LiveWire, Harley-Davidson’s electric sub-brand, surprised the motorcycle community by showcasing two concept electric scooters at KYMCO’s stall during the 2023 EICMA event. KYMCO, an early investor in LiveWire, has a longstanding collaboration with the brand, and their joint appearance highlights their deepening partnership. The concept drawings presented include two scooter models: one designed for off-road adventures with aggressive tires and storage racks, and the other for urban use, featuring a futuristic, sharp-angled front fairing with a look reminiscent of the iconic “Akira” motorcycle.
Both scooters are built on LiveWire’s S2 Arrow platform, initially developed for the flat track-inspired S2 Del Mar street bike. This platform combines the electric motor, battery, and control systems into a compact, modular design that is now being repurposed for both the Del Mar and cruiser-style S2 Mulholland models, as well as the new KYMCO scooters. By using this versatile platform, KYMCO aims to match the S2 Arrow’s high-performance specs, offering a range of around 86 miles and rapid charging capabilities, which should appeal to riders seeking both power and convenience in a commuter scooter.
The S2 Arrow’s performance specifications are impressive, with peak power reaching 84 hp and a maximum torque of 194 lb.ft. This allows for quick acceleration, taking the scooter from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. These specs set a new standard in the maxi-scooter market, where leading models, such as the Honda Forza 750, are comparatively less powerful. With these capabilities, the KYMCO maxi-scooter is set to outperform many traditional scooters and even some high-end motorcycles, making it a potentially game-changing entry into the urban commuting sector.
LiveWire’s CEO, Karim Donnez, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that KYMCO’s expertise has been instrumental in turning the vision of a class-leading maxi-scooter into reality. As part of their growing collaboration, the two companies plan to establish an employee exchange program to further integrate their operations and streamline product development. This initiative underscores their commitment to developing electric mobility solutions for modern commuters, leveraging KYMCO’s global experience in the scooter market alongside LiveWire’s cutting-edge technology.
With LiveWire now a standalone brand separate from Harley-Davidson, it is free to explore new markets and cater to a younger, urban demographic interested in practical and stylish electric transport. The new electric maxi-scooters, slated for release in 2026, reflect LiveWire’s intent to expand beyond Harley’s traditional audience, with plans for worldwide distribution. This strategic move could position LiveWire as a pioneer in the electric scooter market, offering commuters a powerful, eco-friendly alternative for city and suburban travel.
