In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban mobility, BMW Motorrad has once again pushed boundaries with their CE 02 electric scooter. This nimble yet powerful machine represents BMW’s vision for sustainable city transportation, blending innovative design with practical functionality. After spending a week zipping through congested streets and quiet neighborhoods on this distinctive e-scooter, I’m ready to share my comprehensive impressions.
First Impressions: Design That Demands Attention
The moment I laid eyes on the CE 02, I knew BMW had created something special. Parked among conventional scooters, the CE 02 stands out with its unmistakably avant-garde aesthetic. It’s neither a traditional motorcycle nor a typical scooter, but rather occupies a fascinating middle ground that BMW calls an “e-mobility concept.”
The minimalist design features a sleek, horizontally-oriented silhouette with the battery pack and motor components forming the visual core of the vehicle. My test model came in a striking two-tone color scheme of matte black with subtle silver accents, though BMW offers several customization options for more personalized expression.
What immediately catches the eye is the floating seat design and the clean integration of lighting elements. The LED headlight provides excellent visibility while maintaining the futuristic design language. The thin profile and lightweight materials contribute to an overall impression of sophisticated simplicity.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Throwing a leg over the CE 02 reveals thoughtful ergonomics despite its unconventional appearance. The seat height of 30.5 inches accommodates riders of various heights, while the upright riding position feels natural and comfortable. The handlebars fall easily to hand, though taller riders might find them slightly close to the body during longer rides.
During my daily commute, I appreciated the well-padded seat that remained comfortable even after an hour in the saddle. The footpegs are positioned to create a relaxed riding triangle, and the absence of a center tunnel means you can easily put both feet flat on the ground when stopped.
One clever design touch: the small storage compartment nestled between your feet perfectly fits a water bottle or small bag, addressing the practical needs of urban riders without compromising the CE 02’s clean lines.
Performance: Electric Power with a Punch
Motor and Battery Specifications
The CE 02 comes in two power variants: an 11 kW (15 hp) version and a reduced-power 4 kW (5.4 hp) option for younger or less experienced riders. My test model featured the more powerful configuration, which delivers a surprisingly spirited riding experience.
The 11 kW electric motor draws power from a 48V lithium-ion battery pack with 6.2 kWh capacity. BMW claims a maximum range of approximately 90 km (56 miles) on a single charge, which proved reasonably accurate during my testing in mixed urban conditions.
Acceleration and Speed
Twist the throttle and the CE 02 responds with the immediate torque delivery characteristic of electric motors. The acceleration from 0-50 km/h (31 mph) is particularly impressive, allowing quick getaways from traffic lights and easy merging with flowing traffic. The scooter reaches its electronically limited top speed of 95 km/h (59 mph) without struggle, though acceleration naturally tapers off at higher speeds.
The three riding modes—Flow, Surf, and Flash—alter power delivery and regenerative braking intensity. Flow mode offers a balanced experience suitable for most riding conditions, while Surf maximizes range with gentler acceleration. Flash mode unleashes the full potential of the motor for more spirited riding, though at the expense of battery life.
During a particularly memorable morning commute, the CE 02’s prompt acceleration allowed me to confidently navigate through a series of green lights, reaching my destination significantly faster than would have been possible on a conventional scooter of similar size.
Handling and Ride Quality
The CE 02’s lightweight construction (approximately 132 kg or 291 lbs) contributes to exceptional maneuverability in tight urban spaces. The low center of gravity—a benefit of the battery placement—delivers confident cornering characteristics and excellent stability.
The suspension setup consists of conventional telescopic forks up front and a single shock absorber at the rear. While not adjustable, the suspension is well-tuned for urban environments, absorbing most road imperfections without transmitting harshness to the rider. That said, larger potholes and speed bumps do remind you of the relatively compact wheel size and limited suspension travel.
Braking comes courtesy of disc brakes front and rear, augmented by a regenerative braking system. The combination provides reliable stopping power, though I found the regenerative braking takes some getting used to, particularly in its strongest setting. After a few days, I grew to appreciate how it allowed mostly one-pedal riding in dense traffic, rarely requiring the mechanical brakes for gentle deceleration.
Living with the CE 02: The Daily Experience
Charging and Range
For city dwellers, the practicality of an electric vehicle often hinges on charging logistics. The CE 02 uses a standard household outlet via an onboard charger, with a full charge taking approximately 3-4 hours from empty. This proved convenient for overnight charging in my apartment garage.
Real-world range varied based on riding style, route topography, and weather conditions. On gentler rides utilizing predominantly Flow mode, I achieved close to the advertised 90 km range. More spirited riding with frequent use of Flash mode reduced this to around 70-75 km. While not exceptional compared to some competitors, this range comfortably covers most urban commuting needs with room to spare.
During one weekend, I challenged the CE 02 with a more ambitious urban exploration, visiting several neighborhoods across the city. Despite liberal use of the throttle and some elevation changes, I returned home with 15% battery remaining after 65 km—an impressive showing that alleviated any range anxiety I initially harbored.
Technology and Connectivity
The CE 02 features a 3.5-inch TFT display that provides essential information in a clean, legible format. The screen remains visible even in bright sunlight, though the smaller size occasionally makes quick glances challenging when navigating busy intersections.
BMW’s connected features allow smartphone integration through a dedicated app, enabling navigation guidance, ride statistics, and remote battery status checking. While these features worked as advertised, I found the navigation prompts occasionally delayed on more complex routes.
Storage and Practicality
Urban mobility solutions must address practical concerns, and here the CE 02 offers a mixed bag. The aforementioned small storage compartment handles essentials, but larger items require optional accessories or a backpack. BMW offers several storage solutions, including a rear rack and side bags, though these somewhat compromise the clean aesthetic that makes the CE 02 so distinctive.
For my grocery runs, I found a small backpack sufficient, though I occasionally wished for more integrated storage during unexpected rain showers when I needed to stow additional gear.
The Urban Mobility Proposition
Environmental Considerations
The CE 02’s zero-emission operation represents a meaningful contribution to reducing urban pollution. During my testing period, I calculated the equivalent “fuel economy” at approximately 1.5 kWh per 100 km—significantly more efficient than even the most economical gasoline scooters.
Beyond tailpipe emissions, BMW emphasizes sustainability throughout the CE 02’s lifecycle, with recyclable components and battery materials sourced through responsible supply chains. While difficult to verify independently, these efforts align with growing consumer demand for environmental responsibility.
Cost of Ownership
With a starting price of approximately €7,500 (varies by market and specification), the CE 02 commands a premium over conventional scooters. However, the operational savings partially offset this initial investment.
My calculations showed electricity costs of roughly €2-3 per full charge, translating to approximately €3 per 100 km—substantially less than fuel costs for a comparable gasoline scooter. Additionally, the reduced maintenance requirements (no oil changes, fewer moving parts) suggest lower long-term ownership costs, though the eventual battery replacement remains a consideration.
Target Demographic
Throughout my testing, I couldn’t help but contemplate who might be the ideal CE 02 owner. It seems perfectly suited for young professionals in urban centers who value distinctive design and environmental consciousness. The performance characteristics satisfy the needs of experienced riders while remaining accessible to newcomers, particularly in the lower-powered configuration.
The CE 02 also appeals to design enthusiasts who appreciate BMW’s forward-thinking aesthetic sensibilities and are willing to invest in a premium mobility solution that doubles as a statement piece.
Redefining Urban Mobility
After my week with the BMW CE 02, I returned it with mixed emotions. Its innovative design and enjoyable performance had won me over, despite some practical limitations inherent to its concept.
The CE 02 successfully balances futuristic design with real-world usability, offering a glimpse into BMW’s vision for urban transportation. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone—instead, it excels as a specialized tool for navigating city environments with style and efficiency.
For those seeking a premium electric scooter that stands apart from the increasingly crowded e-mobility market, the CE 02 delivers a compelling package that’s as enjoyable to ride as it is to look at. It represents not just a mode of transportation, but a statement about embracing progressive mobility solutions.
While the price point positions it as a premium product rather than a mass-market solution, the CE 02 nonetheless establishes a compelling benchmark for what urban electric two-wheelers can achieve when thoughtful design meets cutting-edge technology.
As I handed back the keys, I found myself calculating whether I could justify adding one to my personal garage—perhaps the highest compliment any vehicle can receive after a test period. BMW’s bold experiment in urban mobility may not be for everyone, but for the right rider, it could redefine their relationship with city transportation.
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