Kaabo Mantis V2

Product Description

At a Glance: What is the Kaabo Mantis V2?

 

Hailing from Kaabo, the Mantis V2 is the second major iteration in the ultra-popular Mantis line, which had both 8-inch tire and 10-inch tire versions. It features a powerful 1000 watt motor in each wheel, which definitely skews on the more powerful end for scooters. That’s paired with a whopping 1092wh battery, making for 27.2 miles of range to get you plenty far between charges. Clocking in at 66.4 lbs. The Mantis V2 isn’t light per se, but it’s reasonably manageable to tote around and with this weight, you will not be sacrificing speed, range, or weight capacity. Supporting a maximum 265 lb weight rider capacity, the Mantis V2 should work well for most folks. 

 

Mantis V2 Electric Scooter Performance Review

Are you looking for a flagship e-scooter without breaking the bank? Consider the Kaabo Mantis V2. In our range test, we rode for 27.2 miles on a single charge. We appreciated its blisteringly fast 2.2 second 0-15 mph acceleration that’s speedy yet smooth—the Mantis V2 absolutely shreds tires without snapping your head back. 

 

Its base model comes outfitted with sinewave, rather than square-wave, motor controllers, which lend buttery smooth throttle control. Packing plenty of power, the Mantis V2 handles hills with ease. Better yet, the Mantis doesn’t sacrifice comfort, balancing ride quality with raw performance.

 

Scooter safety is critical, and one of the Mantis V2’s standout improvements is a Zoom hydraulic braking system. We found the V2’s stopping power slightly better than the 2020 Mantis Pro.

 

Additionally, build quality is exceptional. You’ll find enhanced brakes, a bright headlight, front and rear turn signals, plus IPX5 water resistance. However, the front fender isn’t great, and the onboard display isn’t as bright as we’d like. Furthermore, the new Zoom brake and throttle ergonomics leave a bit to be desired. Nevertheless, the Kaabo Mantis V2 boasts professional-level performance with a superb feature set without costing an arm-and-a-leg.

 

Speed

In comparing the Mantis V2 with the 2020 Mantis Pro, the V2 bested the Pro with a top speed of 37 miles per hour! Don’t forget that this is comparing the new base model with the old upgraded model, evidencing the “new standard for the industry” nature that we consider the Mantis to be.

 

Top speed: 37.3 mph

 

Range

Although speed is essential, range is critical too. On our range circuit, the Mantis V2 tackled 27.2 miles, 1.9 miles less than we achieved with the 2020 Mantis. However, that’s on par with other scooters in this class. Plus, the V2’s ultra-quiet motors and smooth-shifting throttle more than compensate for an ever-so-slight range reduction. 

 

Range: 27.2 miles

 

Acceleration

Our acceleration benchmark clocked an impressive 2.2 second 0-15 mph. While the Mantis V2 is a speed demon, its silky ramp-up doesn’t snap your head back when you clamp down on the throttle. Its seamless motor control comes thanks to sinewave motor controllers, which we like better than square-wave controllers.

 

Acceleration: 2.2 second 0-15 mph

 

Braking

While going fast is fun, slowing down is vital for safety. Thankfully, the Mantis V2 sports spectacular stopping power with best-in-class braking. In our hands-on assessment, stopping from 15 mph took just 9.7 feet. Its improved braking is due to Zoom hydraulic brakes, a feature previously absent on most base scooter models. The Mantis V2 brakes better than the 2020 Mantis Pro despite both utilizing the same Zoom hydraulic braking system, thanks to its improved suspension that keeps it from diving forward.

 

Braking: 9.7 ft. from 15 mph

 

Hill Climb

Accelerating on flat ground isn’t terribly taxing, but riders in hilly areas will love the Mantis V2’s excellent hill ascent. The V2 outpaced its predecessor while sliding in just shy of the 2020 Mantis Pro.

 

Ride Quality

Accelerating on flat ground isn’t terribly taxing, but riders in hilly areas will love the Mantis V2’s excellent hill ascent. The V2 outpaced its predecessor while sliding in just shy of the 2020 Mantis Pro.

 

Design and Build Quality

From a cursory glance, the Mantis V2 seems virtually unchanged. However, looking closer reveals a slew of improvements. There’s a new high-mounted headlight alongside front and rear turn signals. Indicators let you know which lights are active and the current riding mode.

 

IPX5 water resistance is a welcome update, as many scooter manufacturers seem to skip this step. An upgraded stem feels locked down with less spin than the previous foam grips.

 

There’s an enhanced rear fender, but the middling front fender could do with an eventual refresh. The onboard display is fine, though somewhat dim for our taste. 

 

Portability

At around 66 lbs, the Mantis V2 isn’t feather-light, but considering its big battery and beefy motor, that’s a manageable weight. Its compact, folding form factor passes the trunk test—though just barely. We’d suggest taking the elevator with your Mantis V2 if you’ve got to traverse more than one flight of stairs, although if you hit the weights more (or less) than us, your experience may vary.