Harley-Davidson introduces electric bicycles to its line-up

Harley-Davidson, an iconic American motorcycle brand widely known for its loyal following, is going into the electric bicycles market.

"Inspired by the entrepreneurial vision of Harley-Davidson’s founders – and the revolutionary impact of their first motorcycle, affectionately referred to as ‘Serial Number One’ – Serial 1 was created for the sole purpose of delivering innovative e-bicycles that make every ride an adventure," Harley-Davidson states on its website.

The first Serial 1 e-bikes are expected to hit the market from March 2021, with options kicking off from US$3,399.

Harley-Davidson's name is on the frame but does it remind you of the iconic motorcycle? Photo: Twitter

There are two groups of Harley-Davidson e-bicycles – MOSH/CTY and RUSH/CTY – and the majority will be pedal-assist without a manual throttle. RUSH/CTY will be split into three different models: regular, Step-Thru, and Speed.

MOSH/CTY has four different frame sizes, includes a 529-watt-hour removable battery and a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour in assisted mode. The battery takes about 4.8 hours to charge and should provide between 56 and 169 kilometres depending on what mode you use and where you are riding the electric bicycle.

Harley-Davidson’s RUSH/CTY models will cost at least US$4,399. The RUSH/CTY Step-Thru model has the same battery, single-speed drivetrain and top speed as the MOSH/CTY, but the "step through" design means the bike’s frame doesn’t have the standard top cross bar. It also adds a 1.5-inch LED screen so you can see your ride mode, speed, odometer, battery level and headlight status. This screen is available on all of the Serial 1 bikes except the MOSH/CTY.

Harley-Davidson obviously sees a market in distinctive electric bicycles. Photo: Twitter

The premium RUSH/CTY and RUSH/CTY Speed models are essentially identical except the Speed model hits a top speed of 45 kilometres per hour, compared to the 32 kilometres per hour on the standard model. Both bikes have a 706-watt-hour battery that takes about six-and-a-half hours to charge.

The Harley-Davidson bicycles can be pre-ordered, with delivery of the MOSH/CTY, RUSH/CTY and RUSH/CTY Step-Thru to begin March 2021, and the RUSH/CTY Speed from July 2021.