The path to becoming a motorcyclist has long been paved with traditional gas engines and the subtle art of clutch control. But a new era is dawning. For those looking to join the ranks of riders, you can now earn your motorcycle license on an electric bike.
This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a significant shift. For years, the traditional learning process involved mastering the nuances of a gasoline engine – finding the friction zone, managing the throttle without stalling, and navigating the symphony of mechanical sounds.
Anything to Get More People Through the Motorcycle Exam, and Add More Riders
Now, with electric motorcycles entering the training arena, new riders can focus on the core dynamics of riding: body position, braking points, throttle control, and understanding the road beneath them, all without the added complexities of a shifting gearbox or the fear of an accidental stall.
Leading this charge is a partnership between LiveWire, the electric arm of Harley-Davidson, and Bartels’ Harley-Davidson Riding Academy in Marina del Rey, California. This academy has become a pioneer, offering introductory motorcycle classes using LiveWire’s electric models, such as the S2 Mulholland and Alpinista.
Successfully completing this course earns students a Basic RiderCourse completion card, a golden ticket that often allows them to bypass the practical exam at the DMV, needing only to pass the written test for their motorcycle endorsement.
This development is a win-win. For aspiring riders, it simplifies the learning curve, removing common anxieties associated with traditional motorcycles. For LiveWire and Harley-Davidson, it provides a crucial entry point, introducing new enthusiasts to their electric machines and fostering a new generation of riders who are already comfortable with the silent, smooth power of an EV.
It addresses a long-standing challenge for the brand, offering an accessible training platform with bikes that are actually available to purchase. This step is a welcome development, making the world of motorcycling more approachable for newcomers and potentially electrifying the future of riding.
Source: RideApart, Bartels Harley
