Pastel Power: Harley-Davidson's Unexpected Electric Maxi-Scooters
Image Credit: LiveWire.
Harley-Davidson's electric alter-ego, LiveWire, is teaming up with KYMCO, the Taiwanese scooter titan, to bring us... electric maxi-scooters. Maxi-scooters in colors that might make you think of Easter eggs rather than the roar of a hog.
Somehow, I can't stop thinking: "Harley? Scooters? Pastel colors? Has the world gone mad?" Maybe, but in a delightfully quirky way. It seems LiveWire, after finally escaping the shadow of its gas-guzzling parent, is embracing its rebellious side. And who can blame them? After all, what's more rebellious than defying expectations?
Image Credit: LiveWire.
These scooters pack a punch, thanks to LiveWire's S2 Arrow powertrain, the same one that propels the Del Mar and Mulholland electric motorcycles. We're talking 84 horsepower (63 kW) in short bursts and a continuous 40 horsepower (30 kW) without the motor turning into a toaster oven. Torque? A 194 lb-ft (263 Nm) mountain. That's enough to leave most cars – and even some motorcycles – eating your dust at a traffic light.
Zero to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3 seconds and max speed of 101 mph? In a scooter? The Honda Forza 750, the current king of the maxi-scooter hill, can only manage a paltry 58 hp (43 kW) and 51 lb-ft (69 Nm). Ouch. Looks like there's a new sheriff in town.
But speed isn't everything, is it? (Unless you're in a hurry, of course.) These scooters also promise a decent range of around 86 miles on a single charge. Not exactly enough for a cross-country road trip, but perfect for zipping around town or commuting from the suburbs. And if you need a quick top-up, you can juice it up from 20% to 80% in under 80 minutes using a Level 2 charger.
Image Credit: LiveWire.
LiveWire has released first concept renderings, and let's just say they're... interesting. One version is all rugged and adventurous, with off-road tires and luggage racks. It's the kind of scooter that would look right at home exploring the urban jungle or venturing off the beaten path (as long as that path isn't too far from a charging station). The other version is more streamlined and street-oriented, with a sharp, angular front fairing that gives it a futuristic vibe.
Why would LiveWire venture into the world of maxi-scooters? For starters, it's a fast-growing market, especially in the cities where people are looking for simple and efficient ways to get around. It's also a great chance for LiveWire to show off its electric skills and attract a new generation of riders.
Harley's traditional customer base wasn't exactly thrilled when the company announced its electric ambitions. I can almost hear the collective gasp of horror as they clutched their leather jackets and handlebar mustaches. "Electric motorcycles? Scooters? What's next? Tofu burgers at Harley rallies?"
Image Credit: LiveWire.
Since LiveWire is its own entity, it's free to explore new avenues and look for a new audience. And let's face it, maxi-scooters are a lot more practical than a hulking cruiser in a congested city. Besides, who wouldn't want a scooter that can outrun a sports car while looking like a pastel dream? It's the perfect combination of practicality, performance, and style.
We'll have to wait a little bit longer for more details. For now, LiveWire is keeping quiet on pricing and model names. The company plans to start shipping these electric steeds globally in the first half of 2026. Who would have thought that Harley-Davidson's electric offspring would shake up the scooter world?
