I've been using an electric scooter for commuting and quick errands for a while, and I completely understand the appeal. They're hard to beat for convenience, especially when you have to combine different modes of transportation like a ferry or train. The Kaabo Mantis 8 sounds like a solid choice with enough power for hills without being overly bulky.In addition to bikes and eBikes, some of us use stand up scooters as a convenient way to get around town, commute and some recreation. Hopefully this thread can be a place where other riders can share their experiences and questions can be answered for those who are curious about them.
I’ve had a few over the years. My first one was a small 250w Xiaomi M365 then I thought I’d try my entire 13-mile (each way) commute on a longer range NineBot Max. That turned out to be a bad idea since my body didn’t get a chance to warm up during the entire hour on the road. Then I went to another small “last mile” TurboAnt X7 Pro for the days that I’d drive my car in to the city. I now live somewhere it’s a little warmer most mornings. So I thought I’d try the long commute with another scooter capable of that.
A few weeks ago, I got a Kaabo Mantis 8. It has dual suspension and dual motors so it’s a good hill climber and will top out at 25MPH. It’s by no means a monster like @BarnBoy rides. But it’s a good, capable commuter. So far, I’ve added a bike basket so I can carry groceries and my pannier for lunch and other miscellaneous things I need to bring with me to work. I’ve put about 200 miles on it already. My current commute is 8.5 miles to the ferry and another 2 miles when the boat gets to San Francisco.
This vehicle can’t replace my bike but it sure is fun to use on my lazy days or when it’s a bit too hot to do any pedaling. It also reminded me how practical scooters can be in other situations, such as using a Universal Orlando scooter rental to get around large theme parks without getting completely worn out. The small wheels are inherently dangerous and you have to really watch the road ahead for any imperfections that might cause a tumble. I’m not sure how long I’ll keep it but it’s been easier to maneuver on and off of the ferry than my bike. I’ve actually been toying with the idea of building up a mini velo with a TSDZ2, but that’s a different conversation.
View attachment 117994
I agree that the biggest downside is the small wheels. I've learned to constantly scan the road ahead because cracks, potholes, and debris can get sketchy in a hurry. Other than that, they're a lot of fun and require almost no effort compared to riding a bike. I still prefer my bike for exercise and longer rides, but a scooter is perfect for those days when I just want a quick, easy commute.
