We’re agency believers that electrical drivetrains work greatest for smaller bikes that blur the traces between bikes and scooters. One have a look at the hip new BMW CE 02, and it’s crystal clear that the Bavarian marque feels the identical method.
The BMW CE 02 is the corporate’s second electrical motorbike launch in as a few years, following on from the CE 04. A smaller machine than its sibling, BMW is pitching it as neither a motorbike nor a scooter, however one thing in between. They’re calling it an ‘eParkourer’—which, though it isn’t an actual phrase, implies that its geared in the direction of traversing city environments.
To convey this message, BMW’s advertising and marketing materials locations the CE 02 smack bang in the midst of the city jungle—surrounded by concrete, graffiti, skate boarders, and impossibly cool youths. All of it feels a bit try-hard, which is ironic, as a result of the CE 02 really seems to be ok with out all of the frou-frou.
Styled like some form of futuristic mini-bike-slash-motorized BMX, and rolling on cute 14” forged aluminum wheels, it seems to be compact and enjoyable. The bottom mannequin is a principally black affair, however a higher-spec model (known as the ‘Highline’) sports activities a a lot livelier livery. With a bench seat and excessive bars, it seems to be like the right setup for zipping via visitors and down aspect alleys.
The chassis makes use of a double-loop tubular body, with telescopic forks up entrance, and a mono-shock linked to a single-sided swingarm on the again. There’s 4.6″ of suspension journey up entrance, with 2.2″ on the again. A single disc brake does responsibility at every finish, with ABS on the entrance wheel solely.
The CE 02’s mid-mounted engine sends energy to the again wheel by way of a belt drive. Two variations of the scoot might be out there. The usual model has a most energy output of 11 kW [15 hp] with 55 Nm of torque, however there’s additionally a 4 kW [5 hp] variant that’s restricted to a prime velocity of 45 km/h [28 mph]. The slower CE 02 meets the necessities of Germany’s ‘AM’ license class, which implies it may be ridden by anybody with a automobile licence (laws will differ by nation).
The 11 kW CE 02 tops out at 95 km/h [59 mph], with a minimal claimed vary of 90 km. It comes customary with two using modes; ‘Stream’ for cruising via visitors, and ‘Surf’ for a extra dynamic journey. A livelier mode, ‘Flash,’ is offered as an non-obligatory additional, and as a part of the Highline spec.
The CE 02 additionally comes customary with BMW’s Computerized Stability Management and Recuperative Stability Management. The 11 kW one weighs 132 kilos [291 lbs], the 4 kW one weighs 119 kilos [262 lbs]. The seat stands at a beginner-friendly top of 750 mm [29.5″], and has simply sufficient area for 2.
Charging is by way of an included exterior charger, with a extra highly effective fast-charger out there (once more, as aftermarket tools or as a part of the Highline pack). Each will work with any family electrical socket.
BMW touts the CE 02 as being filled with progressive options, however many of the actually techy stuff is confined to the cockpit. The bike makes use of a mini-TFT show, outputting the same old information like velocity and battery standing. Like most BMWs, it may well hook up with your smartphone by way of Bluetooth, with a USB-C port to maintain your cellphone charged.
The Highline mannequin takes this performance up a notch, by additionally that includes a smartphone mount that locations your cellphone alongside the TFT display screen. Pair it to the CE 02 and put it into ‘Cradle’ mode, and it acts as a second show. Different highlights embrace a keyless ignition, and LED lighting throughout.
Whereas the CE 02 has our curiosity piqued, its worth may very well be a sticking level. BMW Motorrad USA has it listed at $7,599 for the bottom mannequin, and $8,474 for the Highline spec.
Crusty outdated bikers are prone to balk at that whereas itemizing the various petrol-powered bikes they may purchase with that cash. However they aren’t the CE 02’s supposed viewers, since BMW is clearly pitching it at kids.
Which may show to be a good tougher promote although. In any case, what number of 15-to 25-year-olds have you learnt which might be itching to spend eight grand on a motorcycle?