LiveWire Group, Inc. has acquired the assets of Dust Moto, marking a strategic move into the electric off-road motorcycle market. The deal brings Dust Moto’s off-road expertise into LiveWire’s broader electric powersports platform. It also signals LiveWire’s intent to expand beyond its on-road electric motorcycle business and pursue growth in a fast-developing segment of the industry.
Strategic Expansion Into Electric Off-Road
The acquisition gives LiveWire a stronger position in the electric off-road category, where rider demand is being shaped by performance, simplicity, and lower operating complexity. Electric dirt bikes offer immediate torque, reduced mechanical maintenance, and quieter operation compared with many traditional internal combustion models. These characteristics have made the category increasingly attractive to riders seeking both performance and accessibility.
LiveWire said the transaction supports its strategy to broaden its product portfolio and increase its addressable market. By adding Dust Moto’s platform and technical insight, the company is positioning itself to serve riders outside the traditional street motorcycle space. The move builds on LiveWire’s existing focus on electric two-wheel innovation while extending its reach into off-road powersports.
Dust Moto Platform Moves Toward Production
As part of the acquisition, LiveWire will advance Dust Moto’s electric dirt bike platform toward production. The company plans to use its engineering resources, manufacturing capabilities, and commercial infrastructure to accelerate development. LiveWire also expects its global sales, marketing, and service network to support the eventual launch and market rollout.
Dust Moto was founded as a U.S.-based electric motorcycle startup focused on building an affordable, high-performance electric dirt bike. Its work in the off-road segment gives LiveWire a complementary foundation as it enters a new product category. The acquisition is therefore not only a portfolio expansion, but also a way to shorten development timelines by incorporating specialized knowledge.
Leadership Perspective
Karim Donnez, chief executive officer of LiveWire Group, described the acquisition as a continuation of the company’s leadership in electric motorcycling. He said LiveWire helped establish the on-road electric motorcycle market and is now extending that experience into off-road riding. Donnez also connected the move to the company’s longer journey in electric powersports, including the development path that began with STACYC a decade ago.
Dust Moto CEO Colin Godby called the transaction an important next phase for the startup. He emphasized that both companies share an American brand identity centered on performance, innovation, and rider-focused design. Godby said LiveWire’s scale and global reach could help bring Dust Moto’s electric off-road bike to a wider audience.
Market Significance
The deal arrives as electric powersports companies look for growth opportunities beyond conventional road motorcycles. Off-road riding offers a compelling use case for electrification because instant torque, single-speed operation, and quieter riding can improve the experience for new and experienced riders alike. Reduced noise may also expand where and how certain off-road vehicles can be used, depending on local rules and riding environments.
For LiveWire, the acquisition could help diversify revenue opportunities and strengthen its role within the broader electric mobility market. The company’s majority stockholder is Harley-Davidson, and LiveWire continues to draw on that legacy while pursuing a dedicated electric powersports strategy. Its stated goal is to develop future-facing technology and build the capabilities needed to influence the transformation of motorcycling and powersports.
LiveWire’s acquisition of Dust Moto represents a targeted step into electric off-road motorcycles and a broader bet on the future of electric powersports. By combining Dust Moto’s off-road platform with LiveWire’s engineering, manufacturing, and global commercial infrastructure, the company aims to accelerate product development and market entry. LiveWire said it intends to share more details about the product launch in the second half of this year.