Two years ago, BMW unveiled a glimpse into its electric future with the CE 02, a sleek and innovative concept e-bike that showcased the company’s vision for sustainable transportation. As we embark on a new era of sustainable mobility, BMW proudly introduces the CE 02, its latest electric motorcycle, officially launching into the market.
While a clear distinction between where scooters end and bikes start is lacking, the CE 02 likely occupies this ambiguous territory.
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“According to its own statement, the company clarifies that this product is electrically powered, specifically engineered to appeal to younger consumers; however, it’s neither an electric motorcycle nor an e-scooter.” Can this urban explorer navigate the concrete jungle with ease and precision? It’s an eParkourer, designed specifically for city terrain.
It’s well-known that the eParkourer is essentially irrelevant, despite BMW’s best efforts to make a difference. While the corporate may tout their marketing efforts, what’s truly at stake is a compact and efficient electric motorcycle design.
While capable of reaching a speed of 59 mph (95 km/h), this vehicle is likely fast enough to handle most urban and suburban driving needs, but may not provide sufficient power for highway travel.
At a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $7,599 – excluding destination fees – this model marks BMW’s most affordable electric motorcycle to date. While comparable electric scooters boast larger batteries at lower prices, this model stands out by offering the support of BMW Motorrad alongside its distinctive BMW logo on the side.
BMW Motorrad Design Head Edgar Heinrich characterizes the 291-pound CE 02 as primarily an urban playground bike, rather than a utility vehicle.
As we embark on a new journey with the CE 02, our goal is to pioneer innovation once again at BMW Motorrad, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The CE 02 boasts unusual dimensions and suspended features, making it a straightforward and playful iteration of the single-track mobility genre. The minimalist design approach embodies a sense of levity and playfulness. While the primary focus is not on functionality, rather it’s centered around emotional connection, driving excitement, and seamless, instinctive operation.
It may be perfect for an instant thrill, but its longevity remains uncertain. The e-bike is equipped with a set of rechargeable batteries boasting a total capacity of approximately 3.92 kilowatt-hours, enabling a maximum range of around 56 miles (90 km). With its powerful 11 kW peak-rated motor, the bike can deliver impressive results in real-world scenarios, where the actual range is likely to be significantly lower than the claimed maximum of 56 miles when cruising at high speeds or using the high-performance driving mode.
Recharging occurs with a Degree 1 off-board charger, mirroring the process for electric bicycles. A full recharge from empty typically takes around five hours using a standard 0.9 kW charger, whereas it can be completed in approximately three and a half hours with an upper-energy 1.5 kW charger. According to BMW, the estimated time required to address the 20-80% cost occurrences is approximately 2.8 hours and 2.3 hours, respectively.
The BMW CE 02 boasts a unique feature set, including a single-sided rear swingarm, inverted front fork, and rugged solid wheels with disc design. Keyless entry and an adjustable handlebar-activated brake lever add to the bike’s convenience. A reverse gear and USB-C charging port for devices like smartphones further enhance its appeal.
BMW’s recently introduced ConnectedRide smart glasses will seamlessly integrate with bicycles, enabling cyclists to access real-time information projected before their eyes through an intuitive heads-up display.
As a direct extension of its successful cousin, the BMW CE 04 electric maxi-scooter, the BMW CE 02 is poised to seamlessly integrate into this larger family of electric scooters. That high-performance bike’s enhanced energy output and rapid acceleration enable it to excel on freeways, but its hefty price tag of nearly $12,000 is a significant consideration.
