BMW officially announced the debut of its new electric motorbike CE 02. The German automaker recognizes switching to electric vehicles (EVs) isn’t possible for those who live in tight urban spaces and on a limited budget. Rather than offering a cheap electric car, BMW is adding this motorbike to its growing line of EVs.
Priced at around $7,599 MSRP for the basic model, it’s a far cry from the average cost of even the simplest electric car. BMW insists the CE 02 is a blend of a moped and a motorbike in one. For this reason, designers labeled it as an “eParkourer.” The name derives from the freerunning sensation called parkour, where runners are known for quick, nimble movements through even the tightest space.
The CE 02 is very tech-savvy, too. Keyless Ride is standard, allowing riders to get on and go without igniting the ignition. It comes with three different driving modes: SURF, FLASH, and FLOW.
Each setting has different speed and comfort settings for scenarios like traffic, free-road rides, and easy cruising. The handlebars are heated for maximum comfort in windy conditions.
Riders don’t need fancy charging equipment — the CE 02 plugs into any basic wall outlet. When charging, an 11 kW battery can reach full capacity in one hour and 40 minutes. To monitor the charge rate, owners only need to download an app that syncs to the eParkourer’s interface.
Photo Courtesy BMW Group
In the front, a 3.5-inch TFT display shows a rider all the important information. The high-resolution display shows the speed, mileage, and battery charge. It includes a USB-C port for phone chargers.
The motorbike isn’t for long trips on open roads, though. With a range of 55 miles before the next charge, BMW is making sure the CE 02 is strictly for quick trips around the city. BMW says it can reach 60 mph in just three seconds, decently fast for a small-end electric motorbike. However, outlets like Electrek report the top speed rounding out at 59 mph.
It’s truly designed to be like a standard electric bike but with a little “oomph” in the motor — a 15-horsepower engine. The lightweight body will increase aerodynamic performance, weighing only 290 pounds.
“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,” Edgar Heinrich, head of BMW Motorrad Design, said in a press release. “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.”
Photo Courtesy BMW Group
The CE 02 will have a few interesting accessories that come with it. What stands out the most are the ConnectedRide Smartglasses. They provide a full heads-up display for riders, showing the speed, GPS, and gear. It doesn’t block a driver’s vision, giving a full view of the road. The Smartglasses are expected to arrive in the U.S. around the end of the year.
BMW said it was considering an alternative transportation method that appealed to teens and young adults back in 2021. With the CE 02 officially out, it joins a growing line of BMW e-motorbikes. We can expect to see this model in the U.S. in 2024.
