Bartels’ Riding Academy becomes the first new rider program in the nation to offer certified training on LiveWire electric motorcycles, ushering in a new era of rider education.

LiveWire Group, Inc. (“LiveWire”), a leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced a major step forward in rider education: Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy in Marina del Rey has become the first new rider program in the United States to offer certified training on LiveWire’s all-electric S2 motorcycles. Students now learn to ride on the S2 Mulholland™ and the S2 Alpinista™, both of which have been specially outfitted for motorcycle training.

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LiveWire New Rider Electric Motorcycle Training

This first-of-its-kind program removes the complexity of learning clutch and gear operation, allowing students to focus on balance, braking, and control from the onset of instruction. LiveWire’s electric motorcycles deliver smooth, intuitive acceleration and confident braking—all with the quiet assurance of an electric powertrain.

“This partnership is about breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of riders. By integrating LiveWire motorcycles into rider training, Bartels’ is redefining what it means to learn to ride—making it more accessible, more intuitive, and better aligned with the future of motorcycling,” said Karim Donnez, CEO of LiveWire.

Redefining the First Ride

LiveWire’s clutch-free learning experience removes a common barrier for new riders, allowing them to focus on braking, cornering, and throttle control—building confidence faster and with fewer distractions. To support safety and skill development, all S2 training bikes are equipped with custom frame protection kits developed by LiveWire and installed by Bartels’ Harley-Davidson. Each motorcycle also features software calibrated for new riders, including softened throttle response, adjusted regenerative braking, and enhanced traction control. This setup ensures a safe, controlled, and confidence-building experience—without compromising the performance and design that defines LiveWire.

Certified Instruction, Real-World Credentials

Students at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson receive expert instruction from trainers certified by both the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) and the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy. Upon successful completion of the New Rider Course, graduates earn a Basic RiderCourse (BRC) completion card (DL 389 certificate), providing a clear path to becoming a licensed motorcyclist*.

A National Vision for EV Rider Education

This milestone in Marina del Rey is just the beginning. LiveWire plans to expand electric motorcycle training to additional Riding Academy locations across the country, supporting the brand’s mission to lead the transformation of motorcycling through electrification and make EV riding more accessible to a broader range of new riders.

Now Enrolling in Marina del Rey

LiveWire S2 rider training is now available at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy in Marina del Rey, CA. New riders are invited to enroll and experience the future of motorcycling today.

To sign up or learn more, visit: https://lvwr.co/newrider

About LiveWire

LiveWire has a dedicated focus on the electric motorcycle sector. LiveWire’s majority shareholder is Harley-Davidson, Inc. LiveWire comes from the lineage of Harley-Davidson and is capitalizing on a decade of its learnings in the EV sector. LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling.

www.livewire.com

*Important Licensing Information

Graduates will receive a DL 389 Certificate of Completion, which waives the riding skills portion of the motorcycle endorsement process in California. To obtain a valid motorcycle endorsement (Class M1 or M2), graduates must present the DL 389 at a California DMV and pass the written knowledge exam. Please note: The DL 389 is not a motorcycle license and does not authorize riding on public roads. Riders must complete all DMV requirements and be issued a motorcycle endorsement on their California driver’s license before legally operating a motorcycle.

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