BMW is making a strong entry into the urban mobility market with the new BMW CE 02 2024 battery-powered electric scooter. Priced at $7,599, it’s a lightweight machine with a low seat height, low weight and a unique look. Let’s see how BMW is approaching the pure urban transport market.

Here’s the official pitch from Edgar Heinrich, head of design at BMW Motorrad: “With CE 02, BMW Motorrad is striving for something new and wants to be a trailblazer again.” Thanks to its unusual proportions and eye-catching graphics, the new CE 02 has single-lane mobility in a simple, youthful shape. A simplified design language stands for lightness and fun. The focus is not on profit, but on emotion, driving pleasure and simple, almost intuitive operation. “


BMW Motorrad USA is calling the brand new CE 02 an eParkourer and this is reflected in the action photos provided. Traditional urban secondary road travel is not just for electric vehicles.

Although it has a top speed of 59 km/h, the CE 02 is not designed for highway use. Instead, an excited synchronous motor will deliver 41Nm of torque until he hits 1000rpm, propelling gracefully at stoplights. Peak power of 15 horsepower is produced at 5000 rpm and the engine revs up to 6700 rpm. Motor-based traction control is standard equipment for both acceleration and deceleration.

There are two default riding modes and an optional higher performance mode. Flow mode provides smooth throttle response and recuperation during deceleration recharges the battery. Surf mode lets you go full speed with more direct throttle response and no regeneration. His 2024 BMW CE 02 buyers who opt for the $875 Highline package get access to Flash Mode, which offers the most aggressive throttle response.

The transmission of the BMW CE 02 2024 is fully automatic and turn-and-go. According to BMW, there is also a “reverse assist”.

Maximum range is 56 miles. While this is sufficient for most city trips, surf and flash power modes can reduce real-world range.

It takes less than 3 hours to charge 20-80% of battery capacity. Plugging it into the wall takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Get the fast charger included in the Highline package and cut that time by 30 minutes.

The 29.5-inch seat height is matched to a curb weight of 291 pounds, fully charged, making it easy to handle for a wide range of riders. Two riders can be accommodated on the CE 02, and there are two footrest areas for the driver. The standard seat is black, while the Highline package seat is tri-color—white/petrol/black. Heated grips are another feature of the Highline package. 

The chassis geometry numbers for the 2024 BMW CE 02 point to a quick-handling ride ready for urban battle. Equipped with 14-inch die-cast aluminum disc wheels shod with Michelin City Grip tires, the rake is a steep 24.5 degrees and the trail a scant 3.6 inches. That’s matched up to a compact 53.3-inch wheelbase—more than a foot shorter than its big brother, the CE 04 that we tested earlier this year.

Suspension is pothole-ready with 4.6 inches of wheel travel at both ends—only the shock spring-preload is adjustable. The 37mm fork is inverted, while the shock controls a one-sided swingarm.

Disc brakes are used at both ends, with ABS for the front wheel only. Brake actuation is via hand levers, which are adjustable for distance to the grips. 

A 3.5-inch TFT screen pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth and the free BMW Motorrad Connected app. It also offers a USB-C charge point. Highline package buyers get a cradle for a smartphone that turns the screen into a secondary handlebar-mounted display. A fob gets things going, rather than a key. Lighting is LED.

We don’t have an arrival date for the 2024 BMW CE 02. We hope it shows up in time for summer testing by the beach.

2024 BMW CE 02 Specs

MOTOR

BATTERY

  • Type: Air-cooled lithium-ion
  • Maximum capacity: 3.9 kWh
  • Charge time: 20 to 80 percent, 2 hours and 50 minutes
  • Optional Level 1 charge time: 20 to 80 percent, 2 hours and 20 minutes
  • Estimated range: 56 miles (WMTC)

CHASSIS

  • Frame: Tubular steel
  • Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 37mm fork; 4.6 inches
  • Rear suspension; travel: Linkageless spring-preload adjustable shock; 4.6 inches
  • Wheels: Die-cast aluminum disc
  • Front wheel: 14 x 2.50
  • Rear wheel: 14 x 3.50
  • Tires: Michelin City Grip
  • Front tire: 120/80 x 14
  • Rear tire: 150/70 x 14
  • Front brake: 239 mm discs w/ floating 2-piston caliper
  • Rear brake: 221mm disc w/ floating single-piston caliper
  • ABS: Standard (front wheel only)

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES

  • Wheelbase: 53.3 inches
  • Rake: 24.5 degrees
  • Trail: 3.6 inches
  • Seat height: 29.5 inches
  • Curb weight: 391 pounds
  • Colors: Cosmic Black; Cosmic Black 2 (Highline Package only)

2023 BMW CE 02 Price: $7599 MSRP

Source: ultimatemotorcycling.com