CE-02s flocked to the paddocks of the 24 Heures du Mans auto race last month. There were also a good dozen of them parading along the banks of the Seine 10 days later, on the occasion of a one-day road test. It's time to move on to a detailed analysis of this electric two-wheeler, which can't be classified as a motorcycle or a scooter until it's been tested.
C for "City", E for "100% Electric"!
BMW recently unveiled the CE-02, an electric urban mobility vehicle distinguished by its innovative design and bold concept. This model brings a touch of freshness to a market not yet crowded by European production. BMW has succeeded in creating a product that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, halfway between a scooter and a motorcycle, making this vehicle one of a kind.
This strategy of electric mobility (e-mobility) is not new to BMW, which initiated it in 2014 with the C-Evolution. Since then, the CE-04 (2021) has had a strong presence in France, with over 6,000 units sold, representing 70% of the electric two-wheeler market.
Design and engineering
At first glance, it looks like a pretty "toy", with every element of the vehicle, from the steel frame to the high-quality details, reflecting BMW's precision and care. The CE-02 is fitted with 14-inch aluminum wheels, which encourage good handling. Under the low (and somewhat painful after a workout) seat are the electronic components, as well as the two batteries of this 125 cm³ equivalent version.
Equipment and technology
The CE-02 features a 3.5-inch TFT screen displaying essential information: battery status, charge, range, speed and temperature, power bar according to handlebar inclination, etc. The BMW Motorrad Connected app allows the vehicle to be connected to a smartphone for extended functionality via the left-hand commodos.
A USB-C socket is also located at the display. Setting it up wasn't easy for me, but "Ready" is displayed, so we're good to go...!
Performance and Driving
Don't be jealous, we all have the same models to test: a CE-02 11 Kw with the Highline Pack, for a total of €9,665. A toy for big kids... and an expensive one at that. We'll come back to that! It also includes heated grips, a smartphone holder, and a quick charger on the 125 version.
With 11 kW of power and 55 Nm of torque, the CE-02 offers lively acceleration (from 0 to 50 km/h in 3 seconds), plus belt drive for a smooth, fluid ride. It features three driving modes: "Flow", "Surf" and "Flash", adapted to different urban and road driving needs. Flow mode offers smooth acceleration with moderate energy recovery. It has proved perfect for driving in Paris. Surf mode takes things to a whole new level. In general, I found myself driving slower than I felt. This feeling is explained by the fact that we're quite low, with no air deflector.
The CE-02 is easy to handle and light (132 kg), with wide, well-positioned handlebars for a pleasant ride. There's no excuse not to reverse when the situation allows, as an "R" button facilitates the maneuver - consider it a bonus, given the machine's natural ease of movement. To give the driver even more freedom, the ABS is located at the front, rather than on the rear wheel - a conscious choice on the part of the brand.
The impression that the CE-04 is shorter than its predecessor is confirmed by the measurements. We're at the handlebars of a vehicle less than 2 meters long (1.97 m to be exact), 30 cm shorter than its imposing big brother.
We didn't take any stretches of road above 70 km/h, and as we're obviously respectful of speed limits, we weren't able to break the symbolic 100 km/h barrier. It's possible, just barely, although BMW claims a top speed of 95 km/h.
Comfort and use
Despite a relatively thin seat, the CE-02 offers a good riding position, with two sets of footrests (i.e., front and rear footrests). The CE-02 is in fact compatible as a duo with a top-case support set back from the saddle, accordingly. No one has played the role of co-driver, so it would be dishonest to give an opinion on this point.
Naturally, on my own, I opted for the rear position and greater range of movement, while some of my colleagues chose the other option. A matter of habit, no doubt! Speaking of habit, don't be tempted to disengage the clutch - it might feel a bit funny...
The suspension, though not perfected, offers an acceptable compromise between comfort and roadholding. In town, this vehicle proves particularly agile thanks to its well-thought-out geometry. However, it's no protection against fickle weather, so you'll need to bring a change of clothes.
The motorcycle's sound is not for everyone, and if it hasn't been a hindrance to riding, it's inevitably a factor to be taken into account. A safety reminder never hurts!
Autonomy and recharging
The CE-02 promises a realistic range of around 70 km, with generative recharging activated during deceleration. This self-sufficiency has no impact on urban journeys, but is far less suitable for longer routes. Especially since recharging the battery from 20% to 80% takes approximately 100 minutes. An additional battery pack (1.96 kW/h) can be added to double the range.
BMW has opted for a proprietary connector to promote (simultaneous) recharging in various locations, and justifies this with a capacity that matches the needs of its users. Finally, an external charger can be purchased for an additional €200.
Accessibility
Despite its 16 models for A2/young license holders, the brand is regularly criticized for its inaccessibility to small wallets. This is where the CE-02 comes in, to appeal to a new clientele, or rather as a "gateway" into the BMW Motorrad range.
Although it is one of the brand's most affordable models, its price remains comparable to that of a medium-displacement motorcycle... which may seem (a hair, or two!) high. What sets it apart, however, is the ease with which it can be licensed: an A1 license is all that's needed to ride the version in our test drive. The 50 cm³ version, meanwhile, is accessible with the AM license (BSR), ASSR + 8 hours of training, from the age of 14.
The BMW CE-02, validated?
All in all, the BMW CE-02 is a fun, functional urban vehicle, combining design, technology and performance. It offers a new mobility experience, both practical and enjoyable, while remaining true to the brand's image. This singular vehicle opens up new possibilities for two-wheeled enthusiasts and city dwellers looking for an innovative electric alternative.
You won't want to miss the offbeat "Ché-bran" poster campaign in the French capital, or the "Shifter Pro" campaign in Marseille. The latter differs from region to region to capture the public's attention. As soon as we started swaggering, a passer-by reacted by calling us trendy bikers! We'll happily omit another road user who, obviously intrigued by our gathering at a stop sign, came up to us to ask if we had a license...
So, is this CE-02 a scooter or a motorcycle? The brand doesn't settle the debate, and takes the opportunity to add the term"e-Parkourer" to the table! A way of emphasizing that the model combines some features of both categories, while offering a new approach to urban electric mobility.
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