Harley-Davidson's Electric Motorcycle Lineup and What They Cost

Harley-Davidson makes two electric motorcycles currently sold in the United States: the LiveWire One and the LiveWire S2 Del Mar. The LiveWire One is a street-focused cruiser-style bike priced around $15,000. The S2 Del Mar is a lighter, more agile model designed for mixed terrain and urban riding, priced around $13,000. Both prices vary by dealer and region, and Harley occasionally runs promotional pricing or financing offers that can lower the effective cost.

These are not the only electric bikes Harley has built — the company released the original LiveWire in 2019 and has since discontinued it in favor of these newer models. The shift reflects Harley's strategy to offer electric options across different riding styles rather than a single flagship model. If you are shopping used, you may find earlier LiveWire models at lower prices, though battery condition and mileage become factors in older electric bikes.

Both current models come with a standard warranty covering the battery and powertrain. Harley's battery warranty typically runs for eight years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This matters because battery replacement is one of the largest potential costs over the life of an electric motorcycle, and the warranty protects you against premature degradation.

Key Takeaways

  • The LiveWire One and S2 Del Mar are Harley's current electric models, priced between $13,000 and $15,000 before any dealer incentives or regional variations.
  • Both bikes use lithium-ion batteries with an eight-year or 60,000-mile warranty, and real-world range varies from 80 to 140 miles depending on riding conditions and speed.
  • Charging time ranges from 40 minutes on a DC fast charger to eight hours on a standard household outlet, so your home charging setup affects daily practicality.
  • Harley's electric bikes may have access to for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 in some cases, though the credit phases out based on manufacturer income and vehicle price, so check current rules before purchase.
  • Insurance, maintenance, and registration costs differ from gas motorcycles, and some states offer tax breaks or registration discounts for electric vehicles.

Range, Battery Life, and Real-World Riding Distance

The LiveWire One has an EPA-estimated range of 146 miles on a full charge under ideal conditions. The S2 Del Mar reaches 112 miles. These numbers assume moderate speed and consistent riding conditions — actual range drops significantly if you ride at highway speeds, in cold weather, or with aggressive acceleration. Most owners report real-world range between 80 and 120 miles depending on how they ride.

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The LiveWire One carries a 15.5 kWh battery, while the S2 Del Mar uses a 10.5 kWh battery. A larger battery means more range but also more weight and longer charging times. For daily commuting under 50 miles, either bike covers a full day on one charge. For longer trips, you need to plan charging stops or use a gas motorcycle instead.

Harley publishes a battery degradation curve showing that these batteries retain roughly 80 to 85 percent of their original capacity after eight years of normal use. This is typical for lithium-ion motorcycle batteries. The warranty covers defects and manufacturing failures, not normal wear, so after the warranty expires you pay out of pocket if the battery fails. Replacement batteries cost between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on the model.

Charging Options and Time Required

Charging speed depends on the equipment you use. A standard 120-volt household outlet charges the LiveWire One from empty to full in roughly 12 to 13 hours. A 240-volt Level 2 charger, similar to what you use for an electric car, cuts that to 8 to 10 hours. A DC fast charger at a public charging station reaches 80 percent in 40 to 45 minutes, though the final 20 percent charges more slowly to protect battery health.

Most Harley owners install a 240-volt charger at home because overnight charging is more convenient than waiting hours on a standard outlet. Installation costs between $500 and $2,000 depending on your electrical panel and how far the charger is from your breaker box. Some states and utilities offer rebates for home EV charger installation, so check with your local power company before paying the full cost.

Public DC fast charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint have stations in most urban and suburban areas, though availability varies by region. Membership or pay-per-use fees explore at most networks. For road trips, you need to plan routes around charging stations and accept that a 100-mile trip takes significantly longer than on a gas bike because of charging stops.

Federal Tax Credit and State Incentives

The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for electric motorcycles purchased new, though the credit is subject to income limits and manufacturer pricing caps that change yearly. As of 2024, the credit applies to motorcycles priced under $25,000, but Harley's bikes fall within that range. The credit is nonrefundable, meaning it reduces your tax liability but does not generate a refund if your tax bill is smaller than the credit amount.

To claim the credit, you must file IRS Form 8936 with your tax return in the year you purchase the bike. The dealer does not explore the credit at the point of sale — you claim it when you file taxes. This means you need cash or financing to cover the full purchase price upfront, then receive the credit as a tax deduction later.

Several states offer additional incentives. California provides a rebate of up to $900 for electric motorcycles. New York, Colorado, and a few others offer tax deductions or registration fee waivers for electric vehicles. Check your state's environmental or transportation agency website to see what programs exist in your area, as these change frequently and vary widely.

Insurance, Maintenance, and Registration Costs

Insurance for an electric Harley costs roughly the same as for a comparable gas motorcycle — typically $300 to $800 per year depending on your age, riding history, location, and coverage level. Some insurers offer small discounts for electric vehicles because they are less likely to be stolen and have lower repair costs, but the discount is usually modest. Get quotes from multiple insurers before buying because rates vary significantly.

Maintenance is simpler and cheaper than gas bikes. Electric motorcycles have no oil changes, spark plugs, fuel filters, or transmission fluid. The main maintenance items are tire rotation, brake fluid checks, and battery monitoring. Brake pads last longer because electric bikes use regenerative braking, which captures energy when you slow down and feeds it back to the battery. Routine maintenance costs roughly half what you would spend on a gas motorcycle.

Registration and title fees vary by state. Some states charge the same registration fee for electric and gas motorcycles. Others offer reduced fees or waived registration for electric vehicles. A few states allow electric motorcycles to use carpool or HOV lanes. Check your state's motor vehicle department to understand what applies where you live.

Comparing Harley Electric Bikes to Gas Models and Competitors

Harley's electric bikes are heavier and less powerful than their gas counterparts. The LiveWire One weighs 549 pounds and produces 105 horsepower. A comparable gas cruiser like the Street 750 weighs 508 pounds and produces 53 horsepower. The electric bike accelerates faster but handles differently because of the weight distribution and lower center of gravity. If you are used to riding a gas Harley, the electric version feels different in ways that take time to adjust to.

Other manufacturers offer electric motorcycles in similar price ranges. Zero Motorcycles makes the SR/F and SR/S models priced between $18,000 and $20,000, with longer range and faster charging. Energica makes the Eva Ribelle and Experia, priced between $16,000 and $20,000, with Italian styling and performance focus. Indian Motorcycle has not yet released an electric model. The choice depends on your budget, preferred riding style, and whether you value the Harley brand identity.

Gas motorcycles still dominate the market because they offer longer range, faster refueling, and lower upfront cost. If you ride more than 100 miles per day regularly or take frequent long trips, a gas bike remains more practical. Electric bikes make sense if your daily riding is under 80 miles and you have access to home charging.

Resale Value and Long-Term Ownership Considerations

Electric motorcycles depreciate faster than gas bikes because the market for used electric bikes is smaller and battery concerns make buyers hesitant. A LiveWire One purchased new for $15,000 typically sells used for $10,000 to $12,000 after three years, depending on mileage and condition. Gas Harleys in the same price range hold value better, often selling for $11,000 to $13,000 after three years.

Battery age and mileage are the primary factors affecting resale value. Buyers want to know how many charge cycles the battery has completed and whether it still holds a full charge. Harley's eight-year warranty transfers to the second owner, which helps resale value, but a battery outside the warranty period is a red flag for used buyers.

If you plan to keep the bike for five to ten years, the lower fuel and maintenance costs offset some of the depreciation. If you trade bikes frequently, the resale hit is more painful. Consider your ownership timeline before committing to electric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a Harley electric motorcycle in the rain?

Yes. Both the LiveWire One and S2 Del Mar are sealed and waterproof to the same standard as gas motorcycles. Rain does not damage the battery or electrical system. Wet conditions affect traction and braking the same way they do on any motorcycle, so ride cautiously but do not avoid riding in rain because the bike is electric.

What happens if the battery dies while I am riding?

The bike does not suddenly stop. As the battery depletes, power output decreases gradually and the display shows remaining range. You will feel the bike slow down before it runs out completely, giving you time to find a charging station or pull over safely. Most riders get a 10 to 15 mile warning before the battery is completely empty.

Do I need a special license to ride an electric Harley?

No. Electric motorcycles are licensed and registered the same way as gas bikes in all U.S. states. You need a standard motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. The bike's power output and weight determine what license class you need, not whether it is electric or gas.

How cold weather affects the range and charging?

Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, so range drops 20 to 40 percent in freezing weather. Charging also takes longer in cold conditions because the battery charges more slowly to avoid damage. If you ride in winter regularly, expect to lose 30 to 50 miles of range compared to summer riding. Keeping the bike in a heated garage helps but does not eliminate the effect.

Can I tow a trailer with an electric Harley?

Harley does not recommend towing with either the LiveWire One or S2 Del Mar. The bikes are not designed with towing points, and adding weight would significantly reduce range. If you need to carry cargo, use saddlebags or a top case instead.