KAABO

Kaabo Mantis 8

SKU: KAABO-MANTIS-8

Description

Kaabo Mantis 8 — The Accessible Mantis

The Mantis 8 is the lightest and most affordable member of the Kaabo Mantis family, targeting urban commuters who do not need the output of the larger Mantis 10 variants. Twin 500W motors with a combined 2200W peak are modest compared with the Mantis 10 Plus (2×1000W), but sufficient for flat and gently hilly cities: real-world testing in dual and turbo mode handles climbs of approximately 20°.

A notable detail: the 48V 13Ah battery, built from 78×18650 cells, is UL-certified, making the Mantis 8 legally rideable in New York City and other municipalities with strict pack-safety requirements. This distinguishes it within the Kaabo lineup, where most models lack UL certification.

C-type swingarm suspension (front and rear) absorbs urban road imperfections better than a rigid frame, though it is a step below the hydraulic systems on larger Mantis models. Mechanical disc brakes with EABS are functional at city speeds up to 40 km/h. Tyre type is a point of conflict between sources: Kaabo USA describes them as tubed road tyres; Freshly Charged describes them as tubeless — both attributions are recorded in the notes.

At approximately 24 kg with a folding frame, the Mantis 8 is the most portable scooter in the Kaabo lineup aside from the Urban.

Highlights

  • Dual motors
  • Urban performance
  • Reliable
  • Good value
  • Dual 500W motors, 2200W peak, approximately 24 kg weight
  • UL-certified 48V 13Ah pack (NYC-legal)
  • 8-inch pneumatic tyres, C-type swingarm suspension
  • Mechanical disc brakes with EABS

Model history

The Kaabo Mantis 8 appeared around 2021–2022 as the lightweight, accessible entry point into the Mantis range, which otherwise consists of 10-inch 60V models. It is oriented towards the US market, where city regulations increasingly mandate UL-certified battery packs. A 2025 marketing refresh kept the core specification unchanged. As of 2026, Kaabo USA continues to sell it as its entry-level dual-motor option.

Specifications

Motor
Count
2
Type
hub
Power / motor (W)
500
Total power (W)
1000
Peak power (W)
2200
Battery
Cells
78× 18650 Li-ion
Voltage (V)
48
Capacity (Ah)
13
Capacity (Wh)
624
Performance
Max incline (°)
20
Max load (kg)
120
Max speed (km/h)
40
Range (km)
40
Chassis
Foldable
Yes
Brake type
Front suspension
swingarm
Rear suspension
swingarm
Weight (kg)
24
Wheel size (in)
8
Wheel type
pneumatic
Adjustable suspension
No
Electronics
Display
LCD
NFC
No
Mobile app
No
Alarm
No
Regenerative braking
Yes
Dual motor mode
Yes
RGB lighting
No
Logistics
Seats
1

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Strong dual-motor acceleration — roughly 0-15 mph in 2-3 seconds, well above its class
  • Outstanding dual spring suspension paired with 10-inch pneumatic tires for a smooth ride on rough surfaces
  • Powerful braking — semi-hydraulic on early models, fully hydraulic dual-disc on Pro/V2 versions
  • Bomb-proof build quality with a locking stem and minimal wobble
  • Long real-world range, with eco-mode figures around 40-45 miles on higher-capacity versions
  • UL-certified battery pack — a rare and important credential for riders in cities with strict regulations such as New York City
  • At approximately 24 kg it is significantly lighter than any Mantis 10 Plus or King GT
  • Dual-motor drive provides better traction on wet and slippery surfaces than single-motor equivalents
  • C-type swingarm suspension front and rear provides basic comfort on rough pavement
  • Compact design and accessible cost make the Mantis 8 an excellent first dual-motor scooter

Cons

  • Heavy (around 61-66 lbs / 28-30 kg), limiting comfortable carrying despite folding
  • Ergonomically uncomfortable thumb/trigger throttle noted by multiple reviewers
  • Weak factory lighting that is insufficient for confident night riding on early models
  • Bulky when folded and no integrated locking mechanism
  • Early 2019 units suffered notable reliability and folding-mechanism problems before later refinement; base model lacked an IP water-resistance rating
  • Mechanical disc brakes are a step below the hydraulic systems on larger Mantis models — less modulation and higher lever effort
  • 2×500W and 48V trail the Mantis 10 Plus (2×1000W, 60V) meaningfully in power output
  • Approximately 20° climb in dual+turbo mode — insufficient for steep hills
  • Tyre type is disputed: Kaabo USA says tubed road tyres; Freshly Charged says tubeless — conflict documented in notes
  • Kaabo does not publish an IP rating; avoid riding in heavy rain

Verdict

The Mantis 8 suits the urban commuter who needs a lightweight, affordable dual-motor Kaabo scooter with a UL-certified battery — particularly in cities that require UL 2272 or equivalent certification. For performance-oriented or off-road use, or for tackling steeper climbs, the Mantis 10 Plus is the better choice.

What reviewers say

  • The early issues were back in 2019, a long time ago in the e-scooter world; the Mantis has since become a hugely popular scooter voted best in class by some experts.
    fluidfreeride
  • The Kaabo Mantis Pro is one of the best electric scooters I’ve ever had the opportunity to try.
    ERideHero

Warranty: 6 months

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