We know! You’ve probably heard it all before. You’ve told that electric bikes are the future. They’ve been around for quite some time now, but there are still very few of them on the streets. It’s into this landscape that BMW launches the CE-02. A bike that they think is a paradigm shift for urban mobility. So what’s it all about?
1. What is the BMW CE-02?
Recently, we were asked to attend a BMW event for their new CE-02 all-electric urban bike. During this event, hosted at the Flying Squirrel (Toronto), we had an opportunity to put this bike through its paces and here are our impressions.In very simple terms, the CE-02 is BMW’s latest offering to join their urban mobility line-up. Much like it’s larger sibling, the CE-04, its an all-electric bike that’s sort of a cross between a scooter and a full-size motorcycle.
At face value, the CE-02 is a city bike that provides an ideal solution to the challenge of urban mobility. BMW state that the CE-02 is easy to ride, easy to live with and, above all, its easy to own and maintain. We’ll address those claims in this narrative.
BMW have given the CE-02 a unique, modern and youthful aesthetic. The overall design language is actually rather bold and unashamedly striking. There’s little doubt that BMW are primarily targeting a younger crowd with this bike.
2. The Challenge for Electric Bikes:
The majority of potential buyers already have some preconceived opinions on electric vehicles. They probably think that electric bikes cost too much, they’re not fast enough, or that the silent-running makes them intrinsically unsafe. Most of all they have ‘battery anxiety.’ A feeling that they could be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no means to recharge the battery. Yes, all of these are legitimate concerns and are undoubtedly the major barriers for buyers.
We have long thought that the emergence of the electric bike presents manufacturers with a unique set of opportunities. An opportunity to reimagine the conventional motorcycle. An opportunity for designers to actually dare to be different. An opportunity to throw away the rule book and bring us something fresh, modern, exciting and unexpected.
Most of the manufacturers have stuck with a traditional motorcycle design and simply changed out the engine for an electric one. For example, this is what companies like Zero Motorcycles and Livewire (formally Harley-Davidson) have done. However, with both the CE-02 and the CE-04, we applaud BMW for being one of the only companies to fully embrace the future by pushing the boundaries of design and innovation.
3. Target Audience:
Just by looking at the CE-02, its quite obvious who BMW believe will be the target audience for this bike. It’s the trendy set, the modern upwardly-mobile youth who are forging their careers in the heart of the city.
Millennials, GenZs and man-bag carrying Hipsters will absolutely love this thing. Their Mummies would even approve and maybe they’ll want one too. OK that was a bit flippant, but this is probably going to be the main target audience for the CE-02.
However, there are other potential audiences too. For example, those people who have summer retreats in Canadian cottage country and need a little runabout while they’re there. You know the sort of thing … Short trips to the local store, running errands or for popping to the local bar/restaurant. This is where the CE-02’s minimal maintenance and low running costs will come into its own.
In simple terms, the CE-02 is a bike for short rides and commuting. It’s most definitely not a bike for long blasts down the highway or for touring.
You need a motorcycle license:
Whilst we were at the launch event, we got chatting to some potential buyers. It would seem that there’s a little confusion surrounding electric bikes, so we thought it would be helpful to clear it up.
Some people believe that they don’t actually need a motorcycle licence to ride an electric bike. While that may be true for e-bikes, its definitely not the case for electric bikes. If you’re considering an electric bike, we highly recommend that you check with the manufacturer (or your local dealer) about the licensing requirements beforehand.
OK, that’s enough of all of that. What exactly is the CE-02 like to ride?
Basic Specifications of The CE-02:
Here are the basic specifications for the BMW CE-02
4. Riding the CE-02:
Hopping on board of the CE-02 we found it to be very comfortable and welcoming. There’s nothing here that’s in any way intimidating. The controls are simple, comprehensive and very clearly laid out.
There are three riding modes that change the riding characteristics of the bike. These are called SURF, FLOW and FLASH. ‘Surf’ is for when you want to just tootle along slowly and maximize the battery range, while the other two give a bit more oomph.
The CE-02 is by far the easiest bike to ride that we’ve ever experienced. It requires virtually no brain power to operate. This is thanks to the twist and go transmission, vibe-free electric motor, and easy going ergonomics.
There’s no noise, no engine heat, a low seat height, and it only weighs 132kg. Add to that the suspension effortlessly soaks up the bumps.
The strong brakes are operated at the handlebars. The right lever is for the front brake and the left lever for the back. Experienced riders may take a moment or two to adjust to this as there’s nothing for your feet to do to control this bike. Just pop your feet on the pegs and chill.
In terms of handling there’s not very much to say. It’s light, flickable and predictable. There’s even a reverse gear to help when you’re parking the thing, or manoeuvring in tight spots. The bench-style seat is comfortable and, even though there are passenger foot-pegs, it’s really only suitable for one person.
We would conclude that the CE-02 is effortless, efficient, functional and fun. There’s plenty of power to negotiate city streets and, best of all, you’ll look good while you’re doing it.
5. Price:
Here comes the bad news.
In Canada, the starting price for the CE-02 is $10,095. Yes you heard that right. There’s no getting round the fact that this bike is expensive. That’s a great deal of money for what is a 125cc equivalent motorbike or scooter.
But lets look at that price in a different way. Once you’ve coughed up for the bike itself, there are virtually no running costs to deal with and even the insurance premiums will be less - by nature of the fact that its an electric bike.
Having said that, the price is a bitter pill to swallow and is likely to put off a lot of potential buyers.
6. In Conclusion:
In simple terms, the BMW CE-02 is a very high-end scooter that’s totally premium in every way. It’s a cut above the competition in terms of build quality, riding experience, performance and features. It offers ample power, its fabulously easy to ride and it handles very well.
The design language is like nothing else out there and its youthful, almost playful, appearance holds a unique allure. When all is said and done, there’s very little to dislike about the BMW CE-02.
If you live and work in the city, this bike is worthy of some consideration. The only real sticking point is that high price but, once over that hurdle, the running costs are negligible.
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