2024 BMW CE 02 First Look

[Hugh Janus]

BMW’s latest electric scooter is the minimal urban-flavored 2024 CE 02, shown here in base form. (BMW Mottorad/)

Remember BMW’s electric Concept CE from way back in 2021? Well, here we are with the production version some 48 months later, which feels like some kind of a record even for BMW, a brand famously known for its slow-walking of designs from concept to assembly. That said, the new 2024 BMW CE 02 doesn’t look all that removed from its CE origins, with a minimal, youthful design clearly aimed at an urban demographic, making for a far less dorky entry than most other city-themed runabouts.

Frankly, we’re digging the shadowy, fat-tired, edgy vibe, like what you’d get if a Ruckus met a Monkey and ditched the gas engine. According to the Bavarian brass, it’s neither an e-motorbike nor an e-scooter, but “an eParkourer, created for the urban environment,” whatever that means. It certainly looks less polished than Germany’s previous robotic scooter designs (looking at you, CE 04), with a bit of a rugged vibe as well as—crucially—a more affordable price tag.

Chunky but minimal, the scoot boasts an upside-down fork, preload-adjustable rear shock, and two ride modes. Shown here is the higher-spec Highline package, which adds a gold fork, quick charger, heated grips, and more. (BMW Motorrad/)

From a visual standpoint, you get disc wheels that are designed to emphasize the proportions, with black as the base color for the frame, wheels, front fender, and triple clamp, while the gray on the motor cover offers contrast. BMW suggests the “reduced design offers plenty of scope for your own design options,” which is code for “we have lots of accessory options available.”

Digging into the specs reveals a few more specifics, like a steel double-loop frame that holds an air-cooled, current excited synchronous motor, with energy derived from two air-cooled lithium-ion batteries. Those cells, which have an operating voltage of 48V and an energy content of 1.96kWh each, are also removable.

The CE 02 uses two removable lithium-ion batteries; the standard external charger will get them to 80 percent in about three hours. (BMW Motorrad/)

At the front end of the frame is a hydraulically damped, 37mm telescopic fork—inverted no less—while a single-sided aluminum swingarm connected to a direct-link shock with adjustable spring preload brings up the rear. Both are paired to a set of chunky 14-inch disc wheels fitted with wide 120/80-14 (front) and 150/70-14 (rear) tires.

Thanks to a low weight of only 291 pounds and a seat height of just 29.5 inches, the new CE 02 is likely to feel fairly nimble on the road as well, with dual-position footrests allowing the rider to choose from a relaxed leg placement or a more sporty lean on the passenger pegs. Maximum claimed output is 15 hp (8 hp nominally) and with 40.5 lb.-ft. of torque available from the get-go, the new CE 02 is likely to reach its claimed top speed of 59 mph pretty quickly. According to BMW, the e-scoot is good for a range of more than 56 miles, give or take.

BMW also includes Automatic Stability Control and Recuperative Stability Control as standard equipment, and the CE 02 features two standard ride modes: Flow and Surf. Flow is said to offer a softer throttle response and medium energy recuperation, while Surf gives riders a more direct throttle with snappier acceleration. There’s also a sportier Flash mode, which is only available with the optional Highline package (more on that later). Slowing things down on the CE 02 are single disc brakes at the front and rear, which are supported by BMW Motorrad ABS at the front wheel. Other convenience and safety features include keyless operation, LED lighting, headlights, a 3.5-inch TFT display, and a USB-C socket.

The black-only base model 2024 BMW CE 02, here, retails for $7,599. Accessories are available (of course). (BMW Motorrad/)

“Thanks to its unusual proportions and striking graphics, the new CE 02 is an uncomplicated, youthful form of single-track mobility. The reduced design language stands for lightness and fun. The focus is not on utility, but on emotional appeal, riding pleasure and uncomplicated, almost intuitive use,” explains Edgar Heinrich, head of BMW Motorrad design.

Tall bars, beefy clamps, inverted fork, 4.6 inches of travel, 291 pounds—could be fun. (BMW Motorrad/)

This being BMW, naturally there are optional accessories, and with the CE 02 it seems like many of them are cargo-oriented. There are Black, Urban, and Adventure collection 16-liter side cases; Black, Urban, and Adventure collection 35–42-liter side cases; and Black, Urban, and Adventure collection 50–60-liter side cases. Or opt for just a Light top case, which will give you an additional 29 liters of storage. Luggage carriers and anti-theft alarms are also available.

One Highline trim and one accessorized CE 02. That bench seat looks less than inviting. (BMW Motorrad/)

The optional Highline package (no price was given) adds anodized gold fork as well as the aforementioned Flash mode, a 1.5kWh quick charger, heated grips, a different seat, and more color and graphics along with other features.

BMW has said the CE 02 is a 2024 model, and will arrive in the US with an MSRP of $7,599 (plus destination, of course).

BMW has also released these new ConnectedRide Smartglasses, which offer riders head-up display tech. (BMW Motorrad/)

Although they’re not designed specifically for the CE 02, BMW Motorrad also released a new tech accessory dubbed ConnectedRide Smartglasses. The shades are billed as “innovative motorcycle goggles with head-up display technology,” so riders can finally access the kind of tech we’ve seen in BMW’s automotive sector for years now. Pilots will see all relevant motorcycle and environmental data, such as navigation, speed, or gear, projected directly into their field of vision in real time. The Smartglasses feature UVA/UVB lenses and can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth and an app, and the projection can be customized with rider-selected settings. BMW did not give a price for the lithium-ion battery-powered shades, but said they will be available in the US later this year.

More info is at bmwmotorcycles.com.

2024 BMW CE 02 Specs

MSRP:	$7,599
Motor:	Air-cooled excited synchronous
Rated Capacity:	8 hp
Maximum Power:	15 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Maximum Torque:	40.5 lb.-ft. @ 1,000 rpm
Maximum Speed:	59 mph
Battery:	Two air-cooled lithium-ion batteries, 3.92 kWh
Voltage:	48V
Charging:	0.9kW w/ integrated charger; 1.5kW quick charger w/ optional Highline package
Charge Time:	Standard 2 hr. 50 min. to 80%; 2 hr. 20 min. for 80% w/ quick charger
Transmission:	1-speed, integrated into motor housing/belt drive
Frame:	Steel double loop
Front Suspension:	37mm inverted telescopic fork; 4.6 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Single-sided swingarm w/ direct-link shock, spring preload adjustable; 2.2 in. travel
Front Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 239mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	1-piston floating caliper, 220mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 14 x 2.50 in. / 14 x 3.50 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	120/80-14 / 150/70-14
Steering Head Angle/Trail:	24.5°/3.6 in.
Wheelbase:	53.2 in.
Seat Height:	29.5 in.
Curb Weight:	291 lb.
Contact:	bmwmotorcycles.com

Source

[Buckster]

Outstanding.

[boboneleg]

I reckon the lawyers from Lego will be taking a close look at that.

[Nute]

I wonder how many minutes that would last parked outside someone’s office in London before it’s nicked…

[Buckster]

1 hour ago, Nute said:

I wonder how many minutes that would last parked outside someone’s office in London before it’s nicked…

Looks pretty much theft proof to me.

[Six30]

10 hours ago, Buckster said:

Looks pretty much theft proof to me.

me to , hopefully not fire proof though