Harley-Davidson’s electric sub-brand, LiveWire, is teaming up with Taiwanese scooter leader KYMCO to launch a new range of electric maxi-scooters, set to hit the market in 2026. These scooters, equipped with LiveWire’s S2 Arrow powertrain, promise to bring significant power and range to the electric scooter landscape, catering to urban and commuter needs with a high-performance edge.
The collaboration was publicly announced at EICMA, where LiveWire’s presence at KYMCO’s booth raised some eyebrows. Though KYMCO has been an early investor in LiveWire, many were surprised to see the two companies showcasing a joint project. KYMCO and LiveWire have maintained a longstanding partnership, but this move marks a new level of collaboration, especially with the companies announcing an employee exchange program to deepen their technical and strategic integration.
Power and performance: A unique entry in the maxi-scooter market
The scooters’ design will be powered by the S2 Arrow platform, LiveWire’s compact and efficient electric powertrain initially launched with the S2 Del Mar streetbike. This powertrain combines the electric motor, structural battery, and control hardware into a compact package that has also been adapted for LiveWire’s S2 Mulholland cruiser. The S2 Arrow is known for delivering solid performance metrics, including a peak power of 84 hp (63 kW) and continuous power of 40 hp (30 kW), along with a hefty 194 lb.ft (263 Nm) of torque.
For the maxi-scooter category, these numbers are groundbreaking. LiveWire’s CEO Karim Donnez noted, “The belief and recognition that we could create a class-leading maxi-scooter using our S2 Arrow powertrain has been a constant, KYMCO sharing their expertise has changed belief into reality, and we are excited to commence on this journey with such a globally recognized leader in the category.” This confidence reflects the companies’ belief that the new scooters will bring a fresh competitive edge to a market traditionally dominated by lower-powered models.
To put it into perspective, the current leading model, the Honda Forza 750, produces just 58 hp (43 kW) and 51 lb.ft (69 Nm) of torque. LiveWire’s new scooters, with significantly higher specs, are likely to offer brisk acceleration and smoother highway speeds, promising an impressive 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 3 seconds and a top speed of 101 mph (163 km/h). For commuters, these scooters will add a new dynamic element to city and suburban travel, as well as a serious performance option among electric scooters.
Range and charging suitability for daily commuting
The S2 Arrow platform offers a combined-cycle range of approximately 86 miles (138 km) on a single charge, which, while not extensive, covers most daily commuting needs. Furthermore, it supports Level-2 fast charging, allowing riders to charge from 20% to 80% in under 80 minutes. Although electric vehicles generally face range challenges on highways, these scooters are positioned more for urban and outer-suburban commuting, where the available range is likely sufficient.
Maxi-scooters are inherently well-suited for longer rides and faster commutes than smaller 50-175cc models. Their higher-capacity engines and improved weather protection offer better usability at highway speeds, while features like advanced onboard electronics enhance the comfort of the ride. For electric maxi-scooters, the S2 Arrow’s range and power combination will be appealing for urban commuters looking to balance performance with practicality.
Aesthetic and practical design for modern riders
LiveWire released early concept images of the scooters, showcasing two distinct design directions. One variant features rugged off-road tires and luggage racks, designed for a more adventurous look and potential utility beyond the standard road environment. The other model is a sleeker road-going version, with an aggressive front fairing that gives it a touch of the “Akira” cyberpunk aesthetic. Together, these two versions are aimed at appealing to a broader audience, from practical urban riders to those interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.
Interestingly, the colors chosen for these models diverge from traditional Harley-Davidson palettes, opting instead for pastel blue and beige shades. This color scheme, along with the overall styling, indicates that LiveWire is aiming for a younger, urban demographic rather than the traditional Harley-Davidson customer. As LiveWire continues to build its brand identity separate from its Harley-Davidson parent, the maxi-scooters mark an important step in that journey.
Expanding the S2 Arrow platform beyond scooters
KYMCO’s commitment to the S2 Arrow platform is also visible in its own line-up. At EICMA, KYMCO introduced a revamped version of its RevoNEX electric motorcycle, also built on the S2 Arrow platform. The RevoNEX, which brings a retro-futuristic aesthetic to KYMCO’s electric portfolio, is slated for release around 2026. This development signals the potential for a wider range of high-performance electric vehicles utilizing the S2 Arrow powertrain, both from LiveWire and KYMCO.
Strategic implications for LiveWire and KYMCO
For Harley-Davidson, the decision to spin off LiveWire as an independent entity was a pivotal one. The move allows LiveWire to explore electric vehicles without impacting Harley’s core brand image, which some traditional fans saw as incompatible with quieter electric models. By branching into electric scooters with KYMCO, LiveWire is reaching a different market segment focused on urban mobility rather than the traditional Harley-Davidson cruiser.
The partnership with KYMCO may also help LiveWire gain traction in international markets, as KYMCO brings a strong distribution network and extensive experience in the Asian market. With plans for worldwide distribution, this project could extend the reach of both brands.
Market availability and expected launch
As of now, details on model names or pricing have not been released. LiveWire and KYMCO plan to begin shipping the maxi-scooters in the first half of 2026, with an intention for global distribution. Pricing will be an important factor to watch, especially as the two companies target an audience looking for high-performance options that balance the appeal of electric vehicles with the convenience of maxi-scooters.
Source: LiveWire
