Kaabo Mantis - why the stem bolt breaks and what you can do about it.

[@yiarkungfu]

That was excellent. I don’t think a mechanical engineer could have explained it better. You’ve saved a lot of scooters and some lives with your explanation of the steering stem breaking on the Kaabo Mantis. Thanks again.

[@keithancajas4623]

You made a lot of effort to explain this and I thank you for that.

[@davidallenelitran5161]

Hi hello my names David . Ive been searching and watching ur reviews and analysis and break downs of the Kabo Mantis. Great great 👍 👏 job bro. I recently got my Mantis thru Ali Express and on my second ride doing 30 something miles on the street on a bike lane at night and i guess i hit a bolder or bug rock . Didnt lose control but only a split second . The scooter jumped up and landed down but i didnt hear a crack or anything . There was always play in the stem or meaning ever since i open from box the stem was already wobbly. Anyways i kept on ruding to my destination and put the scooter away . The next day when i rode it it felt kinda weird . It was even more play but in a weird sense . So i stopped immediately and looked doen where the clamp and lock was and there it was a hair line crack all around the cylinder. So when im on the scooter i push forward u cant see the crack . But when i pulled it back towards my chest u can see the crack and its cracking wven more everytime i pulled the handle bar towards my chest. Man that sucks it was only my second ride. So i contacted the seller on Aliexpress the can only send me a new stem . So if u please please have time can u please please 🙏 🙏 make a video step by step on replacing the stem or the steering tube. Cuz i cant find it any where. And after i see the lil techniques n lil tricks that u did on the other videos since im going to have to take apart most of the front ill mind as well do the locktute on the wobble stem techniques that u just showed . . Please my email is [e-mail]. and on Facebook its David Tran . Please contact me if u have anytime . I really admire the time and the thoughts and everything uve reviewed about the Mantis pro . Thank u .

[@jeffwhite9001]

Is there a video that shows how the whole assembly goes together including the bearing and how it goes and how to adjust it? My brand new Mantis has very notchy steering and it feels horrible.

[@0034]

I have a big request, can you make a tutorial on how to make the mantis rain proof?, I don't need to submerge it in water, I just want to use it as motorcycle replacement, I'm from Thailand and it rains like 3-4 months in a year

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

I really plan to - yes. however i have to fix some electronics and change parts before i do and did not find time (because i need someone to make a video of the process to show you guys and that makes it hard).

[@enygma19]

Hey man, thank you for this detailed explanation. I've been looking this for quite a time. if it's ok with you, I'd like to out captions so I can share with my Spanish Community, please. Thank you PS Of course I''ll mention you 💪💪

[@rarity2006]

Good informative video. Your English is very good

[@roogeasmr7359]

Hello where do u find information about versions on the kaabo, I did not know there were different versions

[@MightyCalves]

Great video Ralf, thanks!

[@henreebee6561]

Ralf, can you do an examination of the internals inside the deck, showing how everything is arranged, and perhaps which points need to be covered in order to keep water from getting into the deck? Also which holes should not be covered because they are vents, drainage holes, etc. I would love to see this. You make great videos, thanks!! 🙏

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Hi, i will do that very soon - have a few parts here and a few waiting to arrive (going to get my V1 Mantis to newer version parts and do some upgrades). When changing everything i will make it waterproof also and film it all.

[@henreebee6561]

ralf halbknapp - awesome, thanks Ralf, you’re the best! :)

[@SuperSynthguy]

@@ralfhalbknapp1104 cant wait ralf. you have the best videos on this topic.

[@gnx18]

Ralf, thanks for the demostration and the explanation of this stem bolt issue. I think we, all Kaabo Mantis scooters need a longer hinge and a much stronger bolt. Do you know if the new sales manager at Ningbo Kaabo is doing something regarding this issue? I don't know if you know but Michael Sha no longer works for the company. They let him go around 2 weeks ago.

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Hi, I dont know the New Sales Manager but Marry Wang from Kaabo has posted on Facebook groups what they gonna do about this. In short you get a New hinge, a sleeve and a few small parts through your Seller. These parts are better then what comes with the Scooter but not the perfect solution. If you compare to my Video you will See.

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Btw Michael Sha left longer time ago because in his opinon Kaabo was not serious enough about these Kind of issues.

[@gabrielmendez33]

you're the best bro. Thank you

[@onurakd9801]

I have also mantis 8 but i have light problem after 100km when i start give gas and run front light is start shining and also light button blue light is shining little what can be the problem can you help me there was no problem till 118km it happen in this morning

[@borislav6612]

Vielen Dank für die Video Ralf!!! Denkst du Michael Sha Dämpfer und stem Upgrade mit dem Problem zurechtkommt? Vielen Dank im Voraus!

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Hallo Borislav, ich glaube schon. Ich habe die Dämpfer und Upgrades bei mir daheim liegen und werde es bald installieren.

[@multipreach2674]

Ralf, is the bolt high tensile, presumably metric?

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

It is, but as far as i know Kaabo changed the dimension since i made the video.

[@Overlandwithjanandmaxine]

Vielen Dank Ralf! Grüße von der anderen Seite der Welt.

[@0034]

Also, is there a standard way to check the version of your mantis?

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

not really. there should be a way but there isnt. insider know what to look for and what has changed with every version but if i tell you thats going to be old info in a month as they change things again :(

[@esrider7765]

Thanks Ralf for video. When will you get V3 solution ? Also what is situation regarding the axle bolts that are breaking on some ?

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Hi, i will personally get the V2 Front fork and replace the V1 to tackle the suspension bolts breaking (and yes, this is also serious, just not the topic of this video). I will not use the V3 or newer hinge from Kaabo but the one from Michael Sha.

[@microsoft1665]

can u show how to remove the rear motor? i removed 6 screws on the motor but it still wont move? i wanna patch my rear tube.

[@roeibarnetz]

I want to buy this part please

[@kingdoz]

Oh no. I just bought one in the uk yesterday (the mantis Lite Plus) and it’s charging, but the stem does seem to move a little back and forth I think. I hope the Lite Plus is one of the newest and latest version as I’m not a mechanic and I am relying on what is in the box just like any consumer who buys a product should. I’m worried now as I don’t know if my one is safe or not. Should I return it under my consumer rights because of the little wobble, I’m very worried for my safety now. Is there any way to know which version of Mantis mine is or if mine is safe?

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Hi, first of all just check if the folding Part is what causes the wobble, maybe the little screw inside the hinge screwed out a little is enough to make it solid again. Then check if the bolt from the bottom of the Scooter is a little loose and moves if someone else tries to wobble the stem. If this is all fine and together with tight clamp does not help please contact your dealer.

[@RANDOM-zc2bs]

Where can I buy the sleeve

[@MrFrontlinedave]

Thanks if I buy a mantis lite plus now does it still have this issue ? Or has the stem been upgraded thanks David

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

I can tell that the new ones have mostly fixed the main issues. Mostly means that i cannot guarantee that every unit is built flawlessly and i cannot guarantee you that your seller has the newest ones (which by now is V4+)

[@MrFooChops]

I want to buy the Mantis Pro but I am worried about this issue. Do you know if the new version 3 has solved this issue because mechanical expertise is not my strong points

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

I think they are currently at version 4 all in all but hey, you never have the latest version anyway =D And yes, step by step they fixed most of the issues, Version 3 is fine with most issues solved.

[@cikna007]

@@ralfhalbknapp1104 Hey I really want to buy Kaabo Mantis Pro. So I have a question is it safe? Our only store in Slovenia that sells Mantis scooters, they say that the version available is V4. It has black rims and it looks different than some other models in reviews. Here is a link to this store: www.robbo.si/izdelek/kaabo-mantis/ The pro version is the one in red and black colour (see photos in the link). What do you think, is it safe to buy this one? I know nothing about electric scooters, just expending my knowledge for the past few days. I really don' t want to kill my self with this scooter, so I' d really appreciate some help. Thank you And here is the other one I could buy, it is some european version of Zero 10x, I think it is the same scooter just different branding. Another link: www.robbo.si/izdelek/robbo-next-10x/ What do you think this one or Mantis Pro?

[@k1ngydoteth403]

Any update on the version 3 stem?

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Current is V4 but for all that now read this - yes, the new Stem HAS this tight fit i talk about so a part of this is fixed!

[@allvnxproducts]

ralf halbknapp need it for V4 ?

[@davedeluria]

In 1 year there have been 3 versions of the Mantis. What's sad is Kaabo did not address the problem and chose to make newer versions abandoning the old ones without explanation or a solution when riders were getting injured. I suggest to just avoid the Mantis and buy something else. The design is flawed and should just be scrapped and removed from the market.

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Trust me, i will buy something better when it comes out (in my Case the Viper Scooter, more Info to follow soon). Current is the Version 4 of Mantis... really - why? Not even older accessories fit because they changed stem diameter, deck size and whatsoever.

[@johncooper3392]

was just about to buy 1 ~ just changed my mind Thanks

[@kingdoz]

john cooper I just bought one in the uk yesterday (the mantis Lite Plus) and it’s charging, but the stem does seem to move a little back and forth. I hope the Lite Plus the latest version as I’m not a mechanic and replying on what is in the box. Should I return it under my consumer rights because of the little wobble, I’m worried for my safety now.

[@johncooper3392]

@@kingdoz this is the reason i didn't get 1 ~ i was nearly in the same position as you i saw a lot on YT about this problem iam happy i didn't risk it ~ this would of been my 1st scooter & didn't want the worry you now have ~ i thought the problem had been sorted on the new stock~ iam in uk as well ~ but if it gets worse in 6 months i think you might have a problem returning it ~ & after spending that amount of cash i would want it working perfectly out the box~ maybe a small wobble is normal i don't know ~ good luck

[@kingdoz]

john cooper Well my new Mantis Lite Plus is still on its initial charge pre driven, so I called my dealer kaabouk just to make sure, and the lady assured me I should most probably have v5 (because they sell out of batches quickly so I would have the latest version) and the UK models do not have these issues with over 1000 sold here and not one broken stem here from recent batches. She also said that a very small wobble is normal (to be fair it is small) and that the stem issues were all on previous models anyway and just a few (yes I know even one is one too many) which social media picked up on. To be fair I am giving them the benefit of the doubt as she seemed to be friendly and helpful and know about the issue and reassured me, and to be fair the build quality ‘seems’ good. I guess there are risks with everything in life, so fingers crossed it’s all ok. I don’t think there is another scooter of this calibre at the price range of the Lite Plus and on many brands there seems to be one issue or another.

[@davidallenelitran5161]

Sorry its me David again . If i cracked my stem like that do u think the bolt inside is broken or bent too? Do i need to order or buy it thru Aliexpress too ? . So if my stem cracked do i need to replace the bolt inside ? I think thats wat my real question is . 😔😓😅

[@jacksallis7466]

I have the same problem mine just snapped did the scooter work fine without it or is it best to not ride. It until I get a new part

[@Mignoncowcow]

Also so zu sagen müsste ich nur immer drauf schauen dass die kleinen Schrauben fest sind? oder verstehe ich das falsch?

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Eigentlich solltest du das Falt-Teil in der Röhre befestigen... Aber grundsätzlich stimmt das - solange die kleinen Schrauben fest sitzen bedeutet das auch dass sich das Falt teil nicht viel bewegen kann was wiederrum bedeutet dass der große Schrauben keiner großen Belastung ausgesetzt sein können sollte.

[@ezscootrr]

Are there snapping Bolts in version 2 as well?

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Yes, in all Versions. I can not verify it but at least Kaabo thinks that in the newest V3s produced (not sold...) from Jan 2020 onwards the bolt issue should be fixed.

[@aquious953]

My Kaabo Mantis is a disappointment right out of the box. The steering post wobbles under the clamp no matter how much I tighten it evenly. It's not wobbling in the lower end of the steering, it's that the clamp is garbage.

[@flitziblitzi5353]

Kannst du bitte das selbe Video oder Erklärung auf deutsch machen. 🙏

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

Könnte ich, es war nur zum Zeitpunkt des Videos praktisch kein Deutschsprachiger am Mantis interessiert bevor es den Legend gab ;-) Vielleicht füge ich mal deutsche Untertitel hinzu.

[@denni-swan]

Yeah?

[@ToyotaPete]

👍

[@Tothefloor]

Try working on not say “yah” so much. I know it’s hard to break a habit. Great info though. Keep it up.

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

In my native language I say "Öh" instead. I have yet to come up with a better filler if I try to find the right English word ;-)