Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle division, LiveWire, has made its first acquisition, purchasing US-based start-up Dust Moto in a move that signals a clear expansion into the rapidly growing electric off-road segment.
The deal will see Dust Moto’s electric dirt bike platform brought under the LiveWire umbrella, with plans to accelerate development using the company’s engineering capabilities, manufacturing resources and global dealer network. LiveWire says further details on the production-ready motorcycle are expected to emerge in the second half of 2026.
The acquisition marks an important strategic shift for LiveWire, broadening its focus beyond road-oriented electric motorcycles. Until now, the company’s lineup has centred around urban and street-focused machines, including the LiveWire One, originally introduced as the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, alongside the S2 platform, which underpins models such as the Del Mar, Mulholland and recently launched Alpinista.
According to LiveWire, the partnership is intended to combine Dust Moto’s specialist off-road knowledge with LiveWire’s experience in electric mobility, large-scale manufacturing and established retail footprint. Dust Moto was founded with the goal of creating an affordable yet high-performance electric dirt bike aimed at a growing audience of off-road riders. Commenting on the acquisition, founder and CEO Colin Godby said the two companies share a similar vision centred around American engineering, rider-focused innovation and performance.
The move comes at a time when electric motorcycles are finding stronger acceptance in off-road environments than on public roads. While electric road bikes continue to face challenges around charging infrastructure and range anxiety, off-road riding often involves shorter riding sessions, controlled environments and reduced distance demands, making EV technology a more practical fit.
That opportunity has already attracted competition. Spanish manufacturer Stark Future has emerged as one of the segment’s strongest players with its Varg motocross and Varg EX enduro models. Meanwhile, more affordable alternatives such as the Sur-Ron Ultra Bee have also built a loyal following, particularly among riders focused on green-laning, trail riding and urban mobility, where low noise and reduced maintenance offer clear advantages.
LiveWire’s own road-focused products have already demonstrated the strengths, and limitations, of electric motorcycles. Models built on the S2 platform have been praised for their performance and premium components, though charging times and limited range remain obstacles for riders covering longer distances.
In contrast, off-road use presents a different equation. Reduced maintenance requirements, quieter operation and instant torque delivery are increasingly helping electric motorcycles challenge conventional petrol-powered machines in dirt-focused riding environments. For LiveWire, acquiring Dust Moto could represent more than a diversification effort, it may be the company’s clearest indication yet that the future growth of electric motorcycling could lie beyond the tarmac.
