Compared to the C Evolution, weight is down by more than 15 percent. (BMW Motorrad/)

BMW famously jumped into the electric motorcycle market with the BMW C Evolution scooter in 2014. I rode the prototype as long ago as 2012 and, despite its sheer mass compared to conventional, petrol-drinking scooters, was immediately impressed. Now, with the radically styled CE 04, BMW has significantly moved the game on.

Compared to the C Evolution, weight is down by over 15 percent, charging times have been shortened, and its claimed range stands at 80 miles. And, of course, it’s styled like no scoot we’ve seen before. When in 2017 BMW first teased us with images of CE 04, not even the most ardent BMW supporter would have envisioned that the production bike would be so like those daring early sketches. Even when BMW unveiled the concept bike in 2020, most thought its shape would be sanitized and softened before being signed off. But BMW has stuck to its guns, let the designers have free rein, and produced a bike that looks like it’s 10 years ahead of its time, like a prop for a sci-fi blockbuster rather than a bike you can buy.

BMW calls its new CE 04 “the silent revolution: a new chapter in electric-powered urban two-wheeled mobility.” (BMW Motorrad/)

Cleverly, technology and know-how have been shared across BMW platforms, the CE 04 using modified, smaller versions of lithium-ion battery cells that power the iX automobile range, ensuring reliability and safety as well as significantly reducing R&D costs. Maximum output is 42 hp at 4,900 rpm, top speed a claimed 75 mph, and acceleration an impressive 31 mph in 2.6 seconds. This is a quick scooter.

The lithium-ion battery can be charged from a regular household socket from flat to full in 4 hours, 20 minutes, or with an optional extra quick charger (6.9kW) in 1 hour, 40 minutes. A 20–80 percent charge takes just 45 minutes, again with the optional fast charger, or 1 hour, 40 minutes with a conventional standard charger. A 45-minute fast charge equates to a civilized lunch or a lingering coffee break (while you upload images of your cool CE 04 to social media).

Technology and know-how have been shared across BMW platforms, the CE 04 using modified, smaller versions of car battery cells from the iX range. (BMW Motorrad/)

Fully charged range is a quoted 80 miles, but this will ultimately depend on how you ride plus the riding mode selected. On the base CE 04 there are three modes to choose from, each with a different re-gen (recharging the battery while on a closed throttle, like engine-braking) while an optional Dynamic mode can be added.

Press the keyless ignition, then press the starter button while holding a brake lever (both brakes are on the bars like any modern scooter) and you’re ready. The sidestand acts as a hand brake or kill switch, so you can’t move forward with it down. The 10.25-inch TFT dash lets you know you’re ready, then it’s twist the throttle and go—that simple.

The lithium-ion battery can be charged from a regular household socket from flat to full in 4 hours, 20 minutes, or with an optional extra quick charger (6.9kw) in 1 hour, 40 minutes. (BMW Motorrad/)

So far not that different to a petrol scooter, except with no engine noise or buildup of revs the first few near-silent yards are slightly disorientating—and the initial turn of the throttle and instantaneous acceleration take you a little by surprise. But after a mile or so, it becomes natural and second nature, especially as the throttle connection on the new CE 04 is excellent.

In base spec the CE 04 has those three riding modes to choose from—Eco, Rain and Road—each with its own throttle response and engine-braking (re-gen), while our test bike was also fitted with the optional Dynamic mode. The Dynamic mode also changes the standard traction control and ABS to lean sensitive (ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control).

A 20–80 percent charge takes just 45 minutes, again with the optional fast charger, or 1 hour, 40 minutes with a conventional standard charger. (BMW Motorrad/)

For those unused to the way electric bikes react off a closed throttle, Eco and Rain modes are probably the safest options as they deliver very soft power, with a super-smooth transition from a closed to an open throttle. Some electric bikes can also respond abruptly—like a switch—but BMW has overcome this with the CE 04.

Road mode and the Dynamic option turn up the volume. The throttle remains smooth but the torque kicks in hard, impressively so considering the CE 04 is comparable to a midsize 400cc petrol scooter. There is no lag or clutch delay, just instant drive (peak torque is at just 1,500 rpm).

Using BMW car technology, this stunning A2 electric scooter is all new for 2022, boasting a 75 mph top speed, 0–50 kph (31 mph) in 2.6 seconds. (BMW Motorrad/)

The CE 04 can outgun almost anything away from the lights and do so in perfect silence. The lights go green… Twist the throttle… And you’ve left the traffic far behind. Hitting painted lines or manhole covers can activate the traction control and in damp and cold conditions, the rear Pirelli will need plenty of assistance from the TC. Meanwhile, the silence just adds to the fun of putting overexcited drivers in their place.

Aside from throttle response, engine-braking is significantly different in each mode, with Eco delivering strong engine-braking and more recuperation of the battery. In the city, with timing and experience, you can almost get away without using the brakes. Road and especially Rain mode have much softer braking strategies.

Fully charged range is a quoted 81 miles but this can depend on how you ride, plus the riding mode selected. (BMW Motorrad/)

The CE 04′s mass is trimmed down to a respectable 509 pounds compared to the C Evolution’s 606 pounds but it is still 55 pounds heavier than BMW’s own C 400 X (454 pounds). To help offset that bulk, it is equipped with a reverse drive, which is activated via a button on the left bar. Twist the throttle and the CE 04 moves slowly backward, which is particularly useful for getting out of negatively cambered parking bays.

On the move, the extra weight isn’t so noticeable as BMW has cleverly placed many of those pounds low in the chassis, with the dense and bulky battery cells carried horizontally on a platform under your feet, giving the CE 04 with a low center of gravity. The BMW is much narrower than petrol-drinking competition, too, especially toward the rear (where normally you would find an engine and an exhaust). A reasonably low, 30.7-inch seat height also exacerbates this sense of lightness and agility.

The 10.25-inch TFT dash lets you know you’re ready, then it’s twist the throttle and go. (BMW Motorrad/)

A single, directly mounted shock with spring preload adjustment and 35mm Showa fork work to control all that weight and torque. The steering comes more from the middle of the scoot, as the CE 04 swings from one turn to the next. Cutting through city traffic is easy, despite a long wheelbase, and you only really notice its mass when riding on more open roads during faster direction changes at speed. But in a blind test you’d be hard-pressed to guess its actual weight as it feels so light on the move.

The Showa ride quality is impressive, taking on speed bumps and road imperfections with relative ease. Perhaps it doesn’t feel as plush as some of the competition, but the CE 04′s silent running adds means you can hear the suspension moving, which somehow makes it seem like it’s working harder too…

The optional Dynamic mode also changes the standard traction control and ABS to lean sensitive (ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control). (BMW Motorrad/)

The flat seat might look as comfortable as a park bench, but is far more accommodating than it appears (plus BMW offer six different seat options). BMW quotes a range of 81 miles, and there’s a clear range indicator on the 10.25-inch color screen, showing how many miles you have left in the bank. After 38 miles, I still had a further 37 miles in reserve, which equates to 75 miles, and my riding was spirited at times.

The CE 04 comes equipped with underseat storage, enough for a full-face helmet, which is accessible from the side as the seat is fixed in place. There’s also phone storage up front which is cooled by an electric fan to stop your device overheating. The dash has connectivity as well as integrated map navigation. Switch gear and the BMW navigation wheel are simple and easy to use. Like the ignition, the underseat and phone storage are all keyless. The feel and touch of the storage is first class. And should you require more storage there are neat side and rear bags available.

The standard CE 04 comes equipped with underseat storage, enough for a full-face helmet, which is accessible from the side as the seat is fixed in place and very neat, like a large pannier. (BMW Motorrad/)

The job of stopping 509 pounds of escoot is down to two four-piston calipers grabbing two 265mm discs, with a single 265mm disc on the rear (front brake: right bar; back brake: left bar). They perform without fuss and are backed up by all that engine-braking, which is especially strong in the Eco mode. The brakes are not linked and ABS comes as standard. If you want ABS Pro (cornering ABS), you pay extra for the Dynamic package.

And while the three riding modes, ABS, and TC come as standard, for lean-sensitive ABS, TC, and riding aids and the additional Dynamic mode you need the Dynamic Package (380 pounds, which at time of writing converts to $509), which also adds Headlight Pro and daytime running lights.

Aside from throttle response, engine-braking is significantly different in each mode, with Eco delivering very strong engine-braking and more recuperation of the battery (converting kinetic energy into electrical energy). (BMW Motorrad/)

The CE 04′s only serious flaw is its price, which is $11,795 for the base model and a big ask for those looking for an economical commute in and out of the city. Our testbike came in the dramatic Avantgarde color package and was equipped with the Dynamic package. BMW also fitted the City package, including much-needed heated grips, tire pressure control, an anti-theft alarm, and centerstand (not shown on our testbike) which costs more. Should you wish, there is an additional Comfort package (heated grips and a comfier heated seat), and a high windshield. Additionally, there is the essential fast charger for another upcharge.

The CE 04 looks like BMW’s vision for the city commuter of the near future, but is a for-real production motorcycle that we will be able to buy this March. Furthermore, it works supremely well as a city scoot. If money was no object, I’d take the CE 04 over its petrol equivalent every time. Aside from its battery range there are no disadvantages over normal combustion-engine scoots, and I believe an 80-mile range is large enough for this type of bike. It’s easier to ride, silent, quick, and incredibly stylish—a stunning brilliant example of clever engineering and design.

In standard spec the CE 04 has three riding modes to choose from: Eco, Rain, and Road. (BMW Motorrad/)

But you can’t hide the price, which is around double the petrol equivalent. At $11,795 for the base model, it is expensive, and to get the best out of the CE 04 you really need the fast charger and the Dynamic pack.

If you want quality, the latest tech and style, and money isn’t a problem, then for commuting I’d highly recommend the CE 04. But for many it may be just too expensive for now.

The flat seat might look as comfortable as a skateboard, but it’s far more accommodating than it appears, plus BMW offers six different seat options. (BMW Motorrad/)

2022 BMW CE 04 Technical Specifications and Price

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com