Electric Off-Roaders: The Future of the Sport

As off-road recreational parks face closure due to noise complaints, electric dirtbikes offer a solution. These bikes are not only fun, but also lighter and cheaper than their gasoline-powered counterparts. One popular model is the Sur-Ron Lightbee.

Now, there's a new player in the electric dirtbike scene called the Rawrr Mantis. This bike combines the best of mountain biking and motocross, offering impressive technology and performance at an affordable price. According to the brand's website, it retails for just $4,999 in the US and has undergone extensive off-road testing.

The Mantis has been put through its paces by Caleb Tennant, a six-time South African Motocross Champion. From the POV footage of Tennant riding, it's clear that this bike is capable in the right hands. Rawrr claims that the Mantis has been tested for over 20,000 kilometers and has jumped over 50,000 times.

In terms of performance, the Rawrr Mantis features a mid-mounted electric motor that drives the rear wheels via a chain. It delivers 7.5 kilowatts (equivalent to about 10 horsepower) and an impressive 35 pound-feet of torque. With a weight of just 75 kilograms, it's sure to be a blast off-road. The bike is equipped with a 2.6-kilowatt-hour removable battery that weighs 15 kilograms. Rawrr claims a range of 75 miles on a single charge.

The Rawrr Mantis stands out with its unique aluminum frame, giving it a tall and athletic stance. With a seat height of 850 millimeters, it's taller than most electric motorbikes in its class. However, it offers all the off-road ready geometry you could ask for, with 200 millimeters of suspension travel and an impressive 310 millimeters of ground clearance. Other tech features include four ride modes, smartphone connectivity, and the ability to adjust settings via a mobile app.