KAABO Mantis X Plus vs ANGWATT F1 NEW - Mid-Range Star or Budget Street Fighter?

Fast Answer for Busy Riders ⚡ (TL;DR)

The ANGWATT F1 NEW is the overall winner here: for a fraction of the price, it delivers genuinely quick commuting speeds, serious range, and a surprisingly plush ride that will embarrass many "big name" scooters at the traffic lights. If you want maximum grin-per-euro and don't mind doing the odd bolt check yourself, the F1 NEW is the smarter buy.

The KAABO Mantis X Plus still makes sense if you value a more polished ecosystem, better weather protection, stronger overall safety package and dual-motor confidence at higher speeds - especially if you ride hard and often. It's for riders who treat the scooter as a primary vehicle, not a cheap toy.

If budget is tight or you simply refuse to overpay for a logo, the ANGWATT is hard to ignore; if you want something closer to a "proper" premium commuter with nicer finishing and more refinement, the Mantis X Plus keeps a foot in that world.

Stick around for the deep dive - the differences are bigger than they look on paper, and which one fits you best depends very much on how (and where) you ride.

There's a fascinating clash happening in the mid-performance scooter segment right now. On one side, you've got the KAABO Mantis X Plus: a familiar big-brand name promising "accessible performance" with dual motors, polished electronics and a reputation built over years of Mantis models. On the other side, the ANGWATT F1 NEW turns up like a budget street racer from a back-alley tuner shop, waving a fat battery and real-world speed for less than half the money.

I've put serious kilometres on both - city commuting, late-night group rides, a bit of light trail nonsense, and more than a few "let's just see what it does" hill pulls. One scooter feels like it's trying to justify a premium badge; the other feels like it skipped the marketing meeting and went straight to the dyno.

The Mantis X Plus is for riders who want a refined, dual-motor all-rounder with decent weather manners and a very comfy chassis. The ANGWATT F1 NEW is for riders who look at the price tag first, performance second - and are delighted to discover they didn't have to sacrifice much comfort to get there. Let's unpack where each one shines, and where the shine starts to crack.

Who Are These For, and Why Compare Them?

On paper, these two shouldn't be direct competitors: the Mantis X Plus lives in the mid-range "serious commuter" bracket, the F1 NEW in the "how is this this cheap?" budget-performance zone. Yet their capabilities overlap heavily: both cruise comfortably well above rental-scooter speeds, both carry heavier riders without complaint, both have suspension you can actually feel working, and both promise proper day-to-day usability.

The key difference is how they get there. The Mantis X Plus leans on dual motors, brand pedigree, better weather protection and a genuinely sorted suspension package. The ANGWATT F1 NEW leans on brutal value, a big battery, a strong single motor and tubeless tyres, while quietly accepting a bit of roughness around the edges.

If you're cross-shopping these two, you're probably asking one of two questions:
"Is the KAABO really worth that much more?" or "Is the ANGWATT too cheap to trust every day?" Let's go category by category.

Design & Build Quality

Park them side by side and the philosophies are obvious. The Mantis X Plus looks like a shrunken-down performance scooter: curved suspension arms, a forward-leaning stance, slick matte finish and that signature "Mantis" silhouette. The frame uses a higher-grade aluminium alloy, the welds look cleaner, and the cockpit - with its big TFT screen and tidy controls - does a decent impression of a premium product.

The ANGWATT F1 NEW, by contrast, is more "industrial utility". There's more exposed iron in the frame, more visible bolts, and the overall vibe is less sculpted and more "built to a price but made to last". The central display looks futuristic but the plastics and finishing are a little more AliExpress than Apple Store.

In the hand, the difference is noticeable: the Mantis feels like a cohesive, engineered package, while the F1 feels like a sturdy kit of parts. Stem play is well controlled on both when new, but long-term, KAABO's ecosystem and better tolerances usually age more gracefully - assuming you keep on top of the infamous Mantis stem creaks. With ANGWATT, you need to expect the usual direct-import ritual: grab a multi-tool on day one and re-torque a surprising number of fasteners.

Still, structurally, both scooters inspire confidence once set up properly. If you're picky about finishing details and cockpit polish, the Mantis X Plus clearly has the edge. If you care more about whether it'll survive potholes and the odd kerb, the F1 NEW doesn't really give you a reason to worry either - it just doesn't look as "premium" doing it.

Ride Comfort & Handling

On comfort, both scooters are good; one of them is outstanding.

The Mantis X Plus has what I'd call "grown-up" suspension. Adjustable spring shocks front and rear give generous travel, and more importantly, they're tunable. I spent a couple of rides fiddling with preload until the scooter stopped pogoing and started gliding, and once dialled in it eats broken asphalt and cobblestones like few mid-range machines. Add wide 10-inch tyres and a long, stable deck, and you get a ride that still feels fresh after an hour. It's the kind of scooter that makes you deliberately detour through the park because it's genuinely fun to carve around bends.

The ANGWATT fights way above its price bracket here. That front hydraulic shock makes a bigger difference than the spec sheet suggests. Hit a raised manhole cover or the classic European "patchwork" cobble section and the front end soaks the hit instead of bouncing back into your wrists. The rear spring is simple but effective. Tubeless pneumatic tyres with a bit of sidewall give another layer of cushioning, especially if you drop pressures slightly.

On truly rough surfaces - ripped-up tarmac, repeated big potholes - the Mantis still walks away: more travel, better damping, and a chassis that stays composed at higher speeds. The F1 NEW remains comfortable but starts to feel a bit busier and less controlled when you push hard over bad surfaces at its top speeds.

Handling-wise, the Mantis leans into that "Mantis carve" reputation. Wide bars, a big deck and low-slung weight make it feel almost surfy in corners, especially on smooth bike paths. You can lean it with real confidence. The F1 NEW feels more upright and less athletic, but also very predictable - it's more like a solid commuter with a bit of extra speed, rather than a sport scooter in disguise.

Performance

Performance is where their personalities really diverge.

The KAABO brings dual motors to the party. Off the line, in its higher power modes, it surges ahead cleanly but not violently - those Sine Wave controllers smooth out the initial hit, so you get strong, linear pull rather than a jerky lunge. From a red light, you're genuinely ahead of traffic for the first few dozen metres, and on steeper hills the second motor is worth its weight in copper. The scooter keeps a healthy pace even when the gradient turns rude, especially with a lighter rider.

Top speed sits in that "fast enough that you're glad for a helmet with a chin bar" range. The chassis can handle it, but you can feel you're near the upper limit of what 10-inch wheels should be doing on less-than-perfect asphalt. Braking - with dual discs and electronic assist - is reassuring, though I'd still love to see full hydraulics standard at this price. You can stop hard without white-knuckling the levers.

The ANGWATT has only one motor, but a surprisingly willing one. From zero to mid-speed, the gap to the Mantis is smaller than you'd expect - the rear wheel digs in, and with that strong controller it leaps away from the rental-scooter crowd decisively. For city commuting, especially in 30-km/h zones, you don't feel short-changed at all.

At higher speeds, the story changes. The F1 NEW tops out a little below the KAABO in real terms, and once you're into the top end of its range, acceleration softens noticeably. Hills are absolutely manageable, but on steeper, longer climbs you'll see speeds dropping, where the Mantis's second motor keeps you closer to your flat-ground pace.

Braking on the ANGWATT is better than "budget" suggests: dual mechanical discs plus an electronic brake give solid, controllable stopping. You don't get quite the same confidence as the Mantis at very high speed, but for the speeds the F1 NEW spends most of its time at, it's more than adequate - provided you've done the usual out-of-box brake adjustment to get rid of squeals and sponginess.

Battery & Range

Both scooters run on broadly similar battery packs: same voltage, very similar capacity. Unsurprisingly, their claimed ranges are equally optimistic, and their real-world ranges are equally more modest.

In mixed urban riding - some full-throttle blasts, some cruising, some hills - I consistently saw the Mantis X Plus land in the mid-double-digit kilometre range per charge. Ride it like a maniac, always in the highest mode, and you end up closer to the lower end of that; ride it at sensible commuter speeds, and you stretch things nicely. The dual motors do sip more energy when you keep them engaged, but the efficient controllers claw some of that back.

The ANGWATT F1 NEW is pleasantly frugal for a scooter at this price and weight. With similar use conditions to the Mantis, range is only a little shorter in practice, despite the lower price tag. Ride gently in its middle mode and you can absolutely make a medium-length daily commute on a single charge, there and back, without the creeping "will I make it home?" dread.

On both scooters, if you're a heavier rider or live somewhere hilly, assume the lower end of the reported real-world ranges. The F1 NEW is slightly more efficient at lower speeds thanks to its single-motor layout, while the Mantis lets you choose - you can run single-motor mode for longer range days, or fire up both when you want more fun than efficiency.

Charging times are in the same "overnight and forget about it" bracket. Neither is winning awards for fast charging out of the box, but given their battery sizes and prices, that's hardly shocking.

Portability & Practicality

Neither of these belongs in the "one-hand up three flights of stairs" category. These are compact vehicles, not folding toys.

The Mantis X Plus is the heavier of the two, and you feel every extra kilo when you're manoeuvring it in tight spaces or hauling it into a boot. The folding mechanism itself is quick and decently engineered, with a secure clamp and stem lock that give confidence once you've set the tension properly. Folded size is okay for car trunks and corridors, but the wide bars and long deck mean it's still a sizeable lump to deal with.

The ANGWATT F1 NEW is marginally lighter, which you do notice if you're lifting it regularly, but the difference is not life-changing. Its fold is compact enough for most car boots and small household storage spaces, and the stem design keeps wobble at bay if you lock it down correctly. The sturdy kickstand on both scooters handles the weight, though on the ANGWATT you'll want to keep an eye on the kickstand bolts over time.

For true multi-modal commuting - in and out of trains, up stairs, through crowded platforms - both are compromises. The Mantis's extra heft and width make it more awkward; the ANGWATT's simpler latch and slightly lower mass make it the lesser evil, but it's still not what I'd call "train friendly". For ground-floor storage or garages, both are perfectly liveable; just accept that "parking" rather than "carrying" is the default.

Safety

At the speeds these scooters are capable of, safety is non-negotiable.

The Mantis X Plus takes the more thorough approach. Dual physical brakes plus electronic assistance, a more mature lighting system with a higher-mounted headlight, turn signals, side deck lighting and better water resistance all add up to a package that feels ready for serious city riding. The chassis feels rock solid when you're leaned over or braking hard from top speed, and the large contact patch of the tyres, combined with that plush suspension, helps keep you hooked to the tarmac even on rough sections.

The ANGWATT doesn't embarrass itself, but you can see where savings have been made. The braking package is good for its class and perfectly acceptable for most riders, but lacks the ultimate bite and modulation you'd like when you're closer to top speed on a wet road. Lighting is actually impressive for the money - headlight, side lights, turn signals - but positioning and brightness are a notch below the KAABO's more thought-through system. Water protection is also more basic; I'd think twice before treating the F1 NEW as an all-weather daily in northern Europe unless you're prepared to DIY some extra sealing.

In short: both can be ridden safely with proper gear and common sense. If you regularly ride fast, at night, in traffic and in mixed weather, the Mantis X Plus has a clear edge. If your rides are mostly dry, urban and under truly silly speeds, the ANGWATT's safety package is adequate, if not inspiring.

Community Feedback

Price & Value

Here's where things get uncomfortable for the Mantis X Plus.

KAABO is asking mid-range money for a dual-motor, well-equipped scooter from a known brand. In that context, the Mantis X Plus is perfectly defensible: good suspension, a nice screen, refined controllers, a capable battery and a generally sorted package. You do get a more sophisticated machine than the average "specs bomb" clone.

But then you look at the ANGWATT F1 NEW's price tag and what it delivers, and the mental maths becomes brutal. For significantly less than half the price, you're getting almost the same battery capacity, very usable real-world speed, proper suspension with a hydraulic front shock, tubeless tyres, NFC start and a full lighting package. It's not as polished, sure, but it's also nowhere near half as good.

If money is no object, the Mantis is the more complete, reassuring scooter. If you're operating with a normal human budget and you care about pure functional value, the F1 NEW is the sort of deal that makes you look at premium mid-range scooters and quietly wonder what, exactly, you're paying for beyond the badge.

Service & Parts Availability

This is one area where KAABO's longer presence pays off.

The Mantis line has been around long enough that parts - from fenders and stems to controllers and displays - are widely available through European distributors and a network of dealers. Many general e-scooter shops know the platform, have worked on it before, and stock consumables. If something major fails after the warranty, you're still likely to find support without too much stress.

ANGWATT, being essentially a house brand for large online retailers, plays a different game. Parts are generally available and inexpensive, but they tend to arrive in little packages from overseas, and support is handled via ticket systems rather than face-to-face. If you're comfortable with self-repair - or have a local independent technician who's happy to work on anything - that's fine. If you expect a regional service centre and same-week parts, KAABO is the safer bet.

In short: Mantis X Plus for plug-and-play ownership with dealer support; F1 NEW for tinkerers and budget-savvy riders who don't mind getting their hands a bit oily.

Pros & Cons Summary

Parameters Comparison

Final Verdict - Which Should You Choose?

If I strip it down to riding feel alone, the KAABO Mantis X Plus is the better scooter. The dual motors give you that reassuring shove on hills and at higher speeds, the suspension is properly sorted, and the overall chassis composure makes fast riding feel controlled rather than reckless. Add better water protection, stronger lighting and a mature support network, and you've got a scooter that can realistically replace a second car for many urban riders.

But scooters don't exist in a vacuum - they exist in wallets. And this is where the ANGWATT F1 NEW crashes the party. For everyday commuting at sane speeds, it delivers a shockingly high percentage of the Mantis experience for a fraction of the cost. The front hydraulic shock, big battery, tubeless tyres and genuinely punchy motor mean you're not exactly suffering on the cheaper machine.

If your riding is serious, frequent, sometimes wet, and you want something that feels closer to a finished product than a modding platform, the Mantis X Plus still justifies itself - especially if you can snag it on a decent sale. If, however, you're budget-conscious, mechanically tolerant, and mainly ride in dry urban conditions, the ANGWATT F1 NEW is the smarter choice. It's the one that makes you grin every time you remember what you paid for it.

Personally, I'd daily the ANGWATT F1 NEW if I were watching my spending, and keep the Mantis X Plus for riders who prioritise refinement and brand backing over raw value. Both are fun; one just feels a lot more honest about the deal you're getting.

Numbers Freaks Corner

These metrics put some maths behind the gut feeling. The "price per" numbers show how efficiently each euro and each kilogram is being used. The efficiency metrics (Wh per km, weight per km) tell you how far you're likely to go for the battery and weight you're hauling. Power-related ratios highlight how much motor grunt you get relative to speed and mass, while average charging speed gives a simple view of how quickly you can refill the tank after a full depletion.

Author's Category Battle

Overall Winner Declaration

In the Numbers Freaks Corner, the KAABO Mantis X Plus scores 5 points against the ANGWATT F1 NEW's 5. In the Author's Category Battle, the KAABO Mantis X Plus gets 33 ✅ versus 7 ✅ for ANGWATT F1 NEW.

Totals: KAABO Mantis X Plus scores 38, ANGWATT F1 NEW scores 12.

Based on the scoring, the KAABO Mantis X Plus is our overall winner. For me as a rider, the ANGWATT F1 NEW walks away with this one emotionally because it delivers so much of the "big scooter" experience without demanding a big-scooter budget. It feels like you're getting away with something every time you twist the throttle. The KAABO Mantis X Plus remains the more sophisticated, more reassuring machine, and if you're willing to pay for that polish and support, you'll be rewarded with a very complete daily ride. But in a world where value matters, the ANGWATT proves you don't need a famous logo on the stem to have a seriously good time on two electric wheels.

That's our verdict when we try to stay objective – but hey, riding is mostly about emotions anyway, so pick the one that will make you look forward to your commute every single day.