LiveWire™: The Electric Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
The day has finally come where we are seeing shipments of the much-anticipated Harley-Davidson LiveWire. As the first one was delivered to the first electric-enthusiastic customer, we all stood back and marveled at the next step in this industry's evolution. Learn all you need to know about Harley-Davidson's role in the electrification of motorcycles here on this page. Sign up for updates and check out all of the tech and specs on the first ever-electric production Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

"Leading the electric motorcycle market by launching Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, LiveWire™, in 2019 -- the first in a broad, no-clutch “twist and go” portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of the sport. LiveWire™ will be followed by additional models through 2022 to broaden the portfolio with lighter, smaller and even more accessible product options to inspire new riders with new ways to ride."
Features:
Yes, it's electric.
But we're not just talking about the motor here. We're talking about a level of excitement you haven't felt from a motorcycle until you've ridden the all-new Harley-Davidson® LiveWire™ moel.
Instantaneous power the moment you twist the throttle.
No clutch to release. No gears to run through. All you do is flick your wrist and take off. All you have to do is ride.

Plug into a new kind of thrill.
The handling is agile, thanks to 17-inch wheels, Michelin® sport tires and fully-adjustable Showa® suspension. And, you get the confidence that comes from traction control and cornering enhanced anti-lock brakes.
The technology you expect is all here.
Seven different riding modes let you dial in your ride. Music and GPS are controlled by a state-of-the-art touchscreen Infotainment system that's Bluetooth enabled. The EV powertrain means there is little service required.
Let's Answer Some of Those Questions You Have:
What is LiveWire™?
LiveWire™ is the name of the all-new electric motorcycle.
When will the electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire™ motorcycle be available?
The LiveWire™ was released in 2019.
How much is the electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire™ motorcycle?
LiveWire™ has an MSRP starting at $29,799.
Where will the LiveWire™ motorcycle be built?
Designed at Harley-Davidson's Product Development Center in Wisconsin and built at Harley-Davidson's state of the art manufacturing facility in York, PA.
Can I get an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle now?
What are the basic product features and specs?
- RESS Battery - determines range, adds the most weight to the motorcycle, and is the most expensive component
- Regenerative Braking - Electric motor creates torque and braking helps recharge the battery
- The LiveWire™ has a rectifier that will convert the AC charge to a DC charge. Yes, it is fast charge capable.
- These bikes are a simple “Twist and Go”, no-clutch operation and no shifting required in stop & go traffic
What sound does LiveWire™ make?
The gear set between the motor and the drive belt has been designed to produce a tone that increases in pitch and volume with speed, producing an exciting aural response to speed and acceleration.

Do I need special charging equipment to own a LiveWire™ motorcycle?
No you do not. Use the onboard Level 1 charger and power cord to connect to any standard household outlet and get a full charge overnight. For a faster charge, visit any public Level 3 DC Fast Charge station.
How long will it take to charge a LiveWire™ motorcycle?
Standard DC Fast Charge technology which provides a 0-80% of battery charge in 40 minutes or 0-100% in 60 minutes
Nationwide Charging Network
DC Fast Chargers
Level 1 Chargers
What is the expected range before it needs to charge again?
Short answer: Up to 146 miles of range.*Riding range estimates provided following SAE J2982 Riding Range Test Procedure and are based on expected performance of a fully-charged battery when operated under specified conditions. Actual range will vary depending on riding habits, ambient weather and equipment conditions.
How fast does it go?
From 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and 60-80 in 1.9 seconds. The instant torque provided by the H-D Revelation™ electric powertrain can produce 100 percent of its rated torque once the throttle is twisted, and 100 percent of that torque is always available. Top speed is 110mph.What is H-D Connect Service?
Meet the world's most connected motorcycle experience. With cellular telematics connectivity powered by Panasonic®, you can connect remotely through your smart phone using the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App. Check bike vitals like battery charge status, see its location on a map, and get security alerts if it's been bumped, tampered with or moved.**
**The H-D Connect Service will not be available in all markets.
Can I ride the LiveWire™ motorcycle in the rain?
The LiveWire™ motorcycle may be ridden in any weather condition.
Are your technicians qualified to service these motorcycles?
Yes, we expect to have three technicians who have achieved their certification in performing Harley-Davidson Authorized Service on the EV.
Are customers able to demo?
Bikes are available for demo.
Is financing available for LiveWire™ bikes?
Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) will assist customers in their financing needs for the LiveWire™. In fact, all HDFS programs and promotions will be available on Electric vehicle models including First Time buyer, military and rider training graduate promotions.
Does the LiveWire™ motorcycle require any special maintenance?
No. The LiveWire™ motorcycle is convenient to own because many of the routine maintenance items required of an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) are eliminated: no engine oil to change, no spark plugs or air filters or primary drive to service, and no maintenance issues associated with ethanol gasoline and off-season storage. The LiveWire™ motorcycle drive belt tension will need occasional adjustment, and there is a small amount of lubricant in the gear case that needs to be changed. Tires and brake pads remain consumable.
What are the main benefits of an EV motorcycle?
- Quick acceleration - EVs deliver instant torque and, in some vehicles, thrilling acceleration
- Easy to ride - “Twist and Go”, no-clutch operation and no shifting required in stop & go traffic
- Quiet comfort - With a quiet electric motor and no need for a gearbox, EVs generate extremely low noise, vibration and harshness compared to Internal Combustion Engine vehicles
- Low operating cost - Uses low-cost electrical current to charge and requires little maintenance, e.g., brake life is longer due to regenerative braking
- Reduced emissions - EVs generate little to no harmful emissions in operation
Will Harley-Davidson offer additional electric motorcycles?
The intention for the all-new LiveWire™ motorcycle is to be followed by an exciting portfolio of two-wheeled electric vehicles.
What is the difference between LiveWire™ and Project LiveWire?
Project LiveWire was a prototype model that Harley-Davidson Motor Company created in 2014. Several units were manufactured. They were loaded up on a semi-truck and taken to demo events around the world. After allowing real riders to test out the motorcycle, feedback was collected on people's experience as well as expectations of charge time, range and price. This feedback was used to further refine the development and production of the Harley-Davidson electric line up of motorcycles.
Is Project LiveWire the electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle?
Not exactly. Project LiveWire is a prototype developed in 2014 that was used to collect feedback about what motorcycle enthusiasts wanted to see in an electric motorcycle. The electric Harley-Davidson models to come are being built and developed based on that prototyping project.
Can I still ride the Project LiveWire motorcycle?
Unfortunately Project LiveWire has concluded and test rides of the prototype are no longer available.
News Articles About the Electric Harley-Davidson Motorcycle:
- March 4 - Electrek: Harley-Davidson leans further into electric vehicles, new e-bike logos filed
- October 11, 2019 - Electrek: The LiveWire electric motorcycle won't save Harley-Davidson, but THIS might
- July 18, 2019 - The Wall Street Journal: Harley-Davidson LiveWire: An Electric Bike for a New Generation of Riders
- July 18, 2019 - TechCrunch: Inside Harley-Davidson's EV shift with a ride on its LiveWire
- July 18, 2019 - Bike Exif: Review: Harley-Davidson's Electric LiveWire
- July 17, 2019 - BBC Top Gear: Harley Davidson Livewire review: all-electric bike tested
- July 17, 2019 - Fox News: 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire test ride: Rebooting the brand with an electric bike
- July 16, 2019 - Forbes: 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Test Ride And Review: H-D 2.0
- July 16, 2019 - Bloomberg: A First Ride on Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire Electric Motorcycle
- July 16, 2019 - Jalopnik: The Electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire Is a Shockingly Fun Bid for the Future
- July 15, 2019 - Barron's: We Test Drove Harley-Davidson’s New Electric Motorcycle. Here’s How It Sounds.
- July 14, 2019 - Electrek: First ride: Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle screams raw power
- July 14, 2019 - Ultimate Motorcycling: 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Review: 23 Fast Facts
- July 14, 2019 - The Verge: Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire is more electric motorcycle than I’ll ever need
- July 11, 2019 - Harley-Davidson: Harley-Davidson LiveWire Beckons a New Motorcycling Experience
- July 11, 2019 - Electrek: Harley Davidson partners with Electrify America for fast-charging its electric motorcycles
- May 22, 2019 - Ultimate Motorcycling: Harley-Davidson LiveWire: The Premium Electric Motorcycle
- April 23, 2019 - Jalopnik: Virgin Racing's Formula E Team Will be Sponsored By, Uh, Harley-Davidson
- March 26, 2019 - Cycle World: Harley's Purchase of StaCyc May Mean an "Electric for All" Strategy
- March 6, 2019 - Ride Apart: Harley-Davidson Spruces Up the LiveWire Spec Sheet
- March 5, 2019 - Asphalt & Rubber: Better Than You Think: Harley-Davidson Updates Livewire Details
- March 5, 2019 - Harley-Davidson: Harley-Davidson Acquires StayCyc, Inc., Maker of Electric-Powered Two-Wheelers for Kids
- March 5, 2019 - Harley-Davidson: LiveWire Motorcycle and Groundbreaking Lightweight Electric Concepts Shine at Geneva International Motor Show
- February 16, 2019 - Harley Davidson, IBM & Panasonic Create Cloud-Based Riding Experience
- February 3, 2019 - The Verge: Harley-Davidson's electric scooter concept is more exciting than its electric motorcycle
- January 28, 2019 - prnewswire: Harley-Davidson Showcases Two Groundbreaking Lightweight Electric Concepts At X Games Aspen 2019
- January 7, 2019 - Harley-Davidson: Harley-Davidson Electrifies the Future of Two-Wheels with Debut of New Concepts and LiveWire Motorcycle Available for US Dealer Pre-Order
- January 7, 2019 - Wired: You can now buy Harley-Davidson's Electric Motorcycle
- January 7, 2019 - Techcrunch: Harley Davidson reveals more about its push into electric vehicles
- January 7, 2019 - Harley-Davidson unveils Livewire specs and prices, shows off 3 new urban electric motorbikes
- January 7, 2019 - Autoweek: Harley-Davidson Mobility Concepts
- January 7, 2019 - CycleWorld: 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Debuts at Consumer Electronics Show
- January 7, 2019 - Ultimate Motorcycling: Harley-Davidson Surges Forward: Searching for the E-Moto Generation
- January 7, 2019 - Motorcycle Powersports News: Harley-Davidson Announces Dealer Pre-Order for LiveWire, Electric Motorcycles
- January 7, 2019 - The Verge: Harley-Davidson's first all-electric motorcycle is coming August 2019, will cost $29,799
- January 7, 2019 - Venturebeat: Panasonic showcases intelligent highways and an electric Harley-Davidson you can ride on them
- December 28, 2018 - Electrek: Here are all the coolest electric motorcycles coming in 2019
- December 27, 2018 - Motorcyclenews.com: Best electric bikes to look forward to in 2019
- December 17, 2018 - Engineering.com: Harley-Davidson Electric Motorcycle to Hit Market Next Year
- November 6, 2018 - Harley-Davidson: Harley-Davidson Releases Further Details on 2019 LiveWire at EICMA Show
- November 6, 2018 - Cycle World: Production Harley-Davidson LiveWire Makes European Debut at EICMA
- November 6, 2018 - Electrek: Close look at the new Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle
- November 6, 2018 - Digital Trends: Harley-Davidson teases components and style of its electric LiveWire
- November 6, 2018 - Popular Mechanics: The Harley-Davidson LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Goes Public
- November 6, 2018 - RoadShow CNET: Harley-Davidson LiveWire is a lustworthy sporty electric motorcycle
- October 12, 2018 - Scientific American: The U.S. Has 1 Million Electric Vehicles, but Does It Matter?
- September 5, 2018 - Harley-Davidson: Harley-Davidson Creates New Advanced Technology R&D Facility in Silicon Valley
- July 30, 2018 - Harley-Davidson: Harley-Davidson Accelerates Strategy to Build Next Generation of Riders Globally
- July 30, 2018 - Harley-Davidson: Livewire™ Coming 2019
- July 30, 2018 - CycleWorld: Harley-Davidson To Build Adventure Motorcycles, Streetfighters, And Electric Bicycles Following 2019 LiveWire
- July 30, 2018 - Electrek: Harley Davidson announces plans for multiple electric motorcycles and even an electric bicycle
- July 30, 2018 - Fox Business: Harley-Davidson unveils $825M global growth initiative
- July 30, 2018 - Fox News: Harley-Davidson reveals its first electric, adventure and streetfighter motorcycles
- July 30, 2018 - Hot Bike: Harley-Davidson Announces Four Completely New Motorcycles
- July 30, 2018 - LA Times: From scooters to small bikes, Harley-Davidson embarks on a dramatic shift away from its traditional motorcycles
- July 30, 2018 - Motorcycle News: Harley-Davidson turns motorcycling on its head
- July 30, 2018 - CNBC: Harley-Davidson CEO rolls out expanded lineup of smaller bikes in international push for growth
- July 15, 2018 - TechCrunch: Update: EV Startups Alta, Energica, and Zero could reboot the motorcycle industry
- April 27, 2018 - Electrek: Harley-Davidson's Upcoming Electric Motorcycles Seek to Expand to Younger, Urban Riders
- April 24, 2018 - The Street: Harley-Davidson CEO: Bold Actions to Boost Performance Coming This Summer
- April 20, 2018 - Cycle World: Interview, Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson President and CEO
- March 14, 2018 - USA Today: Harley-Davidson Going All-In on Electric Motorcycles
- March 1, 2018 - Harley-Davidson: Harley-Davidson Invests in Alta Motors
- February 22, 2018 - TechCrunch: Harley Davidson's EV debut could electrify the motorcycle industry
- February 2, 2018 - Popular Mechanics: Harley-Davidson Confirms First Production Electric Motorcycle
- January 31, 2018 - The Verge: Harley-Davidson’s first production electric motorcycle will debut in 2019
- August 10, 2014 - Jay Leno's Garage: Harley-Davidson Project LiveWire - Jay Leno's Garage
- August 1, 2014 - Cycle World: Harley-Davidson LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Test Ride
- June 19, 2014 - PRNewswire: Harley-Davidson Reveals Project LiveWire, The First Electric Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
Videos of Electric Concepts
Jack Mitrani Electric Concept Ride | Harley-Davidson
Jacko Strong Electric Concept Ride | Harley-Davidson
Videos of LiveWire
Formula E NYC E-Prix | Harley-Davidson
LiveWire X Formula E NYC E-Prix | Harley-Davidson
From Project LiveWire to LiveWire | Harley-Davidson
Designing Transit That Works - Masters of Design | Harley-Davidson
Designing for Heritage Brands - Masters of Design | Harley-Davidson
Electric Vehicle Design Constraints - Masters of Design | Harley-Davidson
Designing New Products - Masters of Design | Harley-Davidson
Envision Virgin Racing Partnership | Harley-Davidson
2020 LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Test Ride - Cycle World
Jay Leno's Garage: Harley-Davidson Project LiveWire - Jay Leno's Garage
10 Reasons Why Electric Motorcycles Are Awesome
Collaboration Will Advance Application of EV Motorcycle Technology and Expand Electric Motorcycle Marketplace Combining Instant Torque and Quick Acceleration with Intuitive and Dynamic Motorcycle Design Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced today that it has made an equity investment in Alta Motors, a leader and innovator in lightweight electric vehicles, and that the two companies will collaborate on electric motorcycle technology and new product development.
“Earlier this year, as part of our 10-year strategy, we reiterated our commitment to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders, in part, by aggressively investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology,” said Harley-Davidson President and CEO Matt Levatich. “Alta has demonstrated innovation and expertise in EV and their objectives align closely with ours. We each have strengths and capabilities that will be mutually beneficial as we work together to develop cutting-edge electric motorcycles.”
Harley-Davidson has already announced the planned launch of its first electric motorcycle, informed by Project LiveWire™. That motorcycle is on track for release in 2019.
Cycle World Interview, Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson President and CEO
So we talk about look, sound, and feel. First of all the LiveWire sounds cool, but there are all the other sounds. When we did the early press stuff, I was out at that airstrip in Southern California [the closed El Toro Marine Corps Air Station]. I was riding side by side with a journalist and we were having a conversation at 70 mph like you and I are now. We got excited about the product and then we commissioned 33 of them at quite a lot of money because we needed to see what customers thought.
First of all, we had to put a no-excuses electric motorcycle in their hands because everyone is thinking what I was thinking: golf cart, probably anemic. To a person, 12,000 people said, “It's done, I want it now. You guys nailed it. Why can't I buy one?” And there were practical reasons why. Cost. Range at the time. We could have met range requirements by making the battery bigger but it wouldn't have been that product, it would have been a heavier product, a wider product.
Why is all this important? The biggest thing that it demonstrated to us is that the customers are much more willing to see innovative and progressing things from Harley than probably we are allowing ourselves to do. Through our history there are a number of examples of different things we have done that maybe they were successful or maybe they weren't, but they seem to sit in everybody's memory as authentic, credible things that Harley did that we can do again.
...
I remember riding LiveWire at the launch in June of 2014 in lower Manhattan. Being in lower Manhattan with messenger bikes and pedestrians and taxis and potholes and stoplights and it was like a ballet experience. But no heat, no clutch; twist and go, perfectly balanced. Perfect motor control. It was freedom in an urban setting which, you know, on a Street Glide, I have enough skill to be able to do that. And you think about the doors that LiveWire opens to people in urban environments. It's exciting to us because it's a great motorcycle and it enables a different awesome ride. That goes back to your question: What constraints do we have as a brand and company? There are financial constraints and so forth, but we feel like we have way more permission from riders globally than we probably give ourselves internally.