Gear up: Harley-Davidson’s ebikes are rolling across Europe

I admire Harley-Davidson’s motorcycles as much as the next person, but the truth is I’m totally incapable of riding one.

So when the iconic brand and its affiliated company, Serial 1 Cycle, released their ebikes back in November 2020, I got very excited that I’d be able to try at least one Harley-Davidson vehicle.

Yet again, I don’t live in the US nor in Germany, so there was no way to get my hands on it — which was a crying shame.

But, folks, things are looking up for me.

Starting in August — yes, this month — the Serial 1 ebikes are coming in Harley-Davidson dealerships across Europe.

Why am I excited?

Well, apart from the fact that the do look sleek, I’m very much interested in their battery setup.

While most bikes place the battery in the down tube or rear rack, Serial 1 ebikes feature the battery in a bucket right next to the motor. As a result, the heaviest component is placed as low and centered as possible. 

 I’d definitely like to see whether such a setup improves balance and overall handling.

What range of models will be offered?

There are three ebikes available featuring the Brose S Mag motor and a maximum assistance speed of 25 kmph.

The Mosh/Cty is the most affordable model of the series at $3,499, mostly apt for casual city riding. It comes with a 529Wh battery pack, uses a single-speed drivetrain, and is also the lightest, weighing 48 lb (21.8kg). 

The Rush/Cty and Rush/Cty Step Thru use an automatic Enviolo NuVinci transmission, which makes them among the rare bikes to offer fully automatic stepless gear changes. 

While the Rush/Cty Step Thru has the same battery with the Mosh/Cty, the Rush/Cty has a bigger 706Wh battery capacity, good for 40 to 185 kilometers. 

They cost $4,599 and $4,699, respectively.

And here are two extra perks all three models share: robust LED lighting and the Gates Carbon Belt Drive, instead of the traditional chain, which is virtually maintenance-free and can last far longer. 

I’m most keen on trying the Mosch/Cty because I like the feeling of changing gears myself, while enjoying the extra pedaling assistance.

Jason Huntsman, President of Serial 1, noted in the press release that the European expansion in combination with “a great product and a rapidly growing market” is the “recipe for success” for both brands. 

Given that the ebike market in Europe is estimated to be worth $48.46 billion by 2028, and to grow with 3.5 million units by 2024, there’s indeed enough room for Serial 1 occupy with more premium offerings for discerning customers.

Do EVs excite your electrons? Do ebikes get your wheels spinning? Do self-driving cars get you all charged up?