BMW Motorrad has unveiled its latest e-mobility offering. The CE 02 is aimed at the lucrative learner and commuter markets and is available in 4kW or 11kW power options, making it suitable for 16 and 17-year-old provisional licence holders (with CBT). As we would expect from BMW, this bike looks great and is loaded with the latest tech, but prices start at an eye-watering £7,450.
BMW's strategy with the CE 02 navigates a fine line between innovation and exclusivity. The hefty price tag signals a premium offering, suggesting the CE 02 is not just about getting from A to B but doing so with a certain panache. This trend is common in e-mobility, where the emphasis on sustainability and design is increasingly coupled with a premium price. Yet, for the everyday commuter, the financial stretch to embrace such innovation might be a considerable hurdle.
BMW refer to the CE 02 as an ‘eParkour’, which aligns with the essence of Parkour: moving through urban spaces efficiently and creatively. Maybe just calling it a moped was deemed too old-fashioned.
The design is certainly revolutionary, breaking away from traditional moped aesthetics to offer something that stands out from the crowd. There's no denying it’s a head-turner, and with its futuristic design, BMW has decided to boldly go where no moped has gone before.
The air-cooled electric motor is available in two power options of 4kW (5hp) and 11kW (15hp), respectively. This puts it at the upper limit for bikes suitable for beginners and means it’s within reach of anyone with an AM or A1 motorcycle licence or even some with older car driving licences. However, the CE 02's accessibility is a topic for debate, as the financial outlay might limit its appeal to young riders whose parents have deep pockets.
What the CE 02 lacks in outright power, it makes up for with impressive torque figures of 55Nm at 1,000 rpm. After that, as the power increases, the torque tapers off, with the motor reaching a maximum of 6,700 rpm.
For power, the 4kW model comes with a single 1,960Wh 48V battery and a range of 28 miles. The 11kW model comes with two batteries and a range of 56 miles. These batteries affect the weight considerably, with the 4kW model coming in at 119kg vs 132kg for the 11kW version. Regarding performance, the top speeds are 28mph and 59mph, respectively. The more powerful model will sprint from 0-31mph in an impressive three seconds.
BMW offers two oddly-named riding modes as standard on the CE 02. Instead of 'sport' or 'street,' riders can select 'Flow' for a gentle throttle response and moderate energy recovery, mimicking engine braking, or 'Surf' for a livelier ride with no energy recovery and a sharper throttle response. There is a third mode named ‘Flash’, but you'll need to spend even more money on the 'Highline' package for that, which may be a step too far for some.
The CE 02 features a two-stage belt drive transmission. A belt transfers power from the engine to an intermediate shaft aligned with the swingarm pivot, which then shifts the power from the right to the left side of the bike. Another belt then drives the rear sprocket.
In keeping with its modern design, the CE 02 features ‘smart technology’, with a 3.5” display, offering connectivity and customisation. This allows riders to tailor their experience with smartphone integration. In addition, it’s packed with innovative safety features, from ABS on the front wheel to electronic stability control and even a reverse function.
Conclusion
On paper, the BMW CE 02 looks great and represents a significant leap forward in the world of e-mobility. With marketing names like ‘eParkour’ and riding modes like ‘Flash’ and ‘Surf’, BMW is obviously targeting Generation Z riders. However, the hefty price tag will keep it out of reach of a broader audience, particularly younger riders or low-income commuters.