BMW CE 04 Electric Scooter | First Look Review

The CE 04 scooter marks the beginning of a new chapter in what BMW Motorrad calls their “electromobility strategy.” The thoroughly contemporary design includes an all-electric drive and, BMW claims, innovative connectivity solutions aimed squarely at urban mobility and commuters. The bodywork is finished in Light White as standard, contrasting with black working parts, and finished with a modern “floating” bench seat. Solid wheels and a sidestand, integrated with the bodywork, finish off the styling. The CE 04 is also available in an optional Magellan Grey metallic, supplemented with a black/orange seat and an orange wind deflector. 

The CE 04 uses an innovative liquid-cooled, permanent-magnet electric motor, mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel. BMW says they have conducted extensive riding tests to develop specific types of battery recuperation relative to the choice of riding mode. The motor is rated at 20 horsepower with a claimed maximum output of 42 horsepower, which should make it zippy. BMW has highlighted the importance they placed in providing opportunities for riders to choose between maximum efficiency and maximum riding fun, as the mood or need requires. Three riding modes include Rain, with reduced power, Eco, where range is prioritized over performance, Road for more zip, and an optional Dynamic mode, for maximizing performance. Top speed is limited to a healthy 74.5 mph, and 0-30 mph is achieved in 2.6 seconds.

The CE 04 has a battery cell capacity of 60.6 Ah (8.9 kWh), providing a claimed range of 80 miles (the reduced output version manages 62 miles). The last published study conducted by the DOT on commuting was in 2003 and found that, on average, U.S. commuters travel 15 miles to work. The CE 04 is well within those limits but will require owners to regularly recharge. The lithium-ion battery is charged using one of the BMW integrated charging devices and a regular household socket or a public charging station. When the battery is completely flat a complete charge takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. The optional quick charger reduces charging time to 1 hour and 40 minutes from completely flat and will take a battery at 20% up to 80% in 45 minutes.

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The frame is constructed from tubular steel, with a telescopic fork and twin disc brakes for the front wheel, and a single-sided swingarm/monoshock, and a single-disc brake at the rear. ABS comes as standard, and BMW’s ABS Pro (combines with tilt sensor) is an option. Tires are 120/70-R15 at the front and 160/60-R15 at the rear. A 10.25-inch TFT color screen with integrated map navigation and extensive connectivity should allow owners to safely stow their device in the ventilated mobile phone charging compartment with USB-C charging port. All-round LED lighting units are standard. Adaptive Headlight Pro provides cornering illumination as an available option, as is Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), available by means of an ASC (Automatic Stability Control) unit. ASC limits engine torque in relation to rear wheel slip and DTC enables safe acceleration in various conditions and is also sensitive to lean angle. 

Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW AG, said, “The BMW CE 04 is our new electric star for the city. It combines an e-drive with emotion and motorcycling fun. The latest technology, and the best battery cells, which also provide power in the BMW iX. Just like the CE 04, all future new BMW Motorrad models for urban mobility will be pure electric.”

Price and availability have not yet been announced. For more information visit: bmwmotorcycles.com