We drove four hours to pick up the Rawrr Mantis Mini and Kyler spent the entire drive talking about what he was going to do first on it. The answer, when we got home and he finally got on it, was to immediately pin the throttle in the driveway and nearly launch himself into the fence. Nine years old. Full send. No hesitation. The Rawrr electric dirt bike earned its name in the first thirty seconds.
That was a few months ago. Since then Kyler has put more hours on that bike than I have on the Sur Ron, which is embarrassing but also completely expected. Here's what I know about the Rawrr Mantis Mini after watching my kid absolutely destroy trails on it, and why I think it's one of the best options in the kids' electric dirt bike market right now.
What Makes the Rawrr Electric Dirt Bike Different
The electric dirt bike market for kids has exploded and most of what you'll find in the under-$3,000 category falls into two categories: toys with throttle, and actual dirt bikes with electric motors. The Rawrr Mantis Mini is firmly in the second category, and that's a meaningful distinction.
The Mantis Mini runs on a proper sealed lead-acid or lithium battery pack depending on configuration, has real hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, a proper suspension setup with adjustable preload, and a frame geometry that's based on actual motocross proportions rather than whatever a toy manufacturer thought looked like a dirt bike. It has legitimate 45 MPH top speed in higher power modes — which means parental supervision of the power mode selection is required, not optional.
The build quality surprised me. Kyler has hit this thing hard, washed out in loose dirt, dumped it down a rocky section he had no business attempting, and the bike has come through without meaningful damage. The controls are solid, the brakes have good feel and stopping power, and the motor is quiet enough that you can actually hear yourself think at the trailhead — which also means no noise complaints at OHV areas that have strict sound limits.
The Rawrr website has good spec breakdowns and sizing guides. The Mantis Mini fits riders roughly 4'3" to 5'2", which covers a wide range of kids and smaller adults.
Best Riding Spots for the Rawrr Mantis Mini
We've ridden Kyler's Rawrr at McCain Valley OHV Area, local San Diego pump tracks, Big Bear, and a few trips up to Bass Lake. Each one has been different and the bike handled all of it.
McCain Valley is probably the best test — it has everything from wide open sandy washes to tight technical singletrack, short punchy climbs, and enough flow sections to let a kid build speed and confidence. Kyler started on the easier washes and within three sessions was attempting lines I wouldn't have tried at his age on a gas bike. The electric power delivery — instant, smooth, no clutch — makes learning body position and trail reading easier because you're not also managing a clutch and power band.
Pump tracks are worth mentioning specifically: the silent motor makes electric bikes welcome at pump tracks that might otherwise ban motorized bikes. Kyler rides both his Rawrr and his Mondraker pedal bike at local tracks, and the electric option means he can session the same features with less physical fatigue, which translates to more reps and faster skill development.
For families considering the Rawrr, I'd recommend looking at OHV areas in your region that specifically allow electric off-road bikes. California has been expanding access for electric off-road vehicles and the BLM areas around San Diego have been particularly good about this. Check the BLM OHV resource page for current access information in your area.
Father and Son E-Moto: What This Actually Looks Like
I ride the Sur Ron. Kyler rides the Rawrr. Riley has started showing interest in the Rawrr too, which means we may need to figure that out soon. What the family e-moto situation looks like on a good Saturday is: load up the Sprinter van, drive to McCain Valley, unload both bikes, and spend three or four hours riding together while my wife documents everything on the camera.
What it actually looks like is Kyler disappearing down a trail while I'm still putting my helmet on. The nine-year-old has no concept of waiting for the group and the Rawrr provides more than enough power to act on that lack of patience. We've gotten good at calling out the route at the trailhead so everyone knows which way to go, because once he's rolling, good luck giving him directions.
This is exactly the kind of riding that inspired the e-moto collection and specifically the Kyler Braap design. That design exists because of a specific moment at McCain Valley where Kyler launched off a dirt mound and I thought: that's it. That's the shirt. Read the full Rawrr Mantis Mini story here.
What We Were Wearing
Every Rawrr session Kyler wears full protective gear: full-face helmet, chest protector, knee guards, gloves. Non-negotiable regardless of how mellow the terrain. The bike is fast enough that this isn't optional, and building the habit early means it won't be a fight when the terrain gets serious.
On top of the gear he usually has one of the Stoked shirts under the chest protector. Doesn't always make sense to wear a graphic tee under body armor, but he insists. Kid has opinions about his kit.
The trip came first. The shirt came second. Get your kid on a Rawrr and try to keep up.