Following the recent launch of its manufacturing prototype, BMW has started mass-producing its innovative commuter electric bicycle, the BMW CE 02.
BMW Motorrad introduced the CE 02 this summer, unveiling a more compact and less powerful alternative to its CE 04 electric motorcycle.
Compared to an upper price tag of approximately $12,000 for a round-trip ticket, the CE 02 boasts a significantly more affordable price point of just $7,599.
BMW has started production of the CE 02, a collaborative effort with Indian motorcycle manufacturer TVS Motor Company.
TVS Motor Company is a renowned player in the global two-wheeler industry. Founded in India in 1978, Hero MotoCorp has expanded its global presence to become a leading player in the industry, renowned for its diverse range of motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds that cater to various consumer needs.
The TVS CE 02 is currently being manufactured at the company’s Hosur facility near Chennai, pending a scheduled launch in the Indian market. The new product will make its global debut simultaneously in both Europe and North America.
BMW’s attempt to appeal to a younger, urban demographic with its compact electric bike. The e-bike boasts a top speed of 59 mph, making it suitable for urban and suburban environments but not powerful enough for highway riding.
We’re expecting to receive a diverse range of equipment catering to personalized options that will also captivate younger audiences. Innovative ideas often feature an attachment typically seen in concept photographs, which includes a detachable skateboard securely fastened beneath the bicycle frame, creating makeshift footrests or platforms on either side. While potentially useful for traveling to and from a parked bike at a distant destination, such as a city facility that prohibits motorized vehicles, it may serve as a viable option.
Comparable to the recently launched city electric bikes from Kawasaki, the BMW CE 02 employs two compact, removable batteries. These batteries boast capacities of approximately 1.97 kWh each, totaling 5.91 kWh in aggregate. Together, they enable the bike to travel a total distance of approximately 56 miles (90 km).
While the CE 02 performs commendably for a smaller commuter bike, its 11 kW peak-rated motor belies the fact that real-world range drops significantly below the stated 56-mile max when riding at faster speeds or employing higher-power driving modes.
Manufacturing details emerged following BMW Motorrad’s initial cease-sale order for all gasoline-powered motorcycles in North America last month, reportedly due to an emissions issue, before retracting the directive this month. With the temporary cessation of sales, BMW Motorrad’s product lineup was reduced to a solitary offering, the innovative CE 04 electric scooter.
