Status: September 28, 2026. Regarding the IO Hawk Mantis GT, it is currently worth taking a close look at the various dates: the development page cites September as the time for the planned final testing and approval steps, as well as the planned shipping of the first vehicles from Asia to Germany. The official webshop now lists the pre-order as "expected to be available from: November 10, 2026." These are different milestones – shipping from Asia is not yet delivery to buyers.
What IO Hawk currently states itself
The IO Hawk development page describes the Mantis GT as a high-performance model with two 1,000-watt motors, a 52-volt battery with 33 ampere-hours, and 11-inch tires. The stated range of up to 120 kilometers and the weight of 39 kilograms are manufacturer specifications, not the result of an independent practical test. The timeline for September 2026 includes a final TÜV test ride, KBA approval, and the planned shipment of the first limited units from Asia to Germany towards the end of the month.
In contrast, the official order page lists November 10, 2026, as the expected availability date and enables pre-ordering. This shop date is a forecast, not a guaranteed delivery date. The manufacturer also distinguishes between a non-binding reservation and a paid pre-order; buyers should check the conditions and the selected variant directly in the shop before completing the purchase.
Road approval: An application is not yet proof
The phrase "road approval applied for" appears on the manufacturer's pages. It is more informative regarding the actual status than a promotional headline that already refers to the model as road-legal. In the official KBA overview accessed by us on September 28, with data as of September 18, we did not find an exact entry for "Mantis GT." This does not prove a rejection nor the current status of a potentially ongoing procedure: the list has its own publication date and can lag behind.
For travel on public roads, according to Section 2 of the Ordinance on Small Electric Vehicles (eKFV), a suitable operating permit and a valid insurance sticker, among other things, are required. Anyone pre-ordering should ensure they receive the documentation for their specific variant as well as a bindingly confirmed delivery status before use. Similarity to other Mantis models says nothing about their approval or the fit of accessories.
Classification for pre-orderers
The difference between the development plan and the current shop date is the actual value of this check. The September timeline names internal or logistical stages, while November 10 indicates an expected availability for sale. Both can still change. We checked delivery and batch details separately for the Elite X 3.0, which is also offered by IO Hawk; its dates and approval status cannot be transferred to the Mantis GT. Whether and when a suitable skin offer for the Mantis GT will be created is open; we do not have confirmation of a verified fit.
Sources
- IO Hawk: Development status and schedule for Mantis GT
- IO Hawk Europe: Product and pre-order page
- Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA): Public overview of approved small electric vehicles
- eKFV § 2: Requirements for commissioning
Note on this article: This is a dated source and availability check as of September 28, 2026, not a new product launch or a promise of a delivery or approval date. Shop listings, planning status, and the public KBA list are subject to change. Specifications regarding technology and range are provided by the manufacturer.