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The Self-Balancing, Folding Mantour X e-Scooter Is Heavy on Minimalism

The odds of finding a suitable solution for your first- and last-mile woes are definitely better today than they were pre-2020, but you’d still be in a tough position, if only due to the abundance of offers. FlowDot believes it can help out in this respect, offering an electric scooter that is, simply put, every micromobility dream come true.
The Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a looker 10 photos
Photo: IndieGoGo.com / FlowDot
The Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a lookerThe Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a lookerThe Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a lookerThe Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a lookerThe Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a lookerThe Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a lookerThe Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a lookerThe Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a lookerThe Mantour X e-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self-balancing and quite a looker
Zipping around the city on something that’s convenient to carry when you need to board public transport, yet elegant enough to not embarrass you and, more importantly, solid enough to guarantee your safety – these three features alone are rare to find together in one e-scooter. Add a minimalist design, foldability, a very light weight, and a special self-balancing feature, and you get the Mantour X, aka the e-scooter that promises you the world.

Mantour X is made by FlowDot and, for the sake of clarity, is not exactly a new product. It crowdfunded on KickStarter in December 2019 and then on IndieGoGo in February 2020, and the initial delivery dates were set for early 2020 and May 2020, respectively. FlowDot missed both of these and, from what we can tell based on backers’ comments, there is a certain feeling that they’re dragging their feet with delivery and / or refunds.

The Mantour X e\-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self\-balancing and quite a looker
Photo: IndieGoGo.com / FlowDot
That said, a recent update from the makers notes that the delay is due to the current health crisis, as is everything else that didn’t work out or was canceled this year. They also note that they’re using the delay to upgrade the original offer for free, in which case, this light and foldable e-scooter could be even better. Fingers crossed it gets delivered. Because we need deserve nice things.

Assuming it does, it would truly stand out from a crowd of similar offers. Mantour X is instantly recognizable for its striking minimalism, and clean and compact form. It is foldable, with the entire process taking under five seconds. It is also lightweight, at just 16 pounds (7.3 kg) because the pedal board is made of carbon fiber, and the stem of aluminum alloy.

Rated IP54 waterproof, it is dust and splash resistant, so ideal even for weather that would normally discourage even the most dedicated riders. More importantly, though, Mantour X is practical because it’s foldable and has a self-balancing feature incorporated.

The Mantour X e\-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self\-balancing and quite a looker
Photo: IndieGoGo.com / FlowDot
Basically, when you need to board public transport or have reached your destination, you fold the e-scooter down, so that it stands on its front wheel. Activating the Follow mode, it will accompany you as you walk and all you’ll have to do is keep your hand on it. You can even use the electronic brake in this case, for even more ease of use.

Operating the e-scooter is a matter of pressing two buttons: you have a throttle on the left handlebar and an electronic brake lever on the right, with a display in the middle for stats. There’s a second, physical brake at the rear, which is suitable for higher speeds.

Not that you’ll be going that fast, mind you. FlowDot says top speed is 12.4 mph (20 kph), thanks to a 240W front hub motor. The battery is good for 12.4 miles (20 km) on a single, four-hour charge. The handlebar requires separate charging, but you won’t have to stress that much about it, since it’s good for up to three months.

The Mantour X e\-scooter is lightweight, foldable, self\-balancing and quite a looker
Photo: IndieGoGo.com / FlowDot
Total payload is of 220 pounds (100 kg) and, just like weather and terrain conditions, it has a say in the final real-life range of this two-wheeler.

According to FlowDot, backers who helped make the Mantour X one of the most popular campaigns on IndieGoGo will get several major upgrades, inspired by their own feedback. When the e-scooter ships (and that’s a big “if,” since they’re not providing a date), it will come with enlarged main body and wheels for even smoother and safer rides, upgraded display to show more info, increased battery and power, and rear suspension.

Early backers were able to get the Mantour X for the equivalent of $379 at today’s exchange rate, nearly half of MRSP when – or if – it becomes widely available.

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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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