This week we had the opportunity to ride the 2024 Rawrr Mantis electric motorcycle at Blackmore Ranch. The Mantis is a lightweight motorcycle that is aimed at young riders, moto parents, and anyone looking for a fun and new experience close to home. If you’re resistant to change or prefer sticking with the traditional, this might not be for you. Rawrr embraces the social disruption caused by young riders breaking the rules occasionally.

The Mantis is equipped with a 72-volt Samsung battery that powers a motor with a maximum output of 7500 watts. It is built with a sturdy aluminum frame.

Here are the key features:

• It offers four power levels, ranging from Eco1 to Sport mode.
• In the future, power levels can be adjusted using a smartphone app (coming soon).
• The top speed in Sport mode is 45 mph.
• Charging time ranges from 3 to 6 hours using the provided charger and a 120-volt outlet.
• It is equipped with disc brakes and suspension components that are more substantial than those found on bicycles but lighter than conventional dirt bike components.
• The overall weight is 165 pounds, and it can carry a rider up to 220 pounds.
• It features high-quality tires that offer more aggressive performance than other similar motorcycles on the market.
• The MSRP is $4999, and it is available for purchase through motorcycle dealerships or online at riderawrr.com

Riding the Mantis was an absolute blast. Despite being a lightweight electric bike, it held up well during our tests. Unlike previous models we have ridden, the Mantis did not break easily when taken on real motocross tracks. The belts didn’t break, the shocks didn’t fail, and the brakes didn’t overheat. We pushed the Mantis to its limits and it performed admirably. The track at Blackmore Ranch features moderate tabletop jumps that measure about 50 feet across, which were well within the capabilities of the Mantis. While it may not outrun a professional kid on an 85, it easily outperformed a fully built pit bike. Its standout feature compared to other lightweight electric motorcycles is its overall handling, starting from the tires and extending to its balance. It felt very much like riding a dirt bike. As motorcycle enthusiasts, there were some adjustments we had to make, such as getting used to the left-hand rear brake. However, Rawrr is currently working on a dual-sport version that will have a foot-controlled rear brake.

During our ride, we primarily used the Mantis in Sport mode and tested its battery life. With a full charge, we were able to ride for approximately 20 minutes without any issues, leaving the “gas gauge” at around 50%. As the charge decreased, the power and peak speed declined. After another 15 minutes, the battery was down to 20% and the Mantis was operating in a mode similar to Eco 1, reducing its ability to jump and limiting acceleration. The bike is designed to avoid complete shutdown and instead goes into a self-imposed limping mode as it runs out of power. Swapping the battery is simple and can be done in a few minutes. Extra batteries are available for $1600. Older versions of the Mantis with 60-volt batteries can be upgraded at a reduced price.

We took a Mantis home with us and plan to test it further in the hills and motocross tracks where we usually ride. We will provide more updates in the near future, so stay tuned!