BMW CE 02: Is This Electric Bike the Future of Urban Mobility?

The 2024 BMW CE 02 isn’t designed for mass appeal, it’s a niche vehicle, even within the motorcycle world. Yet, after experiencing it firsthand, I was genuinely captivated. Its manageable size, seamless power delivery, and unexpected comfort quickly won me over. I’m now a believer in electric bikes, despite their current premium price tags.

Motorcycles were once a significant part of my life. My father and I earned our motorcycle licenses together when I turned eighteen, and my twenties were filled with various bikes – uprights, sports bikes, dirt bikes, and adventure models. I even explored Harley Davidsons to satisfy my cruiser curiosity and worked as a motorcycle tour guide in Australia before transitioning to media.

Unfortunately, a serious UTV accident in 2018 significantly impacted my left hand and made me wary of powersports. Selling my cherished Yamaha WR250R six months after the crash, facing the possibility of never operating a lever clutch again, was a painful blow.

Following four surgeries and extensive occupational therapy, I regained a reasonable degree of hand function. This personal history is relevant because it wasn’t until BMW offered a test ride on the CE 02 that I considered getting back on a motorcycle.

Electric power eliminates the need for a clutch, and a low seat height ensures easy handling. Combine these features with European engineering and distinctive styling, and the CE 02 emerges as one of the most approachable and stylish motorcycles available today.

BMW CE 02 eParkourer parked in an urban setting

BMW markets this bike as an “eParkourer,” a coined term intended to make “urban mobility” sound more exciting. Marketing materials frequently depict the bike at skate parks, surrounded by trendy young people in streetwear.

As a fashion statement, the CE 02 is undeniably striking. Even in BMW’s loaner safety gear, which made me resemble an airport firefighter, I felt a sense of cool. However, it’s important to clarify that this isn’t a high-powered BMX for alleyway stunts or jump ramps. Nor is it an impulse purchase at nearly $8,000. For that price, you can choose from numerous appealing and reasonably fast full-sized gasoline motorcycles from mainstream brands. If you’re considering used bikes, an $8,000 budget opens up a vast array of options.

The question of “Who is this for?” becomes clearer in European or Asian contexts. In cities characterized by narrow roads, limited parking, and exorbitant fuel costs (if gas stations are even accessible), a premium, low-seat motorcycle that’s impossible to stall is a fantastic choice for both enjoyment and practical commuting. The appeal is straightforward.

American applications for the CE 02 are more specific, though not nonexistent. New York City? Unlikely, unless you live in a building allowing indoor bike storage to prevent theft or overnight scooter charger collection. Los Angeles? Probably not, despite legal lane splitting, as navigating heavy traffic in a less protected vehicle carries significant risk.

However, beach towns and affluent mountain communities present a different picture. If you own property in places like Park City, Santa Barbara, Provincetown, or Breckenridge, you likely have the discretionary income for an $8,000 recreational vehicle. And an eParkourer becomes an ideal mode of transport for pleasant weather days.

BMW CE 02 electric bike in a coastal setting

Regarding the actual riding experience, it’s taken some words to get here, but while the concept of the CE 02 is intriguing, the ride itself is unique and somewhat challenging to describe without comparisons.

The first impression is the bike’s size. The CE 02 appears and feels larger in person than in photos. It has a substantial, chunky feel. This is further emphasized when you sit and manage its weight with your legs. The official weight is 290 pounds, relatively light for a motorcycle but quite heavy for a scooter. A Honda Ruckus, for instance, is less refined but a significant 100 pounds lighter.

The seat was perhaps the biggest surprise. The thin strip of padding looks unforgiving, yet it’s surprisingly comfortable, even for someone with a bony build. The riding posture is upright and natural, and the levers are adjustable for reach.

Rider on the BMW CE 02 electric bike, showing gauge pod

A clean, minimalist rectangular gauge pod sits above the handlebars, displaying essential information. An integrated smartphone mount allows you to supplement the small screen with your phone for navigation and additional vehicle data. Once paired, handlebar thumb buttons enable phone control, eliminating the need to touch the phone screen, which is a convenient feature.

The main gauge is easily readable, and the option to ride without phone integration is appreciated, although phone weather protection in unexpected rain might be a concern. However, someone investing $8,000 in a recreational bike likely owns a modern, waterproof smartphone.

BMW claims a range of about 56 miles on a full charge for the CE 02 and a 0-30 mph acceleration time of three seconds. The stated top speed is 59 mph.

BMW CE 02 broad view, showcasing design

Even with only 15 horsepower and 40.5 lb-ft of torque, it’s certainly not sluggish. However, accidental wheelies are not a concern when applying full throttle. Riding modes include “Flow,” offering a gentler throttle response and moderate regenerative braking, and “Surf,” which provides quicker acceleration and allows coasting when off-throttle. “Flash” mode is also available, with even sharper acceleration and stronger regenerative braking.

Flash mode quickly became my preferred setting. It fosters a feeling of connection with the motorcycle as you modulate the throttle. While “throttle” isn’t technically accurate for electric vehicles, in Flash mode at urban speeds, controlling the bike’s speed with wrist movement feels almost linear.

Brakes are present, of course, operated by levers like on a bicycle (I instinctively reached for a nonexistent foot brake more than once). But once accustomed to it and maintaining awareness, accelerating and decelerating using only the right wrist in Flash mode becomes engaging and enjoyable.

BMW CE 02 detail, front wheel and brake

Wind resistance becomes noticeable above 40 mph. During my brief test ride, the 25 to 45 mph range proved to be the most enjoyable.

The CE 02 lacks the power or lightness for aggressive maneuvers like tail-out slides or wheelies. However, quick bursts of acceleration from traffic lights and through gaps in traffic brought a wide smile to my face as I navigated the coastal Portuguese town of Cascais.

This seaside town, similar to the previously mentioned US locations, was the ideal setting for the CE 02. It felt adequately fast on short straightaways, weight was easily managed at low speeds, and acceleration from a slow roll was surprisingly exhilarating. Braking performance was satisfactory, and steering response was also commendable.

BMW CE 02 broad side view in urban environment

The primary sounds, absent an engine, are wind noise and a slight gear whine – inoffensive but not particularly memorable.

The CE 02 primarily relies on its design for personality – it’s visually appealing and distinctive. While not deeply characterful in a traditional sense, its user-friendliness and accessibility make it incredibly fun.

BMW’s new electric scooter/motorbike hybrid isn’t about maximizing value, becoming a collector’s item, or achieving peak performance. It’s a well-designed piece of industrial art that offers access to one of the most enjoyable wheeled experiences: swiftly and quietly gliding along without the confines of a car.