Future of Mobility: Transportation Innovation

Harley-Davidson Electric Maxi-Scooters

Harley-Davidson is preparing to launch high-power electric maxi-scooters, marking a significant step in its shift toward electric mobility. This move expands its portfolio beyond traditional motorcycles, targeting urban commuters and environmentally conscious riders. This initiative underscores Harley-Davidson’s commitment to innovation and adaptation in a rapidly changing transportation landscape. The electric maxi-scooters align with global sustainability trends and provide a new avenue for the company to thrive in a modern, eco-conscious market.

Harley-Davidson’s electric sub-brand, LiveWire, is collaborating with Taiwanese scooter giant KYMCO to launch a new line of electric maxi-scooters, planned for release in 2026. These scooters will feature LiveWire’s S2 Arrow powertrain, promising high power and extended range, tailored for urban commuting and high-performance needs.

The partnership was unveiled at EICMA 2024, where LiveWire’s display at KYMCO’s booth highlighted their collaboration. While KYMCO has been a key investor in LiveWire, this project marks a deeper partnership, including an employee exchange program to enhance technical and strategic alignment.

This collaboration combines LiveWire’s electric innovation with KYMCO’s expertise in scooters, signaling a significant evolution in the electric mobility market.

Power and Performance

LiveWire’s upcoming electric maxi-scooters will feature the S2 Arrow powertrain, a compact and efficient system originally used in the S2 Del Mar streetbike and S2 Mulholland cruiser. This powertrain integrates the electric motor, structural battery, and control hardware into one unit, delivering exceptional performance:

- Peak power: 84 hp (63 kW)

- Continuous power: 40 hp (30 kW)

- Torque: 194 lb.ft (263 Nm)

These specifications are revolutionary for the maxi-scooter market, outperforming leading models like the Honda Forza 750, which offers 58 hp (43 kW) and 51 lb.ft (69 Nm) of torque. The new scooters promise 0-60 mph acceleration in 3 seconds and a top speed of 101 mph (163 km/h), making them suitable for both city commuting and highway travel.

LiveWire CEO Karim Donnez highlighted the collaboration with KYMCO, whose expertise helped turn the concept into reality. This partnership aims to redefine the maxi-scooter category by providing a high-performance, electric alternative to traditionally lower-powered models, offering a more dynamic and competitive commuting solution.

Range and charging suitability for daily commuting

The S2 Arrow platform delivers a combined-cycle range of 86 miles (138 km) per charge, sufficient for most daily commutes. It supports Level-2 fast charging, enabling a charge from 20% to 80% in under 80 minutes. While range limitations are common for electric vehicles on highways, these scooters are designed primarily for urban and suburban commuting, where the range is adequate.

Maxi-scooters, including these electric models, are ideal for longer rides and faster commutes compared to smaller 50-175cc scooters. They provide better highway performance, improved weather protection, and enhanced comfort with advanced onboard electronics. The S2 Arrow platform balances power and practicality, making it attractive for urban commuters seeking high performance and convenience.

Aesthetic and practical design for modern riders

LiveWire unveiled concept designs for its upcoming electric maxi-scooters, offering two distinct styles to target a wide audience:

• Adventure-Oriented Model: Features rugged off-road tires and luggage racks, suitable for riders seeking versatility and utility beyond city streets.
• Urban Model: A sleeker design with an aggressive front fairing, inspired by a cyberpunk aesthetic reminiscent of "Akira."

The scooters deviate from Harley-Davidson's traditional image, sporting pastel blue and beige colors to attract a younger, urban demographic. This move highlights LiveWire’s strategy to establish its own brand identity, appealing to modern riders while diversifying its audience beyond Harley-Davidson's typical customers.

Expanding the S2 Arrow platform beyond scooters

KYMCO has embraced the S2 Arrow platform, showcasing its integration with the revamped RevoNEX electric motorcycle at EICMA. Scheduled for release in 2026, the RevoNEX features a retro-futuristic design and highlights KYMCO’s push toward high-performance electric vehicles. This collaboration with LiveWire signals the potential for a broader lineup of advanced EVs leveraging the S2 Arrow powertrain across both brands.

Strategic implications for LiveWire and KYMCO

Harley-Davidson spun off LiveWire as an independent brand to pursue electric vehicles without affecting its core image tied to traditional, loud cruisers. This separation allows LiveWire to target a new market, focusing on urban mobility and electric scooters, such as those developed in partnership with KYMCO, rather than Harley’s traditional audience.

LiveWire’s partnership with KYMCO leverages KYMCO’s strong distribution network and expertise in the Asian market, potentially boosting LiveWire's presence in international markets. The collaboration aims for worldwide distribution, enhancing the global reach of both brands.

Expected launch

LiveWire and KYMCO aim to launch their electric maxi-scooters globally in early 2026, though details on model names and pricing remain undisclosed. Pricing will play a critical role in appealing to customers seeking high-performance electric scooters with practical convenience.

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