LiveWire® & KYMCO Strengthen Strategic Partnership with New Agreement to Expand LiveWire’s S2 Portfolio
LiveWire (LVWR) and KYMCO have expanded their strategic partnership to develop LiveWire's first electric maxi-scooter, primarily targeting the European market. The new vehicle will utilize LiveWire's S2 powertrain and is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2026. This collaboration builds upon their existing partnership from 2022, when KYMCO invested in LiveWire. The project combines KYMCO's expertise in premium scooters and EV technology with LiveWire's S2 Arrow powertrain technology to create a commute-friendly maxi-scooter focused on urban mobility.
LiveWire (LVWR) e KYMCO hanno ampliato la loro partnership strategica per sviluppare il primo maxi-scooter elettrico di LiveWire, con un focus particolare sul mercato europeo. Il nuovo veicolo utilizzerà il powertrain S2 di LiveWire ed è previsto per il lancio nella prima metà del 2026. Questa collaborazione si basa sulla loro partnership esistente dal 2022, anno in cui KYMCO ha investito in LiveWire. Il progetto unisce l'esperienza di KYMCO nei maxi-scooter premium e nella tecnologia EV con la tecnologia powertrain S2 Arrow di LiveWire, per creare un maxi-scooter adatto ai pendolari, focalizzato sulla mobilità urbana.
LiveWire (LVWR) y KYMCO han ampliado su asociación estratégica para desarrollar el primer maxi-scooter eléctrico de LiveWire, dirigido principalmente al mercado europeo. El nuevo vehículo utilizará el tren motriz S2 de LiveWire y se prevé su lanzamiento en la primera mitad de 2026. Esta colaboración se basa en la asociación existente desde 2022, cuando KYMCO invirtió en LiveWire. El proyecto combina la experiencia de KYMCO en scooters premium y tecnología de vehículos eléctricos con la tecnología del tren motriz S2 Arrow de LiveWire, para crear un maxi-scooter amigable para los desplazamientos, centrado en la movilidad urbana.
라이브와이어 (LVWR)와 KYMCO는 라이브와이어의 첫 전기 맥시 스쿠터 개발을 위한 전략적 파트너십을 확장했습니다. 주로 유럽 시장을 겨냥하고 있습니다. 새로운 차량은 라이브와이어의 S2 파워트레인을 사용할 예정이며, 2026년 상반기에 출시될 예정입니다. 이 협업은 2022년 KYMCO가 라이브와이어에 투자했을 때의 기존 파트너십을 바탕으로 합니다. 이 프로젝트는 KYMCO의 프리미엄 스쿠터 및 EV 기술에 대한 전문성과 라이브와이어의 S2 아로우 파워트레인 기술을 결합하여 도시 이동성에 중점을 둔 통근 친화적인 맥시 스쿠터를 만들고자 합니다.
LiveWire (LVWR) et KYMCO ont renforcé leur partenariat stratégique afin de développer le premier maxi-scooter électrique de LiveWire, principalement destiné au marché européen. Le nouveau véhicule utilisera le groupe motopropulseur S2 de LiveWire et devrait être lancé dans la première moitié de 2026. Cette collaboration s'appuie sur leur partenariat existant depuis 2022, lorsque KYMCO a investi dans LiveWire. Le projet allie l'expertise de KYMCO dans les scooters haut de gamme et la technologie des véhicules électriques avec la technologie de groupe motopropulseur S2 Arrow de LiveWire pour créer un maxi-scooter adapté aux trajets, axé sur la mobilité urbaine.
LiveWire (LVWR) und KYMCO haben ihre strategische Partnerschaft erweitert, um den ersten elektrischen Maxi-Scooter von LiveWire zu entwickeln, der hauptsächlich auf den europäischen Markt abzielt. Das neue Fahrzeug wird den S2-Antriebsstrang von LiveWire nutzen und soll in der ersten Hälfte von 2026 auf den Markt kommen. Diese Zusammenarbeit baut auf ihrer bestehenden Partnerschaft aus dem Jahr 2022 auf, als KYMCO in LiveWire investierte. Das Projekt kombiniert KYMCOs Expertise in Premium-Scootern und EV-Technologie mit der S2 Arrow-Antriebstechnologie von LiveWire, um einen pendlerfreundlichen Maxi-Scooter zu schaffen, der sich auf die urbane Mobilität konzentriert.
- Strategic expansion of existing partnership with established industry player KYMCO
- Entry into new market segment (maxi-scooter) expanding product portfolio
- Leveraging existing S2 powertrain technology for new product development
- Access to KYMCO's expertise in scooter manufacturing and EV technology
- Long development timeline with launch not until 1H 2026
- Significant investment required for new product development
Insights
This strategic partnership represents a significant market expansion opportunity for LiveWire. The electric maxi-scooter market in Europe is growing rapidly and KYMCO's expertise in scooter manufacturing combined with LiveWire's S2 powertrain technology creates a strong competitive advantage. The planned 2026 launch positions LiveWire to capture market share in the premium electric scooter segment.
KYMCO's established presence in global markets and experience with EV technology through their Ionex platform adds substantial value to the partnership. The focus on the European market is strategic, as Europe leads in electric two-wheeler adoption with favorable regulations and infrastructure. This diversification into maxi-scooters could significantly expand LiveWire's addressable market beyond traditional motorcycle customers.
The integration of LiveWire's S2 Arrow powertrain into a maxi-scooter format demonstrates impressive technological adaptability. The S2 platform's proven performance in motorcycles, now being optimized for scooters, shows strong technological scalability. This cross-platform capability could lead to faster product development cycles and cost efficiencies through shared components.
The partnership leverages complementary technological strengths - LiveWire's advanced electric powertrain expertise and KYMCO's scooter design and manufacturing capabilities. This combination could result in a product that outperforms current electric scooters in both range and performance metrics.
The result of the combined effort of the two companies will be LiveWire’s first electric maxi-scooter planned to launch in 1H 2026
LiveWire prototype concepts shown for illustration purposes only. (Photo: Business Wire)
LiveWire plans to launch its first-ever electric maxi-scooter, in the first half of 2026, to offer customers an electric riding experience that capitalizes on the convenience and benefits of the category and utilizes the performance and range of LiveWire’s S2 powertrain. LiveWire and KYMCO are combining their strengths and capabilities to reach new customers looking to experience the benefits of LiveWire’s electric performance in a commute-friendly maxi-scooter for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond.
This new agreement is an expansion from the existing agreement between both companies, which originated in 2022, with KYMCO’s investment in LiveWire.
“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.” - Karim Donnez, CEO LiveWire
KYMCO is one of the leading OEMs for premium internal combustion engine (ICE) scooters across global markets, in addition to having substantial experience in smaller output EV scooters and related business models. KYMCO providing its experience in the category adds a new dimension to LiveWire's product line and strengthens its position as a global leader in electric mobility.
KYMCO has a long tradition of innovation and forward-thinking in market entry strategies supported by its broad capability set, including multiple innovations in EVs such as RevoNEX, a high-performance all-electric street bike which plans to use LiveWire’s S2 powertrain, and Ionex, an advanced market proven swappable battery solution for electric two-wheeled vehicles.
“LiveWire is an iconic leader in electric solutions for urban mobility. We are excited to partner with them as LiveWire embarks on the development of a S2-based electric maxi-scooter.” - Allen Ko, Chairman KYMCO
Continuing the development and expansion of the S2 portfolio, this project will use LiveWire’s S2 Arrow powertrain as the basis for an all-new premium electric maxi-scooter, bringing the benchmark performance and range capabilities of LiveWire’s S2 motorcycles to the maxi-scooter category, while developing a new design language and form factor for LiveWire’s first maxi-scooter offering. Intended to be distributed globally, the company is planning a first half 2026 release for the project.
About LiveWire
LiveWire has a dedicated focus on the electric motorcycle sector. LiveWire’s majority shareholder is Harley-Davidson, Inc. LiveWire comes from the lineage of Harley-Davidson and is capitalizing on a decade of its learnings in the EV sector. LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling.
About KYMCO
With over 60 years of expertise in powersports, KYMCO has excelled in offering world-class scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs that combine quality, style, and advanced technology. Committed to sustainability and innovation, KYMCO empowers riders globally, pushing the boundaries of performance and shaping a cleaner, more connected future.
Learn more about KYMCO at www.kymco.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241105847210/en/
LiveWire
Jon Bekefy
jon.bekefy@livewire.com
Harley-Davidson
George Prassas
george.prassas@harley-davidson.com
Media, Images, & Video
www.livewire.com/media
media@livewire.com
Source: LiveWire Group, Inc.
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