The 125cc equivalent electric motorcycle market is booming, especially since some city councils have tightened parking regulations for combustion engine bikes—take Paris, for example.
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At the Homecoming Festival
, Harley-Davidson, through its LiveWire brand, unveiled two prototypes that are likely very close to the final versions of two models, one designed for off-road and the other distinctly urban.
LiveWire Unveils Its Electric 125s
Some might see a resemblance to BMW’s futuristic CE02 (which we tested) and CE04 models, often seen in the city, with their flat seats and golden frames:
LiveWire’s goal is to encourage the public to share their ideas on colors, accessories, and features they want in this upcoming range.
Thus, the final design could still undergo changes.
160 Kilometers of Range
The exact specifications are not yet known, but these motorcycles will be equipped with two removable, rechargeable or interchangeable batteries. Each model features a seat height of about 76 cm. Initial tests indicate promising performance: acceleration from 0 to 48 km/h in about 3 seconds, a top speed close to 85 km/h, and an estimated range of 160 kilometers.
The trail model is designed for off-road use, on pump tracks or in nature—be it at a ranch, a campsite
. The urban model, on the other hand, is aimed at everyday commuting, beginner riders, mini-moto enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore an accessible and customizable electric experience
.
Unlike electric cars, electric motorcycles still suffer from several drawbacks, such as weight and particularly limited range. Focusing on more urban and especially more fun models is an excellent starting point to get bikers interested in electric options. Testers often highly appreciate the absence of noise and vibrations.
What About the Price?
Prices are also a consideration, as apart from Chinese brands, they tend to be quite steep! For a well-equipped BMW CE02, expect to pay no less than €10,000, with prices generally ranging from €6,000 to €8,000 among competitors.
LiveWire isn’t known for being particularly affordable; indeed, the S2 Alpinista (which we tested) starts at nearly €19,000…