July 2025 marked a turning point for LiveWire—and for anyone who’s ever eyed the scooter-sized thrill of a Honda Grom through an electric lens. At Harley-Davidson’s Homecoming Festival in Milwaukee, LiveWire quietly unleashed two 125 cc-equivalent electric prototypes designed to democratize the brand’s signature performance.
One is a street-legal city runner; the other, a backyard-to-backcountry trail toy. Both share modular battery systems, agile chassis, and acceleration that belies their pint-size stature.
Dual Swappable Batteries
Instead of the fixed pack of the S2 Arrow platform, LiveWire’s mini EVs rely on two removable Lithium-ion battery modules delivering up to 100 miles (160 km) per charge and a brisk 0–30 mph in 3 seconds. Riders can keep spare packs docked at home or in office lockers for fast “tank” swaps—eliminating range anxiety.
“These prototypes aren’t mopeds—they’re mini-motos that nail 53 mph top speeds while staying under a $10,000 target price,” LiveWire’s design lead explained.
This dual-module approach leverages proven Kymco Ionex technology—an ingenious combination of swappable battery expertise and LiveWire’s electric drivetrain.
Under the slimline bodywork sits a trellis frame that uses the motor as a stressed member, cutting weight and boosting rigidity. Inverted front forks and a mono-shock rear suspension give both models a finely tuned, confidence-inspiring ride. With 12-inch wheels and a 30-inch seat height, even shorter riders can flat-foot at stops—and swap body position on the street or trail with ease.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frame | Steel trellis; motor as structural member |
| Suspension | Inverted forks; mono-shock rear |
| Wheels/Tires | 12″ road tires (street) / knobbies (trail) |
| Seat Height | ~30 in (762 mm) |
| Dry Weight | ~250 lb (prototype) |
| Top Speed | ~53 mph (85 km/h) |
| Acceleration | 0–30 mph in 3 s |
| Range | ~100 miles (160 km) |
- Street Model: Equipped with mirrors, lights, and a license-plate mount, this version excels at tight urban grids, errands, and weekend joyrides. Its nimble handling makes it ideal for weaving through traffic or popping wheelies on suburban streets.
- Trail Model: Fitted with dirt-ready tires and simplified ergonomics, this sibling is built for pump tracks, backyard laps, and light trail gallops. It’s low weight and instant torque turn any off-road playground into a personal fun zone.
Rather than lock down the designs, LiveWire is crowdsourcing feedback on color palettes, accessories, and optional “Pro” upgrades via Instagram polls and rider focus groups. This iterative, rider-first approach echoes the co-creation ethos popularized by action sports brands—transforming buyers into collaborators.
“We’re inviting our community to shape the final package,” says Karim Donnez, CEO of LiveWire. “Their input will influence everything from ergonomics to connectivity features.”
Electrek’s senior editor Gregg Cole lauds the move as “a critical inflection for LiveWire—finally aligning pricing with urban rider expectations”. Industry analysts note that by targeting sub-$10,000 price points, LiveWire slashes entry barriers and directly challenges ICE minibikes like the Honda Grom and Kawasaki Z125.
A recent J.D. Power study found that 45 percent of urban riders cite affordability as the top hurdle to adoption for EV two-wheelers—a gap that LiveWire’s mini EVs aim to close.
What’s Next?
- Community Feedback Phase (Now–Aug 2025): LiveWire gathers digital and in-person insights.
- Full Specs Reveal (EICMA 2025): Official unveiling of production intent, pricing, and detailed performance metrics.
- Pilot Fleet Testing (Q4 2025): Field trials with select riders to fine-tune ride characteristics and battery swap reliability.
- Commercial Launch (Mid-2026): Nationwide dealer rollout, targeting entry-level riders, campus programs, and urban fleets.
