If you're surprised to learn that Harley-Davidson offers e-bikes, you're not alone. The iconic motorcycle manufacturer is much better known for its massive, powerful cruisers than even electric motorcycles. Plus, the iconic motorcycle manufacturer produces its e-bikes through a third party.

 

All of that said, Harley-Davidson e-bikes are very real, and they're becoming more popular each year. While we don't expect you to trade in your motorcycle for an e-bike any time soon, you might be thinking about making some extra space in your garage once you find out what there is to know about Harley's e-bike offerings.

Serial 1: An H-D Subsidiary

The first thing you should know about Harley-Davidson e-bikes is that they won't come with the iconic motorcycle company's logo proudly displayed across the frame. Instead of producing e-bikes under the H-D brand, the company relies on a third-party subsidiary called Serial 1 to manufacture its electric bicycles.

 

Although these bikes don't come with the Harley-Davidson logo, they're still made up to the company's high standards, and they're not as far a cry as you might think from the company's other offerings. Many people even compare Serial 1's origin story to that of the Harley-Davidson brand, itself.

 

The best part of Serial 1's partnership with Harley-Davidson is that the company doesn't just get access to the powerful facilities at H-D HQ for its design and development work. The subsidiary also uses Harley Davidson garages to provide services, and the e-bikes are sold at H-D dealerships across the country.

 

The relationship between Serial 1 and its parent company explains why this relative newcomer to e-bike design is already not just gaining traction in a difficult market but rushing quickly to the top. Partnering with Harley Davidson allows Serial 1 access to cutting-edge production methods, high-quality materials, and a powerful platform for marketing its products.

Harley Davidson Embraces Electric Vehicles

At first glance, it might seem strange to think of Harley-Davidson as a bicycle manufacturer, even as a parent company to a third-party subsidiary. The move makes sense given recent trends. Harley-Davidson has also been changing the way that traditional motorcycle riders think about their bikes by introducing high-quality, technologically advanced all-electric motorcycles.

 

While Serial 1 e-bikes are a far cry from the brand's better-known LiveWire electric motorcycles, they fill an important niche. Not everyone who wants to go green is ready to either jump in the deep end and buy an electric motorcycle or embrace pure pedal power. The Serial 1 lines offer an alternative that sits comfortably in the middle.

Who Rides Serial 1 E-Bikes?

As might be expected, Harley-Davidson isn't targeting its usual audience with its Serial 1 e-bikes. Although there are doubtless plenty of true H-D enthusiasts who view the company's recent move toward smaller vehicles as an opportunity to branch out, themselves, most e-bike riders are current bicyclists who want to up their game or commuters interested in going green without arriving to work covered in sweat.

 

You might want to note that while Serial 1 has drawn a lot of attention from first-time e-bike buyers, these machines are not budget-level EVs. The company's entry-level line, the MOSH/CTY, starts at $3,799. Just remember that you're paying for Harley-Davidson-level innovation and quality. The Serial 1 e-bikes may be more expensive than some of the other small EVs on the market, but they're built to last.

Partnership With Google Cloud

Serial 1's first lines of e-bikes were an immediate success, drawing in buyers from across multiple consumer segments, including many who might otherwise never have considered buying an EV. The second generation was designed in partnership with Google Cloud.

 

As a result of this new partnership, Serial 1's second generation of e-bikes features an all-new app that integrates the Cloud's Intelligent Product Essentials software solution. This, in turn, enables predictive, proactive, and intelligent features such as app-controlled security, navigation, and real-time ride data, all of which can be pulled up on the bikes' dashboard screens.

Understanding the Options

Now that you know about the relationship between Serial 1 and its parent company, let's look at what they have to offer. There are currently five models available, each of which was carefully designed with a specific user segment in mind.

1. MOSH/CTY

Serial 1's MOSH/CTY e-bike is its entry-level machine, but that doesn't mean it's not impressive in its own right. Featuring a Brose S Mag motor with 90Nm/66 ft. lb. of torque, the bike offers a speed assist of up to 20 mph.

 

The MOSH line is based on a single-speed, freewheel bike, which makes it easy to ride. It comes standard with LED headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and signature lights but eschews the extras that make the company's higher trim levels more expensive.

 

Like all Serial 1 e-bikes, the MOSH/CTY model comes equipped with mobile app connectivity and an integrated USB-C charger. All of these features are powered by the bike's 529Wh removable battery, making it easy to stay charged up and ready to ride.

2. BASH/MTN

The BASH/MTN e-bike is to mountain biking what the MOSH/CTY is to single-speeds. Most of the details, including the drivetrain, motor, and battery, are the same, and the BASH line also offers up to a 20 MPH speed assist.

 

The primary feature that sets the BASH model apart is that they feature an SR Suntour NCX Suspension seat post. Compared to the standard seat post, this feature offers greater comfort and safety for riders who want to hit the trails instead of sticking to city streets.

 

What's great about this particular offering is that the company's partnership with Google Cloud initiated the development of a novel e-bike app communication system perfect for trail riders. Instead of relying exclusively on Bluetooth, all Serial 1 bikes feature sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) devices that enable cellular data and GPS connectivity.

3. SWITCH/MTN

Although the SWITCH/MTN features the same motor and battery as the BASH line, serious mountain bikers will find that it's worth the extra money for an upgrade thanks to changes to the drivetrain, final drive, and seatpost.

 

The TranZ Dropper seat post, 11-50 cassette chain final drive, and SRAM SX Eagle 1x123 drivetrain set this e-bike apart. However, trail riders will also appreciate the SWITCH line's four convenient ride modes:

 

1. Eco mode is for gentle terrain.
2. Tour mode mixes battery and manual power.
3. Sport mode is for rolling hills.
4. Boost mode offers extra power for steep inclines or soft, sandy ground.

 

You might not be surprised to learn that the SWITCH/MTN is already making a name for itself as one of the top-performing electric mountain bikes.

4. RUSH/CTY STEP THRU

The RUSH line's designers had city commuters in mind when they built the RUSH/CTY STEP THRU. This more affordable alternative to the high-end RUSH/CTY SPEED e-bike uses the same Brose S Mag motor as the MOSH, BASH, and SWITCH lines. However, it also has features make it uniquely convenient for city riding.

 

The RUSH/CTY STEP THRU features integrated fenders and racks, plus a lockable glove box. Its drivetrain also gets upgraded from a single-speed freewheel to the Enviolo Automatiq CVT hub. Not all e-bike riders love the continuously variable transmission, but experts generally agree that it offers multiple advantages over standard gear sets, including a quieter, smoother ride and an optimized pedaling experience.

5. RUSH/CTY SPEED

Serial 1's top-of-the-line e-bike model is the RUSH/CTY SPEED. This model tops out at a 28 mph speed assist rather than 20, but that isn't the only thing that sets it apart. If you're looking for a high-end commuter e-bike, this is the first model you should test-ride.

 

Some might argue that it combines the best of all worlds, offering all the extras of the RUSH/CTY STEP THRU, including the Enviolo Automatiq CVT hub. However, it also features an advanced Brose TF Mag motor and a 706Wh removable battery for extra power storage.

 

Thanks to the advanced e-bike app with cellular and GPS connectivity, you won't have to worry about security. You can even set the app to notify you via push alerts if the bike gets jostled too much while it's locked up.

Electric Balance Bikes

Want to get the kids started young? Harley-Davidson now offers a variety of electric balance bikes for kids. The largest of them features a 36V motor and hydraulic disc brakes, making these bikes an excellent option for families who want to ride together safely with their kids. Options include:

 

• E-Bike 18E Low Rider Edition
• Brushless IronE16
• E-Bike 20E Low Rider Edition
• 20EDrive Pan America Launch Edition E-Bike
• 18EDrive Pan America Launch Edition E-Bike

 

Harley-Davidson's electric balance bikes make excellent gifts for kids, as well.

Alternatives to the Serial 1 E-Bikes

Love the idea of going electric, but need some extra power? Harley-Davidson offers fully electric motorcycles in addition to the Serial 1 lines of e-bikes. You can find out more about them online or give us a call to discuss options today.