Jiří Filip Today, electric scooters are no longer a rarity. If you want to buy this machine, you will find that the market is already very saturated. But if you want "something better", you should look at the KAABO brand. This is because it offers premium scooters with good driving characteristics and a great range. I got my hands on the Mantis 10 ECO 800 model, which appeals to just such aspects.
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Before we start evaluating the machine itself, let's take a look at the contents of the package. The scooter will arrive folded in a rather large and really heavy cardboard box, from which you cannot read much. I have already tested several scooters and here I have to say that the inside of the box is flawless. You will find only four pieces of polystyrene here, but they can protect the machine safely. With competing brands, you have even twice as many pieces of polystyrene, and sometimes it happened that I simply did not know where it belonged and threw it away. KAABO can only be praised for this. In the package, in addition to the scooter, you will also find an adapter, a manual, screws and a set of hexagons.
Technical Specifications
First, let's look at the most basic technical specifications. It is an electric scooter with folded dimensions of 1267 x 560 x 480 mm. 1267 x 560 x 1230 mm when unfolded. Its weight is 24,3 kg. This is not exactly a little, but the battery with a capacity of 18,2 Ah, providing a range of up to 70 kilometers in ECO mode, is very heavy. Charging time is up to 9 hours. But according to the manufacturer, it usually lasts 4 to 6 hours. The maximum speed after unlocking is 50 km/h. Otherwise it is locked at 25 km/h. The scooter can handle a load of up to 120 kilograms. The wheels have a diameter of 10" and a width of 3", so a safe ride is guaranteed. The KAABO Mantis 10 eco has two brakes, a disc brake with EABS. The front and rear wheels are sprung, making the ride completely comfortable. The engine power is 800W.
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The scooter boasts a pair of rear LED lights, a pair of front LED lights and side LED lights. Just so you understand, this scooter doesn't have a headlight, which is something I haven't digested until now. The manufacturer warns on its website that "for full-fledged night operation, they recommend buying an additional cyclo light." Every scooter I've ever tested had a headlight. And none of them were bad. And we are talking about machines that cost a third of this model. You might think that whoever buys a scooter for 30 will buy a light for another five hundred. But in my eyes, this argument does not hold up and is a complete faux-pas. But since I've been a bit strict, I'll just add that everything else on this scooter is great.
First ride and design
So let's take a look at the scooter itself. Before the first ride, you need to install four screws in the handlebars and fasten them properly. I also recommend setting up a speedometer with an acceleration lever. Before the first ride, it was in such a position that when I added gas, my hand got stuck under the brake, which was not exactly pleasant or safe. In any case, the scooter is ready for use in a few minutes. If we look at the handlebars, we can see brakes on each side, which are really reliable. There is also a bell, an accelerometer, a button to turn on the lights and a display. On it, you can read data about the battery status, the current speed or choose speed modes. You can then fold the scooter thanks to the two-thread joint located below. Always double check that both are properly tightened. As for the record, it's great. Robust, wide and with a non-slip pattern. On the scooter itself, however, I value the wheels and the suspension the most. The wheels are wide and the ride is really safe. In addition, they are covered by a mudguard. The suspension is certainly better than you would expect. The already mentioned LED lights are then placed on the sides of the board. It is a bit of a shame for the scooter that there is no grip on the handlebars when you fold it. After that, the scooter can be taken as a "bag". However, it must be recognized that not everyone can handle 24 kg of Holt.
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Own use
When you buy a similar device, the first thing you will naturally be interested in is the ride itself. I can say for myself that in terms of driving characteristics, I have not yet tested a better scooter and I will try to explain why. The KAABO Mantis 10 has a really wide board. It is usually much narrower on cheaper scooters. So you are often forced to stand on it from the side, which may not be entirely comfortable for someone. In short, you get on this scooter facing the handlebars and the ride is completely safe and pleasant. The second factor is the absolutely sensational suspension. If you've ever ridden a basic scooter, you've noticed that you can feel the slightest bump. With "Mantis Ten" you don't have to worry about anything like that. You'll drive over a canal, a pothole in the road, and basically you won't even notice. I wouldn't be afraid to take the scooter even on a dirt road, although I have to add that I haven't tested anything like that. Thanks to the suspension, the scooter is of course also more resistant to any defects, which is a frequent complication with lower models, if you do not ride purely on cycle paths. Another benefit is definitely the bikes. They are wide enough and gave me a sense of security while driving. The brakes also deserve praise, and it doesn't really matter which one you use. Both work very reliably. But, as always, I cannot forgive the appeal for safe driving. Although the scooter tempts you to ride wildly with its quality and speed, beware. Even at low speed, with the slightest inattention, any accident can happen. The overall processing can also be praised. When tightened, nothing gives out, there is no play and everything is tight and perfect.
The question is the range. The manufacturer guarantees a range of up to 70 kilometers in ECO mode. To a certain extent, this figure is a bit misleading, as several factors influence the range. First of all, it's about the mode, and I have to say that ECO is absolutely sufficient. With a rider weighing 77 kilograms, the scooter managed 48 kilometers. In addition, she was not spared in any case and was forced to overcome the climb several times. If a lady who is 10 kilograms lighter gets on a scooter and rides on cycle paths, I believe in 70 kilometers. But in order not to praise, I have to mention again the absence of a headlight, which I didn't have, and I preferred to drive home quickly before it got dark. Someone may not like the high weight, but the solid construction and large battery weigh something.
Summary
The KAABO Mantis 10 ECO 800 is really a very good machine and with a good headlight you will rarely come across a better and more comfortable scooter on the road. Great ride, great range, great comfort. If you are looking for a better scooter with more than good range, you have a favorite when deciding. Its price is 32.
I wouldn't say that it doesn't matter which brake you use. Be sure to brake the rear first and, if necessary, add braking to the front. If you brake hard at the front, there is a risk of a nasty fall. Especially if someone is a beginner, the front brake on the electric scooter is on the right. However, it's the other way around with a bicycle, watch out for that 😁😉
The grip for the handlebars in the folded state is there, you can see it in the photo - there is an eyelet in the middle of the handlebars and a hook on the rear fender.
Sorry, the catch is at the step