What Dust Moto does

Dust Moto, Inc. is a Bend, Oregon-based electric dirt bike manufacturer founded in June 2023 by Colin Godby (CEO), Jarett Volkoff (Head of Design), and Neil Tierney (co-founder/operator). The company designs and builds the Hightail (formerly Model_1), a mid-weight American-made electric dirt bike positioned in the white space between entry-level light eMotos such as the Surron/Talaria class and premium race-oriented platforms such as the Stark Varg. The Hightail integrates a custom-welded chassis with Sirris linkage-based suspension tuned for ~250mm travel and 21"/18–19" wheels, a high-performance power-cell battery pack with a swappable option (targeted 1–2 hours of hard riding or ~20–40 miles per charge), the Turntide Gen 6 automotive-grade inverter (full-system control achieved in 8 weeks), and an EBMX phone-app tunable controller. MSRP is set at $10,999, with shipping targeted for mid-2026.

Dust Moto's business model layers three pre-launch revenue streams: the Founders50 subscription crowdfund ($250/month × 20 months = $5,000, 50% off MSRP, sold out in 24 hours), the First100 subscription crowdfund (~15% off MSRP at $9,307.50, free shipping, exclusive graphics kit and jersey), and refundable $100 Hightail pre-orders via a Shopify D2C storefront, with a launching selective dealer network and a planned Wefunder equity crowdfund. Pricing is subscription and reservation-based rather than transaction-at-shipment, and the company combines this with a build-in-public / prosumer content engine (Ghost-hosted newsletter, Instagram ~22k followers, YouTube test-ride vlogs with pro riders) that doubles as community engagement and product co-design. Customer segments are experienced moto riders seeking a lighter electric play bike to complement a gas-bike quiver, mountain-bike crossover athletes whose MTB technique translates directly to eMoto, the 50k+ US Surron-class riders seeking an upgrade path, and novice/throttlE-first riders — all served primarily through D2C plus a curated dealer channel.

In May 2026, Dust Moto's assets were acquired by LiveWire Group, Inc. (majority-owned by Harley-Davidson), making the transaction LiveWire's first acquisition and its entry point into the electric off-road / dirt bike segment. Post-acquisition, the Hightail platform is positioned to leverage LiveWire's global engineering, manufacturing, and sales/distribution infrastructure to scale from a 5-person Bend, Oregon / Detroit, MI operation into production, with additional product details expected in H2 2026.

Name

Dust Moto

Legal name

Dust Moto, Inc

Website

https://dustmoto.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Dust Moto is a Bend, Oregon-based electric dirt bike manufacturer founded in 2023. It designs the Hightail, a mid-weight American-made eMoto between entry-level light eMotos and premium race bikes, serving enthusiast riders and MTB crossover athletes with mid-2026 shipping.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Motorcycles / Electric Dirt Bikes

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)

akta.pro primary industry

Electric Motorcycles & Electric Scooters Manufacturing (IMACAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Dirt Bike / Motocross / Enduro Motorcycle Manufacturing (IMACAEAH)

Keywords

• Electric dirt bikes
• Electric motorcycles
• Mid-weight eMoto
• Electric off-road vehicles
• American moto manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Bend

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hightail Pre-Orders (D2C): Refundable $100 reservation deposits via dustmoto.com for the Hightail electric dirt bike (shipping mid-2026); 50% off additional reservations when pre-ordering for a crew.
2. Founders50 Subscription Crowdfund: 20-month subscription at $250/month ($5,000 total) granting one of the first 50 Model_1 bikes (50% off MSRP). Sold out in 24 hours in August 2023. Non-refundable per Terms.
3. First100 Subscription Crowdfund: Monthly subscription crowdfund for the next 100 Model_1 production bikes (serial #001-100), priced 15% off MSRP ($10,999 → $9,307.50) with free shipping, monthly meetings, exclusive jersey and graphics kit. Targeted delivery Summer 2025.
4. Wefunder Equity Crowdfund: Planned public equity crowdfund on Wefunder to be opened alongside a traditional pre-order list (no more discounts).
5. Launch Dealer Network: Selective dealer distribution partnerships for the Hightail launch; dealers recruited via an online interest form on dustmoto.com/pages/dealers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Dust Moto designs, develops and manufactures a mid-weight American-made electric dirt bike (the Hightail, formerly Model_1) with a custom-welded chassis, integrated powertrain and proprietary battery pack architecture. The company sells pre-orders direct-to-consumer through its Shopify storefront ($100 refundable deposits), supported by two subscription-based crowdfund reservation programs (Founders50 and First100) and a launching selective dealer network, with shipping targeted for mid-2026 following the May 2026 acquisition by LiveWire Group.

Product overview

Dust Moto is a single-product hardware company with a platform-plus-programs architecture centered on the Hightail electric dirt bike (formerly Model_1). The Hightail is the core product—a mid-weight, American-built electric dirt bike positioned between entry-level light eMotos and full-size performance bikes—supported by two reservation/crowdfund programs (Founders50 and First100) that bring early customers into the build process. The company also integrates complementary technologies such as the Turntide Gen 6 Inverter, EBMX controller, KO motor, and Sirris suspension into the Hightail platform to deliver its silent-but-savage riding experience, with shipping scheduled for mid-2026 after LiveWire Group's May 2026 acquisition.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hightail: Dust Moto's electric dirt bike product (formerly referenced as the Model_1 / Dust_Model 1); marketed as "the funnest bike ever made" with production shipping targeted for mid-2026.

Products and services

• Hightail (formerly Model_1) Electric Dirt Bike Dust Moto's flagship mid-weight American-made electric dirt bike, positioned as the ultimate play bike that 'corners like a 125 and pulls like a 250.' Features a custom-welded chassis with linkage-based rear suspension tuned for ~85kg target weight, ~250mm travel front and rear, 21" front / 18"-19" rear wheels, first-in-class Turntide Gen 6 automotive-grade inverter integration, EBMX phone-app-based controller for custom tuning, and a proprietary high-performance power-cell battery pack with swappable option. Targeted 65 MPH top speed and 1-2 hours of hard riding per charge (~20 miles on MX track, ~40 miles on trail). MSRP $10,999; designed for backyard tracks, freeride zones, single-track and as a complement to (not replacement for) gas bikes.
• Founders50 (F50) Subscription Crowdfund Program Subscription-based reservation crowdfund program offering the first 50 US riders a 20-month behind-the-scenes journey to co-develop the bike and brand. Backers pay $250/month for 20 months ($5,000 total) to receive one of the first 50 Model_1 production bikes at 50% off MSRP ($10,000), with access to monthly Google video calls, behind-the-scenes prototype access, and exclusive F50 details. Sold out in 24 hours.
• First100 Subscription Crowdfund Program Second subscription-based reservation crowdfund program allocating the first 100 full production Model_1 / Hightail bikes (serial #s 001-100) at 15% off MSRP ($9,307.50 vs. $10,999), with free shipping, an exclusive riding jersey, a custom graphics kit designed by Mikey Ojeda, monthly development meetings, and a chance to win a custom-painted Fox V3 RS helmet. Members gain behind-the-scenes access and input into the development process. Closed 2024-06-30.

Quantifiable outcome

• Targeted 1-2 hours of hard riding per charge (~20 miles on MX track, ~40 miles on trail)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship / company-defining, core / flagship technology integration, core / manufacturing partner, core / performance-critical, core / powertrain component, minor / brand asset, minor / promotional perk, minor / r&d support, minor / content partner, core / media partner and ambassador and indirect / parent-of-acquirer.

• LiveWire Group (majority-owned by Harley-Davidson)flagship / company-definingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026LiveWire Group announced the acquisition of Dust Moto's assets in May 2026 — LiveWire's first acquisition. The deal marks LiveWire's entry into the electric off-road vehicle segment and combines Dust Moto's off-road platform expertise with LiveWire's engineering, manufacturing, and global sales network to accelerate Dust Moto's electric dirt bike platform toward production. Additional product launch details expected in the second half of the year.
• Turntide Technologiescore / flagship technology integrationTechnology or Integration · 3 December 2025Turntide Technologies' automotive-grade Gen 6 Inverter was integrated into Dust Moto's electric motorcycles following a collaborative engineering effort. Dust Moto was the first partner to independently implement a customized inverter integration using Turntide's user code, achieving full-system control between the battery, inverter and motorcycle interface in just eight weeks. Turntide inverter was highlighted at iVT Expo 2025 alongside RISE Robotics and DUST Moto.
• NewLab (Detroit, MI) and Bloom (Detroit, MI)core / manufacturing partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerDust Moto partnered with NewLab and Bloom in Detroit, MI to support R&D and early-stage assembly and logistics, helping revitalize former American auto industry areas as part of solidifying Dust as the ultimate American moto brand.
• Sirris (Suspension)core / performance-criticalTechnology or IntegrationSirris is Dust's custom suspension partner; they are building the production-intent suspension package expected to deliver peak quality, less bottom-out, and significantly more adjustability. Beta testing with Sirris suspension started in July 2024.
• EBMXcore / powertrain componentTechnology or IntegrationEBMX controller installed on Alpha #3 to drive the custom KO motor; phone-app-based UX allows custom tuning and on-the-fly dev tweaks, providing a viable customer UX for setting up the bike to user preferences.
• Mikey Ojeda / Bleach Design Werksminor / brand assetStrategic or Co-development PartnerMikey Ojeda (Bleach Design Werks) designed the exclusive Launch Edition graphics kit for Dust F50/F100 members — abstract checkered-flag theme with elegant pink pops — and shot content in Palm Desert with the Dust team.
• MadeRad by Tony (Tony Baumann)minor / promotional perkGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom painted Fox V3 RS carbon helmet raffle partnership — if First100 filled within March, one First100 member would win a custom paint by Tony Baumann in partnership with Dust Moto.
• Fort Lewis Collegeminor / r&d supportStrategic or Co-development PartnerFort Lewis College students collect real-world riding data on the Dust Alpha prototype and convert it into simulation load data for frame strength and endurance testing in their lab.
• Charged Cycle Works (Nathan Weaver)minor / content partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCharged Cycle Works produced in-depth business-model and Alpha_1 Prototype videos with Dust CEO Colin Godby to support the First100 launch.
• Electric Cycle Rider (Tucker Neary)core / media partner and ambassadorGTM or Marketing PartnerTucker Neary of Electric Cycle Rider conducted the first public ride review of the Model_1 Alpha with Josh Hill at Perris Raceway and serves as a Founders50 champion / brand ambassador.
• Harley-Davidson (parent of LiveWire)indirect / parent-of-acquirerOthersIndirect relationship via LiveWire Group: LiveWire is majority-owned by Harley-Davidson, so the Dust Moto acquisition connects Dust to Harley-Davidson's broader electric strategy.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Stark Future: Spanish manufacturer of the Stark VARG, the leading premium all-electric motocross bike. Directly comparable as the premium-performance eMoto benchmark Dust positions against, with overlapping target customers and racing/performance positioning.
• Surron (by Hangzhou Surron): China-based maker of the Surron Light Bee and Talaria line — the dominant entry-level light electric dirt bikes. Comparable as the 'step-up' benchmark Dust's mid-weight Hightail is explicitly designed to upgrade riders away from.
• Kove Moto: China-based motorcycle brand that, alongside Stark and others, was identified at EICMA 2023 as occupying the mid-to-upper performance off-road segment. Closely comparable as a competitor in the same mid-weight pricing/performance slot Dust targets.
• Cake: Swedish premium electric motorcycle/off-road brand focused on lightweight, design-forward eMotos. Comparable as a design-led, premium-priced EV two-wheeler targeting enthusiast/utility riders with similar D2C and lifestyle-brand positioning.
• Talaria (by Hangzhou Surron family): Light electric off-road motorcycle sibling brand to Surron, targeting the same upgrade-path rider Dust intends to capture from entry-level light eMotos into the mid-weight category.

Emerging players

• UBCO: New Zealand-based electric utility two-wheel-drive motorbikes; the prior employer of Dust co-founders Colin Godby and Neil Tierney. Comparable as a sibling eMoto brand in the broader electric utility/off-road category with overlapping engineering DNA.
• Specialized Bicycle Components: Premium MTB brand and e-MTB pioneer (Turbo Levo, Kenevo) where Dust co-founder Jarett Volkoff began his career. Comparable as a design-led premium MTB-to-moto crossover brand and a reference point for Dust's MTB crossover customer segment.

Broad incumbents

• LiveWire Group: Harley-Davidson's electric motorcycle spinoff and now parent/acquirer of Dust Moto. Comparable as the on-road electric motorcycle incumbent that Dust's off-road platform extends within LiveWire's broader EV strategy.
• Zero Motorcycles: California-based established electric motorcycle manufacturer with on-road dual-sport and off-road-adjacent models. Comparable as the closest American-made electric two-wheeler incumbent with overlapping dealer-based distribution and brand.
• Husqvarna Motorcycles (GASGAS / KTM Group): Legacy off-road OEM with electric minicycle concepts and FE-E electric prototype. Comparable as an established off-road motorcycle incumbent that Dust will increasingly compete against as eMoto scales into mainstream dealer channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xinstagram.com/dust.moto
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@DustMoto
• Facebookfacebook.com/100093668841804
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dust-moto
• Instagraminstagram.com/dust.moto

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dust Moto