In the year of the centenary of its creation, BMW Motorrad is in the best moment in its history. In 2023, it sold 209,257 motorcycles, the best result in 100 years, with the GS being the “queen” of registrations, with sales of more than 60,000 units.
The BMW Motorrad range covers all segments, and although large displacement models have historically been the prominent protagonists of its commercial offer, the Munich manufacturer has also been present in the scooter segment for several years. In this category it has medium displacement options and also 100% electric.
This is the case of the C Evolution, the first zero-emission variant that was launched on the market, or the most recent CE 04, a futuristic and revolutionary urban mount powered by batteries. Now, two years after this striking product, BMW surprises again and complements its most modern, youthful and casual proposal on two wheels with the new CE 02.
From the firm they define it, not as an electric motorcycle or an electric scooter, but as an “e-patroler” or an “e-parkourer”, that is, what would be a two-wheeled electric vehicle for “patrolling”. or to move from point to point in the city overcoming difficulties and obstacles.
Developed specifically for large urban conurbations, it responds to a new type of mobility: light, fun, unique and sustainable. It is unquestionable that the highlight of this “motorcycle” is its groundbreaking aesthetic, robust and reduced to the essentials. It aims to express freedom and lightness, like a skateboard would, hence the seat takes inspiration from a skateboard deck. Its balloon wheels, its minimalist presence and its low driving position are other of its characteristics.
The German brand has thought of a purely electric product that can attract a very young audience, with an unusual presence, striking graphics and a visual language that avoids complications and opts for lightness and fun, focusing on emotional attraction, ease of use, simplicity and intuition for all types of clients, both boys and girls, of different heights and ages.
The CE 02 will be offered in two versions, in both cases with 55 Nm of torque; the first has 4 kW of power – equivalent to a 50cc moped (5 HP) – with a battery (the second battery is optional) that allows it to cover about 45 km of range at a limited maximum speed of 45 km/h. It weighs 119 kg.
The second has 11 kW of power – equivalent to a 125cc (15 HP) – with two batteries and in this case a maximum speed of 95 km/h with a range of about 90 km and a weight of 132 kg. The latter has three driving modes as standard (the third is optional on the 4 kW), Flow, Surf and Flash, with a more forceful response and/or greater retention for regeneration.
The first offers an optimal configuration for heavy traffic, with a smooth response and medium recovery. The second, designed for more “open” areas, provides a direct response with dynamic acceleration but with zero recovery, to be able to “flow” (coasting) and roll effortlessly, linking curves and playing with inertia. The last mode gives more sportiness to its response, with more determined accelerations and also more pronounced retention for one-pedal type driving that minimizes the use of the brakes.
It has a front and rear disc in both versions, with ABS only in the front. The brake levers are adjustable and by having front and rear footpegs the user can choose between two positions for the legs when riding alone, a more relaxed one with the feet forward and another more dynamic one with the feet further back, carrying more weight on the front axle.
As for the wheels, they are 2.50×14” at the front and 3.5×14” at the rear and 120/80-14 and 150/70-14 tires, respectively. The chassis is tubular, with 37 mm inverted telescopic forks at the front and aluminum single-sided arms at the rear with adjustable shock absorbers.
Like a good BMW and due to its commercial orientation, the CE 02 boasts complete technological and fashionable equipment. Thus, as standard it has keyless ride, LED lights with daytime running lights, reverse gear for maneuvers, integrated USB-C socket, 3.5-inch micro display screen and numerous additional equipment and accessories to complement its functionality, such as a front screen, heated grips, rear saddlebags, comfort seat with extra padding, smartphone holder, possibility of installing a rear box, etc.
This model will arrive in Spain in April. The price is €8,400 for the version with an A1 license (€9,355 with the top finish) and €7,400 for the one with an AM license.