We all know about BMW's plans for a fully electric future, and the company's fast-paced march to electrification continues with the introduction of a new electric vehicle for urban operations - the CE 02. With the introduction of this new two-wheeler, the German brand strays away from conventional categorization, touting it as a nimble eParkourer targeted at younger riders.
The newly unveiled BMW CE 02 is basically a new breed of e-vehicle, as the company says it's neither an e-scooter nor an e-motorcycle. So what is it, then? It's an innovative, daring proposition for urban rides that boasts a minimalist, practical design centered around proportionality and offers robustness, agility, and a thrilling riding experience on various types of terrain.
The unveiling of the new electric two-wheeler comes two years after the introduction of the CE 04 high-speed maxiscooter, another electrifying and evolutionary vehicle for city travel. Now, BMW Motorrad takes another step toward the promised fully electric future with this so-called eParkourer, a light electric motorbike meant to redefine how people perceive and experience urban mobility. However, the CE 02 is not a utility bike but one for sport or leisure activity, designed as an urban playbike more than anything.
Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design, explains it better, saying that "With the CE 02, we are striving for something new at BMW Motorrad and want to be pioneers once again. 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."
With this in mind, let's look at the specs of the new BMW CE 02 'eParkourer.' Designed with young and adventurous riders in mind, the new motorbike will be offered in two variants, one offering 11 kW (15 hp) of power and the other a more modest 4kW (5 hp). BMW says the 11 kW version, equipped with two 48V, 1.96 kWh lithium-ion batteries, will offer a range of over 55 miles (90 km) and a top speed of about 59 miles per hour (95 kph), which should be enough for regular urban or suburban rides, but not exactly fitted for highway use.
Photo: BMW Group
In terms of looks, the CE 02 boasts an eye-catching retro-inspired design with a sleek, no-frills frame and a low seat. Black is the dominant color on the e-motorbike - used on the frame, wheels, front fender, and triple clamp fairing - but is contrasted by a granite grey metallic matte for the engine cover. The large wheels it rides on make it look robust and ensure its ability to ride on many terrains. The minimalist design means that future owners of the CE 02 can customize it to put their personal stamp on the two-wheeler.
The e-motorbike features an inverted front fork, a single-sided rear swingarm, and disk-style cast wheels. The reverse gear, adjustable-reach hand brake levers, combined with the compact frame, low weight of only 291 pounds (262 pounds for the 4 kW version), and low seat height of 29.5 inches make the CE 02 an easy-to-maneuver and handle bike in city traffic.
Two standard riding modes are available - Flow and Surf - the first of which offers a relaxed urban ride, while the latter provides a more dynamic experience for riders who want to venture outside city limits. There is also a Flash riding mode offered as part of the optional Highline package, which promises a more responsive and sporty riding experience.
A 3.5" TFT display showing essential ride information and a USB-C charging port are also part of the package, and the BMW Motorrad Connected app will offer riders real-time information on charging status and ride data.
Those interested in this new urban mobility proposition can have some fun with it in the BMW Motorrad MetaRide, a digital brand space of virtual reality in which riders can experience the CE 02 in the form of an avatar.
The BMW CE 02 electric motorbike will be made available in the spring of 2024. Riders in the US can have it for an MSRP of $7,599 (before destination charges), which makes it BMW's lowest-priced electric two-wheeler to date.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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