About LiveWire
LiveWire is Harley-Davidson's bet that motorcycling has an electric future. The name first appeared on a prototype in 2014 and then on a production electric bike in 2019, a startlingly quick, silent machine from a company whose identity rested on the rumble of V-twins. Harley later spun LiveWire off as a separate brand, and it became a publicly listed company in 2022, with Harley keeping a majority stake. It was, by Harley standards, an act of genuine nerve.
The original bike, renamed the LiveWire One, earned praise for its acceleration and handling but drew criticism for its price and range. The brand then built its own lighter, cheaper platform, starting with the S2 Del Mar and adding variants such as the S2 Mulholland and the S4 Honcho, along with small electric balance bikes for children. LiveWire also designs bikes for partnerships, and electric versions have entered training fleets for new riders.
The business has been tough. Electric motorcycle sales remain small and many startups have failed, so LiveWire has worked to cut losses while expanding into Europe and planning more affordable models. Rivals include Zero, the electric offerings of established brands and a growing field of Chinese makers. Coverage here follows LiveWire launches, reviews, quarterly results, partnerships, its showings at major motorcycle shows and the wider struggle to make electric bikes mainstream.