FIRST LOOK: THE NEW $7,599 BMW CE 02 ELECTRIC BIKE

[weeksy]

https://www.bikeexif.com/bmw-ce-02-electric-bike







The chassis uses a double-loop tubular frame, with telescopic forks up front, and a mono-shock connected to a single-sided swingarm at the back. There’s 4.6″ of suspension travel up front, with 2.2″ at the back. A single disc brake does duty at each end, with ABS on the front wheel only.

The CE 02’s mid-mounted engine sends power to the back wheel via a belt drive. Two versions of the scoot will be available. The standard version has a maximum power output of 11 kW [15 hp] with 55 Nm of torque, but there’s also a 4 kW [5 hp] variant that’s limited to a top speed of 45 km/h [28 mph]. The slower CE 02 meets the requirements of Germany’s ‘AM’ license class, which means it can be ridden by anyone with a car licence (regulations will vary by country).



The 11 kW CE 02 tops out at 95 km/h [59 mph], with a minimum claimed range of 90 km. It comes standard with two riding modes; ‘Flow’ for cruising through traffic, and ‘Surf’ for a more dynamic ride. A livelier mode, ‘Flash,’ is available as an optional extra, and as part of the Highline spec.

The CE 02 also comes standard with BMW’s Automatic Stability Control and Recuperative Stability Control. 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 height of 750 mm [29.5″], and has just enough space for two.



Charging is via an included external charger, with a more powerful fast-charger available (again, as aftermarket equipment or as part of the Highline pack). Both will work with any household electrical socket.

BMW touts the CE 02 as being packed with innovative features, but most of the really techy stuff is confined to the cockpit. The bike uses a mini-TFT display, outputting the usual info like speed and battery status. Like most BMWs, it can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, with a USB-C port to keep your phone charged.



The Highline model takes this functionality up a notch, by also featuring a smartphone mount that places your phone alongside the TFT screen. Pair it to the CE 02 and put it into ‘Cradle’ mode, and it acts as a second display. Other highlights include a keyless ignition, and LED lighting all around.

While the CE 02 has our curiosity piqued, its price could be a sticking point. BMW Motorrad USA has it listed at $7,599 for the base model, and $8,474 for the Highline spec.

[Rockburner]

For 8 grand I'd like something with a bit more bodywork and more than just an electrified Grom.

Mind you.... some testrides might be wrangled.

[DefTrap]

Who is it appealing to?
The styling feels a bit 'teenager' (and the promo pics support that, unless some of you dads are still skateboarding ffs) but how many teens have 8 grand.?

[Rockburner]

Who is it appealing to?
The styling feels a bit 'teenager' (and the promo pics support that, unless some of you dads are still skateboarding ffs) but how many teens have 8 grand.?

Teens pay for their own things?? Don't be silly - Mumsie and Pops will be the ones paying.

[Yorick]

BMWs have always smelled of wee and aimed at old duffers.
This looks like a kid's toy bike.

[Mr. Dazzle]

I really like it (surprised much? )

I'm not in the market for an 11kW city bike though, so, you know.....not gonna buy one. Even if I wanted an 'around town' bike the nature of the roads in MK means you need to be able to hit 70mph with relative ease.

Does look cool though IMO, a new take on the idea made possible by new tech. No doubt long term bikers won't like it, but I daresay it's not aimed at them.

[weeksy]

I really like it (surprised much? )

I'm not in the market for an 11kW city bike though, so, you know.....not gonna buy one. Even if I wanted an 'around town' bike the nature of the roads in MK means you need to be able to hit 70mph with relative ease.

Does look cool though IMO, a new take on the idea made possible by new tech. No doubt long term bikers won't like it, but I daresay it's not aimed at them.

I like it, but obviously depends where you live. Somewhere like Milan, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, it'd be an ace cafe runner, or local shop runner type thing... but yeah, not a lot of use to me outside of moving somewhere like that.

[cheb]

Interesting, and like many others I wonder at who will buy it.

[Mr. Dazzle]

Am I looking at it right? It's got a set of forward footpegs?

I'm guessing the pegs the riders are using in the pics can also be used by a pillion passenger, then the rider uses the forward set?

[Count Steer]

I really like it - not as much as the CE-04. It's not really 'there' though as a) it's too expensive for a yoof carrier (they can get a decent car for that money, so they probably will) b) it needs secure cargo capacity as a city runner - minimum a helmet locker c) it's eminently nickable.

I can imagine fleets of them for hire in holiday locations but I don't expect to see many on the road in the UK (until the Chinese copy it and knock 'em out at £3.5k ).

[Kneerly Down]

I really like it (surprised much? )

I'm not in the market for an 11kW city bike though, so, you know.....not gonna buy one. Even if I wanted an 'around town' bike the nature of the roads in MK means you need to be able to hit 70mph with relative ease.

I imagine you'd want rather more than 2" of rear suspension travel on some of the MK Boulevards!

[roadster]

Looks like torture for the rider. The face says it all in the last riding shot. Could it be that the person who styled it was forced to actually ride it?

[Count Steer]

Looks like torture for the rider. The face says it all in the last riding shot. Could it be that the person who styled it was forced to actually ride it?

IIRC it's got 30 miles range. It doesn't really need to be an armchair, I think even I'd manage 15 miles (assuming I want to go somewhere AND come home again!) before my backside complained/went numb.

[Supermofo]

For city work it'd probably be good but not all round enough for me. I'd need to do a minimum of 65mph comfortable cruising to be viable and 80 mile range as my commute is 60 and I'd want a buffer. But if I worked in London and lived in the burbs then it'd probably be an ok option. Then again as mentioned, no luggage room. So I suspect I'd get a leccy scooter over that.

[ChrisW]

Looks like torture for the rider. The face says it all in the last riding shot. Could it be that the person who styled it was forced to actually ride it?

IIRC it's got 30 miles range. It doesn't really need to be an armchair, I think even I'd manage 15 miles (assuming I want to go somewhere AND come home again!) before my backside complained/went numb.

I'm fairly sure that the models in the photos are exaggerating the riding position for the camera, looking at it without a rider it looks like it'd be comfortable enough.

I quite like it - somewhere sunny & cool, though. Probably not the UK...!

[The Spin Doctor]

You do get connectivity to BMW's brand new £800 smart glasses though - they give you a heads up display.