Enter the BMW CE 02, an 11kW (15 hp) e-scooter that looks more like a design project dreamt up by a skateboarding intern than a production motorcycle, but in terms of youth appeal and, yes, that X-factor, it is taking no prisoners.
eParkourer
BMW describes it as an eParkourer and, while the CE 02’s styling influences are clear, this German electric is much more than a design exercise. It features a reverse gear, two selectable riding modes as standard, traction control and ABS. There’s also Recuperative Stability Control (RSC), which acts like a slipper clutch, and a keyless ride.
Two versions
It will come to the market this spring in two variants. A base model (which makes 4 hp and is effectively a 50cc equivalent) will be priced at £7450 while a full power 15hp version will start at £8450. Opt for the Highline package, which adds gold forks and graphics and a raft of goodies including an extra riding mode, hot grips, a smartphone holder and a quick-charger that reduces the charging time from 5.2 hours to 3.5 hours, and that price leaps to £9330. So it’s expensive, especially for kids.
Top speed
The 15 hp CE 02’s motor has a continuous power rating of 6kW/8hp and makes a handsome 55Nm (40.5 lb-ft) of torque right from the initial opening of the throttle. The bike has two batteries, each 48-volts and rated at 1.96kWh, and a claimed top speed of 59mph and 0-30mph acceleration of three seconds. Under World Test Motorcycle Conditions, battery range is a claimed 56 miles.
Flow & Surf
There are two riding modes, Flow and Surf. Flow is an urban setting with a soft throttle response and medium energy recuperation, and Surf is a sharper mode with no energy recuperation to allow coasting on a closed throttle. A sporty Flash mode is available only with the Highline package.
Lisbon
BMW set us loose on the CE 02 eParkour on the streets of Lisbon, Portugal, where the first task was to get the thing started. With the keyless fob in your pocket, you press the unlock button on the right bar, then press the red starter button while holding either brake lever (both on the bars) – and the micro dash highlights ‘ready’. Then, finally, you twist the throttle and go. (Or press down and hold the reverse button on the left bar, twist the throttle and go backwards.)
As you roll away in near silence, the torque of the air-cooled, synchronous current motor gives the BMW serious energy compared to equivalent petrol scooters. It’s a tiny machine but makes an immediate statement that it won’t be pushed around, and while electric bikes can feel a bit jagged and digital on the initial pick up, the CE 02’s response is smooth and easy, especially in Flow mode.
Standing start
Once used to Flow mode, you can start to use its recuperative function to slow the bike down, much like a soft rear brake, and there is enough instant drive to jump easily ahead of the hordes at the stoplights. However, I preferred Surf mode, which is more responsive and, like a two-stroke, has minimal engine braking on a closed throttle. You quickly adapt by closing the throttle earlier for turns and rolling smoothly and satisfyingly to a stop – which also increases the displayed battery range.
It’s fun to hustle. I managed to hold the throttle to the stop long enough to see an indicated 100kph, and with instant torque and no clutch or gears to worry about, the drag race from the lights is where the CE 02 truly turns heads. It’s a good feeling to sit waiting at the lights – silent, confident, a little bit self-conscious too – knowing you’re going to leave the rush hour behind as soon as the light turns green.
Reverse
Traction control – in the form of Automatic Stability Control – comes as standard and, with such a large serving of torque on tap, it’s useful when the surface is polished or wet. So too is that reverse drive. Weighing in at 132kg and with a low seat (750mm), it’s easy to move around, but smaller lighter riders will welcome the assistance, especially when trying to pedal backwards on a slight incline.
Super-Compact
The CE 02’s super-compact chassis comprises a steel double-loop frame with upside-down 37mm forks and a single-sided swingarm and directly mounted, preload adjustable shock. The wheelbase is just 1353mm, the head angle is steep at 24.5 degrees, and the wheels are just 14 inches in diameter, suggesting agility was a high priority for BMW. Braking is via a 239mm disc up front and a 220mm disc rear, with ABS on the front wheel only.
Twist & Go
Much of the bike’s 132 kilos (the single-battery 4 hp version weighs 119kg) are accounted for by the batteries and the motor. The batteries are stored under the skateboard-style seat, while the motor is positioned low in the chassis to give a natural balance to the bike’s low-speed handling. The riding position is upright like a BMX and there are two options for your feet: either on pegs that are mounted slightly forward like footboards on a conventional scooter, or on the pillion pegs which are set further back, like rearsets on a sports bike. As there are no foot controls – both brake levers are on the bars – you can switch between pegs as you ride to suit your mood and the moment.
Super sharp
The CE 02’s steering is responsive to the touch and predictably quick; so fast it has made a turn or jumped into a gap seemingly before you’ve even thought about it. Stability is superb, even at 100kph, but you need to be aware that the slightest input by the rider will affect the steering.
Ride quality is excellent, and the CE 02 soaked up the all the cobble and potholes Lisbon could throw at it. The suspension is soft but supportive, though the rear can feel a little harsh when jumping over speed ramps and hitting imperfections at speed. There are none of the bangs and rattles you hear on many silent-running e-scooters, even when hitting those cobbles at speed, which is a sign of quality. Incidentally, our test machine was fitted with the Highline package plus an optional comfort seat, suggesting the ‘skateboard’ seat might not be overly sumptuous.
Range?
The TFT micro-dash is clear and functional and gives a mileage range and percentage of battery used. Riding briskly around hilly Lisbon, I covered 52.3km and had 25km or 27% battery remaining, which suggests a range of 77km, though in reality, you could expect more as your riding style adapts to the range remaining, much as you would with the fuel warning light on. As we tested the Highline model, we got the opportunity to test the BMW Motorrad Connection Services APP which, combined with the bar-mounted smartphone holder, delivered clear navigation around Lisbon via the switchgear on the left bar.
Quality at a price
Overall, there is no denying that the build quality and level of finish of the CE 02 are above any petrol or electric scooter in this segment, or that it is a brilliant, charismatic and enjoyable way to deal with the daily commute, and the best electric bike in this segment by far. Zipping around Lisbon in relative quiet was truly enjoyable. Safe, predictable handling allied to fast steering, a lack of bulk and enough oomph to keep you in the fight away from the lights, made for a fun, dynamic urban ride so good I’d take the BMW over any petrol equivalent. But it’s hard to ignore the price: a hefty £8450 for the 11kW, 125cc-equivalent version and, with the Highline package, £880 more. Add some luggage and a comfort seat and you’re up at around £10k, that’s a big ask.
Words: Chad
Photos: BMW
Gallery
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BMW CE 02 Tech specs
Engine details: Air-cooled, synchronous motor
Power: 11bhp (15KW) @ 5,000rpm (optional 5hp single-battery moped version available)
Torque: 40.6lb-ft (55Nm) @ 0-1000rpm
Transmission: Single-speed, belt drive, 7.8 reduction ratio
Average fuel consumption: 6kWh/100km
Battery size: 48V, 3.92kWh (1.96kWh for single battery version)
Max range to empty: 56 miles (28 miles for single-battery version)
Rider aids: Two riding modes (third optional), ABS (front only), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Recuperative Stability Control (RSC), reversing assistant
Frame: Tubular steel, double loop
Front suspension: USD forks, 37mm no adjustment
Rear suspension: Monoshock, preload only
Front brake: 239mm disc, two-piston caliper, ABS front only
Rear brake: 220mm disc, single-piston caliper
Front wheel/tyre: 2.50 x 14 rim, 120/80-14 tyre
Rear wheel/tyre: 3.50 x 14 rim, 150/70-14 tyre
Dimensions (LxWxH): 1,970mm x 876mm x 1,140mm
Wheelbase: 1,353mm
Seat height: 750mm
Weight: 132kg (kerb) (119kg for single-battery version)
New price: From £7,450
Website: BMW Motorrad
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You can read our review of the BMW CE 04 here.
