If you're in the market for a premium electric scooter around $2000 budget and you're torn between the EMOVE Cruiser V2 All Wheel Drive and the Kaabo Mantis King GT, you're not alone. Both are beasts in their own right—but which one truly deserves your garage space? Let’s take a closer look from a neutral lens. (Fun fact: we used to be the largest distributor of the Mantis King GT in North America.)
🧮 At a Glance: Key Specs Comparison
| Feature | EMOVE Cruiser V2 AWD | Mantis King GT |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Dual 1000W (All Wheel Drive) | Dual 1100W |
| Battery | 60V 30Ah LG (LG cells) | 60V 24Ah LG |
| Range | Up to 62 miles | Up to 56 miles |
| Top Speed | ~43-46 mph | ~43-44 mph |
| Suspension | Swappable 125mm standard suspension | Dual hydraulic with fixed design |
| Deck Size | 29" x 9" (longer + wider) | Shorter, narrower deck |
| Tires | 10" x 3" tubeless, self-sealing hybrid | 10" x 3" tubeless |
| Portability | Auto-locks when folded | Needs manual hook |
| Stem | Adjustable height, rock-solid, no flex | Fixed height, some stem flex |
| Lights | Minimalist, clean wiring | RGB-heavy, complex wiring |
| Retail Price | $1,795 (V2 AWD variant) | $2,195 |
🚀 Acceleration & Performance
Despite the Mantis having slightly more motor wattage on paper, real-world acceleration is nearly identical. The Cruiser V2 AWD holds its own with strong torque and reliable takeoff, especially when AWD traction kicks in.
⚖️ Suspension: Flexibility Matters
Cruiser V2 AWD allows you to swap out suspension with any 125mm aftermarket options—great if you like to fine-tune your ride. Mantis King GT's suspension is fixed, so you're locked into the factory setup.
🚙 Portability in Practice
Cruiser V2 folds down and locks automatically—a small but meaningful convenience. The Mantis requires an additional step to latch the rear hook manually. If you’re folding and unfolding often, this could be a deciding factor.
⚙️ Structural Confidence
Cruiser V2 has a thick, solid neck with no noticeable flex. The Mantis King GT uses a thinner folding neck that, while still robust, does show some flex under heavier loads. For taller or heavier riders, this could influence the feeling of ride stability.
🌟 Lights & Wiring Philosophy
Mantis GT goes all-in on RGB party vibes—visually striking, but it comes with a messier wiring layout. The Cruiser V2 keeps things minimalist and clean. For riders who prefer simple maintenance and fewer internal complexities, that can be a plus. And for those who want glow? An aftermarket $20 LED strip does the job.
Picture of the Mantis King GT inside deck (If you want to do any maintenance, how to know which wire is which?)
Picture of the EMOVE Cruiser V2 (Inside Deck)
Courtesy of Ride with Anthony
👨👩👧👦 Stem Flexibility
The Mantis GT has a fixed-height stem—what you see is what you get. The Cruiser V2’s height-adjustable stem offers a more customized fit, making it accessible for both taller and shorter riders alike.
Photo courtesy of electric vehicle space
✅ Final Thoughts
Both scooters bring serious performance to the table. The Mantis King GT is great if you're after speed, RGB flair, and aggressive design. But the EMOVE Cruiser V2 AWD offers a strong case for everyday reliability, comfort, and adjustability—at $700 less.
If you're after a versatile, long-range, and user-friendly ride with great upgrade flexibility, the Cruiser V2 AWD quietly checks a lot of boxes without the fanfare.