an RG tested top speed of 26.9 mph, but it definitely takes some time to get there. The 8 feels great (or much better) right around 20 mph.
Range
The Mantis 8 has good range for commuting, getting 26.7 mi of tested range, which all involve a 165 lb rider performing the test in the scooter's highest performance mode.
Learn more about our extensive RG certification tests.
Learn more about our extensive RG certification tests.
Braking
With dual disc brakes and those extra wide tires, the Mantis 8 has an excellent braking distance of 10.6 ft. It also comes with regenerative brakes which have a satisfying feel and sound, and seamlessly engage when slightly pulling on the brake levers.
Ride Quality
The Kaabo Mantis 8 has satisfying ride quality, with smooth acceleration and deceleration, and good damping from the dual suspension. Unlike the bigger Manti, the 8 isn't going to throw you back as you pull the throttle. Although it can exceed 25 mph, it's more comfortable to travel at around 20 mph because you absorb small bumps up through the handlebars much more at higher speeds. While the wide tires have great traction when cornering and render the rider fearless of ruts running parallel to direction of travel, the small diameter of the wheels makes the scooter feel a bit unstable (don't try to scratch your nose while riding). You really notice the feeling when you try to roll over a traffic dot on the road.
Although you can't jump from zero to lightning speeds, the Mantis 8 is perfect for comfortable cruising, nimbly taking corners and giving you the feeling of better control.
Although you can't jump from zero to lightning speeds, the Mantis 8 is perfect for comfortable cruising, nimbly taking corners and giving you the feeling of better control.
Kaabo Mantis 8 Features
Portability
Being slightly lighter than other Manti at 53.6 lb, the Mantis 8 is a fairly portable machine. The stem folding mechanism is a collar style with two stem clamps that require some play to adjust and secure. The stem clips to the deck for easy carrying, but the handlebars do not fold down. Overall, the Mantis 8 closely resembles other Manti in its build, look, and feel.
The Kaabo Mantis 8 measures 45 inches long by 24 inches wide by 48 inches tall with a folded height of 19 inches.
The Kaabo Mantis 8 measures 45 inches long by 24 inches wide by 48 inches tall with a folded height of 19 inches.
Cockpit
The Mantis 8 has a simple cockpit, with a QS-S4 trigger throttle, dual brake handles, and switches to control the lights. The turn signals do not have an indicator to alert you that they're on, so you will have to look down or remember that you've activated them.
On the left side, there's a bell attached to the brake lever. There is also a "Dual" button that does not currently serve a purpose, as the Mantis 8 only comes with one motor. The Mantis 8 Pro is dual motor. The handgrips are soft foam, and the plug-and-play cabling is routed nicely into the stem.
Lights
The Kaabo Mantis 8 has button deck lights that double as turn signals and provide some illumination, but not nearly enough for safe riding (especially at night). There's also LED lighting running the length of either side of the deck, which makes you much more visible to others out on the road.
For riding at night, we recommend a high-mounted, bright headlight and rear mounted blinking taillight (on your backpack or helmet).
Learn more about lighting and safety.
For riding at night, we recommend a high-mounted, bright headlight and rear mounted blinking taillight (on your backpack or helmet).
Learn more about lighting and safety.
Tires
The tires are one of the main features that sets the Mantis 8 apart from its family. The 8 inch by 3.1 in tubeless pneumatic tires give you great stability running along grooves in the direction you're traveling, but don't handle as well over ruts that run perpendicular to your wheels.
Tubeless tires tend to be slightly more durable than tube-filled tires as there's no inner tube that can get pinched if and when your tires have insufficient air pressure or get punctured.
Read more about preventing and repairing flats.
Tubeless tires tend to be slightly more durable than tube-filled tires as there's no inner tube that can get pinched if and when your tires have insufficient air pressure or get punctured.
Read more about preventing and repairing flats.
Deck
The understated yet signature Mantis deck design measures 18.5 in long by Error: Invalid unit "inc". wide with 4.6 inches of ground clearance. The deck surface is a durable, pliable, texturized rubber that tucks into the deck's framework, and can easily be lifted to access the battery.
Build Quality
Overall, the build quality of the Kaabo Mantis 8 is superb. Few vehicles in this price class have the polish of the Mantis 8, with very clean welds (including the stem and fork welded together), and durable and hefty components, creating a whisper quiet, super solid ride. The stem has been solidly reconfigured and is no longer susceptible to the issues with breaking the interior screw or causing stems to crack. The Mantis 8 has a rock solid stem. You won't be annoyed by creaks or squeaks, except maybe from the brakes, which can easily be adjusted. The dual suspension is very firm and provides good damping, and it is not recommended to adjust the suspension.
One small alignment issue with the front brake caliper affects brake feel and responsiveness. Although the Mantis 8 has an excellent design with the intention to keep the brake cable and front caliper aligned, it fails at its purpose as the cable's housing doesn't hold the cable at the right angle. By adding a zip tie to the caliper, you can remedy this issue and improve the brake feel.
The Mantis 8 does not have an IP rating, so is not recommended to ride in the rain.
One small alignment issue with the front brake caliper affects brake feel and responsiveness. Although the Mantis 8 has an excellent design with the intention to keep the brake cable and front caliper aligned, it fails at its purpose as the cable's housing doesn't hold the cable at the right angle. By adding a zip tie to the caliper, you can remedy this issue and improve the brake feel.
The Mantis 8 does not have an IP rating, so is not recommended to ride in the rain.
Kaabo Mantis 8: Review Conclusions
The Mantis 8 is a solid performance commuter scooter built for long-term cruising. With this electric scooter, you're getting the now excellent build quality of a Kaabo scooter but with a smoother ride quality than we've witnessed on a Mantis. The 8 is fast enough to whip your hair around (under your helmet), but not so fast that you're gripping the handlebars for your life.
The more gradual acceleration paired with strong braking and a bombproof build make the Mantis 8 an excellent choice for beginner riders and experienced riders alike.
If the Kaabo line doesn’t fit your needs, check out our RG Editor’s pick of best electric scooters.
The more gradual acceleration paired with strong braking and a bombproof build make the Mantis 8 an excellent choice for beginner riders and experienced riders alike.
If the Kaabo line doesn’t fit your needs, check out our RG Editor’s pick of best electric scooters.
The Kaabo Mantis 8 is available in United States from Fluid Freeride.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Technical Specs Comparison
Model
Kaabo Mantis 8
Kaabo Mantis 8 Pro
Kaabo Mantis
EMOVE Cruiser
Top Speed**
26.9 mph
35.9 mph
39.3 mph
30.5 mph
Range**
26.7 mi
27.6 mi
29.1 mi
47.0 mi
Weight**
53.6 lb
59.8 lb
62.2 lb
59.4 lb
Price
$1299
$1999
$1599
$1499
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
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