Fast Answer for Busy Riders ⚡ (TL;DR)
The NAMI Stellar is the better all-rounder here: it rides more refined, feels more solid, and is simply the nicer scooter to live with day in, day out. Its suspension, frame quality and ultra-smooth control make it a commuter you actually look forward to riding, not just a fast toy.
The KAABO Mantis X Plus hits harder off the line and goes further on a charge, so if you crave dual-motor punch, longer range and larger tyres for mixed riding, it absolutely has its audience-especially heavier riders or weekend warriors who value raw shove.
Choose the Stellar if you want premium feel and comfort in a compact package; choose the Mantis X Plus if you want more speed and range and don't mind a bit of extra weight and maintenance fiddling.
Now let's dig in and see where each scooter really shines-and where the marketing gloss starts to crack.
There's a growing club of riders who want something more serious than a rental scooter, but don't want to park a 40 kg "land missile" in the hallway. Both the NAMI Stellar and the KAABO Mantis X Plus are pitched exactly at that sweet spot: powerful, proper suspension, real brakes-but still just about manageable in a city flat.
I've put serious kilometres on both of these, in real European conditions: wet cobblestones, dodgy bike lanes, impatient taxis and the occasional "shortcut" over badly maintained back streets. On paper they look like cousins; on the road, their personalities are surprisingly different. One feels like a compact luxury GT; the other like a slightly tamed streetfighter.
The Stellar is for riders who want a compact scooter that rides like a big one. The Mantis X Plus is for riders who want a fast scooter that pretends to be "commuter friendly". Both are good; only one feels truly sorted. Let's unpack why.
Who Are These For, and Why Compare Them?
Price-wise, these two sit close enough that most buyers will be choosing between them: the Stellar comes in a bit cheaper, the Mantis X Plus a touch higher, firmly in the "serious commuter / early enthusiast" bracket. You're well past the toy stage, but not yet into "hyper scooter and full-face helmet at all times" territory.
Both claim to be that mythical do-it-all machine: proper suspension, strong motors, solid brakes, real lights, water resistance-scooters you can commute on all week and still enjoy on a Sunday ride. The core trade-off is simple: Stellar gives you a premium single-motor with boutique ride quality; the Mantis X Plus gives you more power and range with dual motors and bigger wheels, but with more heft and a bit more roughness around the edges.
If your riding is mostly city, broken surfaces, and sane speeds, they directly compete. If you want ultra-light, neither is for you. If you want 80 km/h madness, also not your club. This is the sensible performance class-well, "sensible" by scooter standards.
Design & Build Quality
Pick up the NAMI Stellar (carefully) and the first impression is: this thing is a shrunken-down serious machine, not a toy that's been beefed up. The welded tubular frame is classic NAMI: industrial, rigid, and completely uninterested in creaks. No plastic stem covers hiding mystery bolts-the structure is the design. It has that reassuring "if the world ends, this will still be here" vibe.
The KAABO Mantis X Plus goes in a more sculpted, sporty direction. The signature "mantis" swingarms and curvy profile look great, and the aviation-grade alloy frame feels solid in the hands. Compared to older Kaabo generations, fit and finish are clearly improved: less rattly, more grown-up. But when you place it next to the Stellar, the difference in structural honesty is obvious. The Mantis looks slick; the Stellar looks engineered.
Control area: both have modern TFT displays, both bright and legible. The NAMI screen still feels a notch more "instrument cluster" than "gadget": less toyish, more purposeful, with deep but logical settings. The Mantis X Plus display is flashy and very readable, but the overall cockpit has more of a "gaming peripheral" aesthetic-functional, but slightly less premium in touch and feel.
In the hands, the Stellar's bars and clamp feel overbuilt in a good way. The Mantis X Plus finally leaves the notorious old Mantis wobble behind with its improved clamp, but some stems still develop that familiar Kaabo creak over time unless you're proactive with grease and wrench. With the NAMI, the noises that appear tend to be from accessories and screws, not the core chassis itself.
Ride Comfort & Handling
If comfort is your main criteria, this comparison gets lopsided fast. The Stellar is basically a suspension demo from NAMI: compact wheels, yes, but those adjustable shocks soak up city abuse like very few scooters in this weight class. Cobblestones, expansion joints, broken asphalt-where many mid-range scooters start transmitting arguments straight into your knees, the Stellar just shrugs and keeps floating.
On the Mantis X Plus, comfort is still a high point-the suspension is genuinely good, and the longer travel paired with 10-inch, wide tyres helps it glide over uglier surfaces. At speed on decent asphalt, it has that "carve the line you want" feeling that made the Mantis name. But back-to-back with the Stellar, the Kaabo setup feels just a bit more nervous over really rough inner-city patches. You ride around the bad bits on the Mantis; you ride through them on the NAMI.
Handling-wise, the Stellar feels like a compact cruiser: very stable, calm steering, and a planted deck. The 9-inch tyres keep it nimble but the suspension keeps twitchiness in check. It encourages relaxed, flowing lines-not frantic lane-weaving. It prefers "fast enough and smooth".
The Mantis X Plus is sportier. The wider bars and bigger tyres give you more leverage and lean angle confidence, especially at higher speeds. It loves sweeping turns and quick S-bends. It can, however, tempt you into riding it harder than your local infrastructure (or legal framework) might appreciate. Where the Stellar whispers "enjoy the glide", the Mantis tends to shout "one more quick blast!"
Performance
On paper, this should be an easy victory for the dual-motor KAABO-and in straight-line punch, it is. Two motors pulling together give the Mantis X Plus that satisfying launch that single-motor commuters simply can't match. From a standstill, it leaves the Stellar behind without sweating, especially if you're a heavier rider or on an incline. Hill climbs are where the Kaabo really justifies its existence: it powers up steep sections while the Stellar starts to feel like it's working for it.
The Stellar, though, has that classic NAMI feel: the single rear motor might not rip your hands off the bars, but the throttle response is beautifully linear and confident. Acceleration off the line is brisk enough for city traffic and group rides that don't turn into drag races. It doesn't have that "oh, this is a bit much" moment when you absent-mindedly twitch your trigger-the power comes on exactly as your brain expects.
Top speed-wise, both sit in that not-quite-motorcycle, more-than-you-need-for-a-bike-lane band. The Mantis X Plus nudges ahead slightly at the very top, but the real difference is how quickly it gets there and how much headroom it has at urban cruising speeds. The Kaabo still has plenty in reserve when the Stellar is starting to settle into its stride.
Braking is a tale of two similar philosophies: both use cable disc brakes supplemented by strong electronic braking. The Mantis X Plus adds its electronic ABS flavour, which can be a confidence booster for less experienced riders-hard grabs are less likely to result in instant skids. The Stellar counters with very predictable, progressive braking feel and strong regen that you can genuinely use to ride the scooter with minimal mechanical brake use. Neither setup is as "one-finger perfect" as a true hydraulic system, but both stop properly when called upon. The Mantis feels a bit more dramatic; the Stellar more controlled.
Battery & Range
This is where the KAABO Mantis X Plus claws back serious points. Its battery simply holds more energy, and in the real world that translates into noticeably longer rides. Cruising at sensibly brisk city speeds, it pushes well into the distance that most commuters will find more than enough for a full day plus detours. Ride it hard, and you still get a comfortably long session before you're hunting sockets.
The Stellar's pack is clearly in "commuter class", not "touring". For typical urban usage-say, a there-and-back commute with some errands-it's fine, assuming you're not doing prolonged full-throttle everywhere. If you ride with a heavy right thumb or you're on a hilly route, you'll reduce that quite quickly. You don't feel immediate range anxiety, but you are more conscious of the percentage than on the KAABO, especially if you forget to charge one night.
Efficiency is decent on both, helped by sine wave controllers and sensibly tuned power delivery. The NAMI's single motor can be a touch more frugal at regulation-limited speeds, while the KAABO inevitably gulps more when you exploit both motors often. Charging is one area where the Stellar feels more modern: its smaller pack means you go from empty to full in a workday or overnight without much planning. The Mantis X Plus, with its larger battery and modest stock charger, asks for more patience-or an aftermarket upgrade.
Portability & Practicality
Neither of these is something you casually swing over your shoulder on a crowded tram, but there are levels to the pain. The Stellar, sitting a few kilos lighter, really does feel more "grab and go" for short carries-up a few steps to the flat, into a car boot, across a station platform. It still isn't fun on long staircases, but it's survivable.
The Mantis X Plus crosses that line where the number on the spec sheet looks acceptable, but the reality of lifting it repeatedly makes you reconsider your life choices. The wider deck and bars, plus the extra mass, make it more of a "one careful lift" scooter than something you want to haul regularly. If you have lifts, garages and ground-floor storage, fine; if not, do a few practice lifts before you commit.
Folding: both have evolved, confidence-inspiring stem locks that, once properly adjusted, give you a solid feel at speed. The Stellar's hook-to-deck arrangement is very usable, and the folded package is pleasantly compact for its class. The Mantis X Plus folds quickly and reasonably flat but its bar width and length make it more awkward in tight hallways and small car boots.
For everyday living, the Stellar edges ahead: a bit lighter, slightly smaller, very commuter-focused with a strong water resistance rating and properly functional mudguards. The Mantis is perfectly usable as a daily driver-but it always feels one size up from "practical" and one size down from "just buy a bigger scooter and accept your fate".
Safety
Both scooters treat safety as more than a sticker on the box, which is reassuring given the speeds involved. The Stellar comes in with that excellent high-mounted headlight that actually lets you see the road properly, combined with a loud electric horn and good side visibility. At night in the city, you genuinely feel like other traffic knows you're there-provided they're paying any attention at all, of course.
The KAABO Mantis X Plus, meanwhile, leans heavily into bling that doubles as safety: bright front lighting, integrated turn signals, and those side deck LEDs that outline the scooter's shape. In mixed traffic, especially at junctions, this increased side profile visibility is valuable. Cars see "lit-up thing moving at bicycle-plus speeds" and react accordingly. The EABS also adds a layer of stability under panic braking, even if purists sometimes grumble about the feel.
Tyres and stability: the Mantis X Plus has the advantage here with its larger, wider tyres. At higher speeds and on rougher patches, that extra diameter and width help with tracking straight and surviving minor road sins. The Stellar's 9-inch tubeless tyres still feel solid and planted, but pothole management demands a bit more active line choice. On the flip side, the NAMI's suspension control means it stays very composed when things get choppy, and the rigid frame inspires trust.
Overall, both are "proper vehicle" safe when ridden sensibly. The Mantis gives you more margin at top speed with those 10-inch tyres; the Stellar gives you more composure and better lighting as standard. I'd happily ride either at night in a European city-if pushed, I'd take the NAMI's headlight and frame stiffness over the extra tyre diameter.
Community Feedback
| NAMI Stellar | KAABO Mantis X Plus |
|---|---|
| What riders love | What riders love |
| Cloud-like suspension feel; ultra-smooth sine wave power; rock-solid tubular frame; bright, clear TFT display; genuinely useful headlight; quiet, refined ride; premium feel for the size; good water resistance; industrial "serious machine" look. | Strong dual-motor punch; excellent adjustable suspension; agile "Mantis carve" handling; long real-world range; bright TFT display; integrated turn signals and side LEDs; good hill-climbing; great fun factor; strong performance-per-euro reputation. |
| What riders complain about | What riders complain about |
| Some screws working loose (Loctite time); heavier than people expect for a "compact"; wish for larger tyres; mechanical brakes need occasional tweaking; kickstand angle; minor fender rattles if not checked; button ergonomics not perfect. | Heavier and bulkier than photos suggest; stem creaks unless maintained; mechanical brakes instead of full hydraulics; slightly flimsy rear fender; slow stock charger; kickstand stability on uneven ground; manual quality; some anxiety about heavy-rain riding. |
Price & Value
Both sit in what I'd call the "serious but still justifiable" price bracket: it's more than an impulse buy, but still less than some phones people happily finance. The Stellar undercuts the Mantis X Plus by a bit, which matters when you factor in accessories, helmets and decent locks.
The Mantis X Plus, on spec sheets, screams value: dual motors, bigger battery, large tyres, fancy lights, TFT display, sine wave controllers. It's easy to look at the numbers and feel like you're getting more scooter for your money, and in terms of raw performance-per-euro, that's not wrong. Range and acceleration per euro are firmly in its favour.
The Stellar plays a different game. You're paying for ride quality, structural quality and refinement that trickle down from much more expensive NAMI models. If you've never ridden a properly tuned sine wave single-motor scooter with quality suspension, it's easy to underestimate how much this matters. For a daily commuter that you'll actually keep for years, that smoothness and solidity is where the value hides.
In blunt terms: if you want maximum numbers for your money, the KAABO is attractive. If you want something that feels like a mini premium flagship and not a detuned racer, the Stellar makes a very strong case despite having "less" on paper.
Service & Parts Availability
Both brands are well-established with decent dealer networks in Europe, so this isn't a "buy it and pray for spares" situation. KAABO has been around longer in the mass market, and Mantis parts are everywhere-motors, swingarms, clamps, fenders, you name it. Any scooter-focused shop knows the platform and its quirks.
NAMI, while younger, has built an impressively serious reputation. The Burn-E cult following means there's strong dealer and aftermarket support, and the Stellar benefits directly from that ecosystem. You won't struggle for consumables or typical wear parts, and the community is vocal and helpful when it comes to tweaks and fixes.
In terms of day-to-day wrenching: the KAABO tends to ask for a bit more regular attention-tightening, greasing, noise hunting. The NAMI wants bolt checks too (they all do), but the underlying architecture feels less fussy. For a rider who wants to ride more and fiddle less, the Stellar has the edge; for a tinkerer, the Mantis is fine and very mod-friendly.
Pros & Cons Summary
| NAMI Stellar | KAABO Mantis X Plus |
|---|---|
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Parameters Comparison
| Parameter | NAMI Stellar | KAABO Mantis X Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Motor configuration | Single rear hub | Dual hub (front + rear) |
| Rated motor power | 1.000 W | 2 x 500 W (1.000 W total) |
| Top speed (approx.) | 45-50 km/h | ca. 50 km/h |
| Battery | 52 V 15,6 Ah (ca. 812 Wh) | 48 V 18,2 Ah (874 Wh) |
| Claimed range | Up to 50 km | Up to 74 km |
| Realistic range (mixed riding) | ca. 30-35 km | ca. 45-50 km |
| Weight | 26,0 kg (mid value) | 29,0 kg |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc + regen | Mechanical disc + EABS + regen |
| Suspension | Adjustable front & rear coil | Adjustable front & rear spring dampers |
| Tyres | 9" tubeless pneumatic | 10" x 3,0" tubed pneumatic |
| Max rider load | ca. 110-120 kg | 120 kg |
| IP rating | IP55 | IPX5 |
| Charging time (stock charger) | 5-6 h | ca. 9 h |
| Approx. price | 1.109 € | 1.211 € |
Final Verdict - Which Should You Choose?
When you strip away the marketing and look at how these scooters actually live under you, the NAMI Stellar comes out as the more complete, better-balanced package-especially if your primary mission is daily urban commuting with a generous side of comfort. It's the scooter that feels "sorted": the suspension is genuinely excellent, the chassis inspires confidence, the controls are polished, and nothing about it screams "budget shortcut". You get on it, ride across a nasty bit of town, and arrive thinking about how good the ride felt, not about what you want to upgrade.
The KAABO Mantis X Plus will absolutely appeal if you want more range and stronger acceleration without jumping into full hyper-scooter madness. If you're heavier, tackle big hills regularly, or spend weekends chasing friends on faster machines, its extra battery capacity, dual-motor punch and 10-inch tyres are very persuasive. It is fun, capable, and keeps up with much more expensive scooters more often than not.
But if you're that rider who mostly wants a trustworthy, premium-feeling companion for battered city streets, something that feels engineered for comfort and control rather than just speed, the Stellar simply hits the brief better. It may not win every numbers game, yet it's the one I'd rather own for real-world daily life. The Mantis X Plus is the exciting choice; the NAMI Stellar is the quietly brilliant one.
Numbers Freaks Corner
| Metric | NAMI Stellar | KAABO Mantis X Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Wh (€/Wh) | ✅ 1,37 €/Wh | ❌ 1,39 €/Wh |
| Price per km/h of top speed (€/km/h) | ✅ 22,18 €/km/h | ❌ 24,22 €/km/h |
| Weight per Wh (g/Wh) | ✅ 32,03 g/Wh | ❌ 33,18 g/Wh |
| Weight per km/h (kg/km/h) | ✅ 0,52 kg/km/h | ❌ 0,58 kg/km/h |
| Price per km of real-world range (€/km) | ❌ 31,69 €/km | ✅ 24,22 €/km |
| Weight per km of real-world range (kg/km) | ❌ 0,74 kg/km | ✅ 0,58 kg/km |
| Wh per km efficiency (Wh/km) | ❌ 23,20 Wh/km | ✅ 17,48 Wh/km |
| Power to max speed ratio (W/km/h) | ✅ 20,00 W/km/h | ✅ 20,00 W/km/h |
| Weight to power ratio (kg/W) | ✅ 0,026 kg/W | ❌ 0,029 kg/W |
| Average charging speed (W) | ✅ 147,60 W | ❌ 97,10 W |
These metrics put hard numbers on different efficiency and value angles: cost per battery energy and per unit of speed, how much weight you lug around for each Wh or each kilometre of real range, how energy-efficient the scooter is per kilometre, how much motor power you get relative to top speed, how heavy the chassis is per watt of power, and how quickly the battery refills from the wall. Lower is better for most (less cost, less weight, less consumption); for power density and charging speed, higher is better.
Author's Category Battle
| Category | NAMI Stellar | KAABO Mantis X Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ✅ Noticeably lighter to lift | ❌ Heavier, more awkward |
| Range | ❌ Solid but commuter-limited | ✅ Clearly goes much further |
| Max Speed | ❌ Slightly lower in practice | ✅ Holds top speed easier |
| Power | ❌ Strong single, still mild | ✅ Dual motors, more shove |
| Battery Size | ❌ Smaller, commuter-focused | ✅ Bigger pack, more headroom |
| Suspension | ✅ Plush, ultra-refined feel | ❌ Very good, less silky |
| Design | ✅ Industrial, purposeful, premium | ❌ Sporty but less cohesive |
| Safety | ✅ Superb light, stable chassis | ❌ Good, but more drama |
| Practicality | ✅ Easier to store, charge | ❌ Bulkier, slower to charge |
| Comfort | ✅ Floats over bad streets | ❌ Comfortable, slightly harsher |
| Features | ✅ NFC, great TFT, horn | ✅ NFC, TFT, signals, LEDs |
| Serviceability | ✅ Straightforward, exposed design | ✅ Common platform, many parts |
| Customer Support | ✅ Engaged, enthusiast-focused dealers | ✅ Wide dealer network |
| Fun Factor | ✅ Smooth, confidence-inspiring fun | ✅ Punchy, playful hooligan |
| Build Quality | ✅ Tubular frame feels bombproof | ❌ Good, with minor creaks |
| Component Quality | ✅ Feels a tier up | ❌ Solid, a bit cheaper |
| Brand Name | ✅ Premium, enthusiast-respected | ✅ Big, well-known performance |
| Community | ✅ Smaller but very dedicated | ✅ Large, active modding base |
| Lights (visibility) | ✅ Powerful front, good presence | ✅ Signals, side LEDs help |
| Lights (illumination) | ✅ Excellent road lighting | ❌ Good, but less impressive |
| Acceleration | ❌ Brisk but modest | ✅ Proper dual-motor punch |
| Arrive with smile factor | ✅ Relaxed, "that was nice" | ✅ Grinning from speed hits |
| Arrive relaxed factor | ✅ Very low fatigue | ❌ More intense, more alert |
| Charging speed | ✅ Reasonably quick turnaround | ❌ Slow for battery size |
| Reliability | ✅ Feels stout, few weak spots | ❌ Needs more ongoing TLC |
| Folded practicality | ✅ Compact enough for cars | ❌ Wider, more awkward |
| Ease of transport | ✅ Manageable short carries | ❌ Borderline for many riders |
| Handling | ✅ Stable, calm, precise | ✅ Agile, sporty, engaging |
| Braking performance | ✅ Strong regen, predictable feel | ✅ EABS helps emergency stops |
| Riding position | ✅ Natural, comfortable stance | ✅ Spacious, supportive deck |
| Handlebar quality | ✅ Solid, premium cockpit | ❌ Good, slightly less refined |
| Throttle response | ✅ Exceptionally smooth, controllable | ❌ Smooth, but more abrupt |
| Dashboard/Display | ✅ Clean, usable, customisable | ✅ Bright, modern, informative |
| Security (locking) | ✅ NFC, solid frame for locks | ✅ NFC, common lock points |
| Weather protection | ✅ Strong IP, decent fenders | ❌ IPX5, cables more exposed |
| Resale value | ✅ Holds value, NAMI halo | ✅ Popular, easy to resell |
| Tuning potential | ✅ Good, but more niche | ✅ Very strong, many mods |
| Ease of maintenance | ✅ Open layout, fewer quirks | ❌ More small creaks, tweaks |
| Value for Money | ✅ Premium feel per euro | ❌ Great specs, some compromises |
Overall Winner Declaration
In the Numbers Freaks Corner, the NAMI Stellar scores 7 points against the KAABO Mantis X Plus's 4. In the Author's Category Battle, the NAMI Stellar gets 34 ✅ versus 20 ✅ for KAABO Mantis X Plus (with a few ties sprinkled in).
Totals: NAMI Stellar scores 41, KAABO Mantis X Plus scores 24.
Based on the scoring, the NAMI Stellar is our overall winner. For me, the NAMI Stellar is the scooter that feels properly grown up: it rides smoother, feels tighter, and turns grumpy city streets into something you actually look forward to. The Mantis X Plus is a riot when you open it up and it absolutely earns its fanbase, but it never quite shakes the feeling of being a fast toy you adapt your life around. If you want a machine that you can trust, day after day, to be comfortable, composed and quietly impressive, the Stellar is simply the more satisfying companion. The KAABO brings the fireworks; the NAMI brings the refinement-and that's what stays with you once the novelty of raw speed fades.
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.