The Top 5 Reasons Riders are Choosing Electric Motorcycles

In 2020, professional racer Angelle Sampset set the world record for fastest electric motorcycle at the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, with an official 1/8th mile time of 7.017 seconds and 1/4-mile time of 11.156 seconds. With a top speed of 110 miles per hour, the LiveWire ONE hits 0 – 60 in a blistering 3 seconds while in Sport mode, whereas the S2 Del Mar achieves the same 0 – 60 time with a top speed of 103mph. This makes both bikes quicker off the line than a brand-new Porsche 911 Carrera.

Both LiveWire models offer four riding modes that change the performance and handling of the bike: Sport, Road, Range and Rain. Each mode features a different percentage level of power, throttle response, traction control and regenerative braking. You can also create personalized modes that allow you to custom set the percentages to your own preferred style of riding.

When initially launched, EV motorcycles were expensive due to blossoming technology and limited available quantities. As ownership is becoming more widespread and more manufacturers enter the EV industry, the price of electric motorcycles has declined, making the sport accessible to many more people. When Harley-Davidson launched the premium Electric LiveWire in 2019, it also came with a premium price tag of $29,999. As technology evolved and components became more readily available, LiveWire has been able to reduce the price of the ONE model to $22,799, as of June 2023. Many jurisdictions also offer tax credits and incentives for electric motorcycles, making them more affordable than ever.

In addition to the initial purchase price of a motorcycle, you must take into consideration the cost of ownership, including fuel and maintenance. Due to evolved technology and fewer moving parts, EV bikes have minimal upkeep and are much more affordable to maintain compared to a traditional ICE bike. No more worrying about valve adjustments, spark plugs and transmission issues – just twist the throttle and go.

The thought of an electric motorcycle may give some what is called “range anxiety”, but with a little bit of planning, you’ll find that charging can be just as easy as fueling up at a gas station. Both LiveWire ONE and S2 Del Mar come with a charging cable, known as an EVSE, that allows you to charge the bike on a standard 110v US wall outlet. This Level 1 charge will provide approximately 13 miles of range per hour and is best suited for overnight use. S2DM is also compatible with Level 2 (220v) and will charge 20-80% in 78 minutes. LiveWire ONE is one of the few EV motorcycles that accepts a Level 3 DC Fast Charge, and will charge 0-80% in 40 minutes, or 0-100% in just 60 minutes.

The LiveWire ONE will go up to 146 miles on a single charge and the S2 Del Mar gets up to 110 miles on a single charge, with the range dependent on speed and riding conditions. While the ride modes affect the performance and handling of the motorcycle, they do not directly affect the range or the battery charge. As stated above, charging is easy and can be done almost anywhere.

Do rechargeable batteries have a finite life? Yes, however, that lifespan is much longer than most people think. LiveWire offers a 5-year warranty on our high-voltage electric batteries and estimate that the total lifespan will be at least 10 years. We take pride in our top-quality batteries and have designed sophisticated software to optimize performance, range and battery longevity.

LiveWire EV motorcycles are equipped with advanced safety systems backed by innovative technology, including cornering-enhanced anti-lock braking (ABS), drag torque slip control system (CSCS) and cornering-enhanced traction control (C-TCS). While the battery has functionally designed fins for optimized airflow, the On-Board Charger (OBC) and motor are liquid cooled. Since there is no exhaust, the LiveWire will not put off any heat, making it an ideal bike for commuting or weekend fun, even in the hottest of summer months. The LiveWire is also fully automatic direct drive, which means you don’t have to worry about using a clutch. It is a great bike for those new to motorcycling, or for those looking for an easier, more enjoyable ride.

Whether it’s adrenaline rush of an EV motor, the ease of operation and low maintenance, or just the thrill of every throttle twist, there are many advantages to electric motorcycles, and plenty of reasons why riders are making the switch to the quiet side.