The LiveWire is Harley's only current electric motorcycle, and it costs between $22,000 and $25,000 depending on the model year and trim
Harley-Davidson stopped calling their electric motorcycle the "Electric Glide" after 2023. The current model is the LiveWire One (2024 onward), which replaced the earlier LiveWire and LiveWire S models. If you're looking at used inventory or dealer stock, you may still see "Electric Glide" badging on 2022–2023 models, but that name is no longer in use.
The LiveWire One starts around $22,000 before destination charges and taxes. A higher-trim LiveWire Two, introduced for 2025, runs closer to $25,000. Both are significantly more expensive than comparable gas-powered Harley cruisers, but they have no engine, no transmission, and no oil changes. The trade-off is range: the LiveWire One delivers roughly 140 miles per charge under ideal conditions, and real-world range drops in cold weather or at highway speeds.
This is a cruiser-style motorcycle, not a sport bike. It's designed to feel like a traditional Harley—low seat, forward controls, heavy weight—but powered by a battery and electric motor instead of a V-twin engine. That means no gear shifting, no clutch, and when ready torque from a standstill.
Key Takeaways
- The LiveWire One costs $22,000 to $25,000 and is the only electric motorcycle Harley currently builds; the "Electric Glide" name was retired after 2023.
- Range is roughly 140 miles per full charge, but drops significantly in cold weather, at highway speeds, or with aggressive acceleration.
- Charging at home on a standard 120-volt outlet takes 12+ hours; a 240-volt Level 2 charger cuts that to 4–5 hours, and DC fast charging adds 80% in under an hour.
- The LiveWire has no transmission, no oil changes, and lower maintenance costs than gas Harleys, but battery replacement after 8–10 years can cost $8,000 to $12,000.
- Resale value is uncertain because the electric motorcycle market is still young; used LiveWires have sold for 40–60% of original price depending on age and mileage.
How the LiveWire's range compares to real-world riding
Harley rates the LiveWire One at 140 miles of range on a full charge. That number comes from controlled testing and assumes moderate speeds, mild weather, and smooth acceleration. In practice, most owners report 100–130 miles before the battery warning light comes on, and they typically stop charging before the battery is completely empty to preserve long-term battery health.
Range drops noticeably in cold weather—expect 20–30% less distance in temperatures below 40°F. Highway riding at 65+ mph also cuts range compared to city riding, because aerodynamic drag increases with speed. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking reduce range further, though regenerative braking (which captures energy when you slow down) helps offset some of that loss.
For comparison, a gas-powered Harley Street 750 gets roughly 200 miles per tank on highway riding. The LiveWire's 140-mile range is tighter, which matters if you're planning long trips without access to charging. For daily commuting under 50 miles, or weekend rides in a familiar area, the range is usually sufficient.
Charging times and what you need at home
Charging speed depends entirely on what equipment you have. A standard 120-volt household outlet (the kind you use for lamps) will charge the LiveWire from empty to full in 12–14 hours. That works if you charge overnight, but it's slow for any other scenario.
A 240-volt Level 2 charger is the practical choice for home charging. Installation costs $500–$2,000 depending on your electrical panel and how far the charger is from the garage, but charging time drops to 4–5 hours. Many LiveWire owners install a Level 2 charger as soon as they buy the bike. Harley offers a proprietary charger, but third-party options from Clipper Creek or Grizzl-E are often cheaper and work just as well.
DC fast charging at public stations adds 80% of the battery in 30–45 minutes, which is useful for longer trips. However, DC fast charging generates heat and stresses the battery, so most owners use it only when necessary, not for daily charging. The LiveWire uses the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, which is standard across most electric vehicles in North America, so you have access to thousands of public chargers.
Maintenance costs and what changes without an engine
The LiveWire has no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid, and no timing belt. That eliminates the biggest maintenance expenses of a gas motorcycle. You still need to rotate tires, replace brake pads, and check suspension components, but those costs are identical to any motorcycle.
The battery is the major long-term expense. Harley warrants the battery for 8 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that, if the battery degrades significantly or fails, replacement costs $8,000–$12,000 depending on the model year. That's a real number to factor in if you plan to keep the bike past 8 years. Most owners who have kept LiveWires for 5+ years report 10–15% capacity loss, which is normal for lithium batteries.
Brake fluid, coolant for the motor, and tire wear are the other regular maintenance items. Annual service costs are typically $200–$400, compared to $500–$800 for a comparable gas Harley. Over 10 years, the savings add up, but they don't fully offset the higher battery replacement cost if you need it.
How the LiveWire's performance feels different from a gas Harley
The electric motor produces maximum torque when ready, from zero RPM. The LiveWire One makes 105 lb-ft of torque, which is comparable to Harley's 750cc gas cruisers, but you feel it when ready when you twist the throttle. There's no engine revving, no gear shifting—just smooth, linear acceleration. The bike weighs 549 pounds, which is heavier than most cruisers, so that when ready torque doesn't translate to neck-snapping acceleration, but it feels responsive and effortless.
Regenerative braking captures energy when you slow down, which extends range and reduces brake wear. You can feel the motor resisting when you roll off the throttle, similar to engine braking on a gas bike. Some riders love this; others find it takes adjustment.
The ride is quiet. There's no engine noise, just tire and wind sound. That's a major departure from the Harley experience, which is built around the sound of a V-twin. If the engine sound is part of what you want from a Harley, the LiveWire won't deliver that.
Resale value and what used LiveWires actually sell for
The electric motorcycle market is young, and resale data is limited. Used LiveWires and earlier Electric Glides have sold for 40–60% of their original price, depending on model year, mileage, and battery condition. A 2021 LiveWire with 10,000 miles might sell for $12,000–$14,000; a 2023 model with similar mileage might fetch $14,000–$16,000.
That depreciation is steeper than gas Harleys, which typically hold 50–65% of their value after 3–5 years. The uncertainty around battery longevity and the smaller pool of buyers for electric motorcycles both contribute to lower resale prices. If you plan to keep the bike for 10+ years, depreciation matters less. If you think you'll sell it in 3–5 years, factor in a larger loss.
Battery condition is the biggest factor in resale value. A used LiveWire with a battery that's degraded to 70% capacity will be worth less than one with 90% capacity, even if both have the same mileage. Buyers ask for battery health reports, and dealers increasingly provide them.
Comparing the LiveWire One to other electric motorcycles
The LiveWire One is not the only electric motorcycle on the market, but it is the only one from a major American manufacturer. Zero Motorcycles builds several models, ranging from $7,000 to $18,000, with different battery sizes and ranges. Zero bikes tend to be lighter and more sport-oriented than the LiveWire, and they're cheaper, but they don't have the Harley brand or dealer network.
Indian Motorcycle (owned by Polaris, like Harley's parent company) does not currently build an electric motorcycle. BMW offers the CE 04, a scooter-style electric bike priced around $12,000, which is lighter and cheaper than the LiveWire but doesn't have the cruiser styling.
If you want an electric cruiser specifically, the LiveWire One is your only option from a major manufacturer. If you're open to other styles or brands, you have alternatives that may cost less or offer different performance characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride the LiveWire in the rain?
Yes. The LiveWire is sealed and weatherproofed like any modern motorcycle. Rain won't damage the battery or electrical system. However, wet conditions reduce tire grip and visibility, just as they do on any bike. Charging in heavy rain is safe too, as long as you're using a properly grounded charger.
What happens if the battery dies while I'm riding?
The bike doesn't suddenly stop. As the battery depletes, power output decreases gradually, and you'll see a low-battery warning on the display. Most riders get 5–10 miles of reduced-power riding after the warning appears, which is usually enough to reach a charger or pull over safely. It's similar to running low on fuel in a gas bike, except the warning is more obvious.
Does the LiveWire work in very cold climates?
Yes, but with reduced range and slower charging. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency by 20–30%, so a 140-mile range becomes 100–110 miles. Charging also takes longer in cold weather. If you live in a climate where it's regularly below 20°F, plan for shorter rides and longer charging times. Heated grips and seat are available as accessories to keep you warm.
Is there a tax credit or rebate for buying a LiveWire?
The federal tax credit for electric motorcycles was $2,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act, but it expired at the end of 2023. Some states offer their own rebates for electric motorcycles; check your state's environmental or energy office for current programs. Dealer incentives and financing offers change frequently, so ask your local Harley dealer what's available now.
How does the LiveWire handle on curves compared to a gas Harley?
The LiveWire is heavier than most cruisers (549 pounds), which makes it feel more planted in corners but requires more effort to maneuver at low speeds. The low center of gravity and wide wheelbase are designed for stability, not agility. If you're used to sport bikes or lighter cruisers, the LiveWire will feel less nimble, but most cruiser riders find the handling predictable and confidence-inspiring.