BMW CE 02

Picture this! You’re looking for an electric two-wheeler that’s not just practical, but also unique and full of personality. Enter the BMW CE 02—a quirky, eye-catching urban mobility solution that prioritises individuality and ease of use. But who exactly is it for? And more importantly, should you consider adding one to your garage?

The BMW CE 02 is a bold and unconventional electric scooter. It is unapologetically futuristic, and its minimalist styling and stubby proportions lend it a unique stance, unlike anything else in the segment. And, its quirky styling grabs a lot of attention. Take it anywhere and it is the centre of attraction, a proper conversation starter, so to speak.

Moreover, typical of a BMW, the build quality is top-notch. Everything feels well-finished, and the plastics don’t feel cheap, even in areas you’d expect cost-cutting. Even the switch cubes operate with a great tactile feel.

At 745mm, the CE 02’s seat height is impressively low, making it extremely accessible to a wide range of riders. Placing your feet flat on the ground is effortless. The overall riding posture is neutral, and the wide and tall handlebar enhances control and contribute to the CE 02’s agile and playful character.

When riding solo, the CE 02 allows for two distinct riding styles. Using the forward-mounted foot pegs, one can ride in a laid-back, cruiser-style posture. Meanwhile, you can switch to the rear-mounted pillion foot pegs for a more engaged, forward-leaning stance for better control around tight spaces and corners.

That said, the CE 02 falls short when it comes to pillion comfort. For starters, the seat is quite short and can barely accommodate a pillion. This is further amplified by the seat padding, or the lack thereof. While the minimalist bench-style seat adds to the visual appeal, it is very firm and thinly padded. On shorter commutes, it’s tolerable, but even on marginally longer rides, say 20-30km, it can lead to discomfort.

The CE 02 is powered by an 11kW (15bhp) air-cooled synchronous electric motor, paired with a 4kWh battery pack. BMW claims a true range of 95km on a single charge, although we exceeded that in our range test. More on that later.

The CE 02 feels quite snappy off the line, courtesy of the instant torque from the electric motor. It is zippy, responsive, and more than capable of keeping up with traffic. In fact, it zips past the traffic effortlessly at signals, and pulling off overtakes is a piece of cake.

The scooter comes with three ride modes: Flow, Surf, and Flash. These modes alter the throttle response and power delivery, with the Flash mode offering the quickest acceleration and higher regen. The throttle response sharpens up in Flash mode, giving the ride a bit more zing, which is great for spirited urban runs.

The Surf mode comes devoid of brake energy regeneration and allows you to 'surf' without any intervention. It offers the most seamless riding experience. Although the CE 02 isn't meant for long highway rides, it delivers a punchy and engaging experience for city commutes, short weekend rides, or just some fun around town.

With its low centre of gravity and compact wheelbase, the BMW CE 02 offers remarkable agility. It weaves through traffic with ease, much like a rabbit darting through underbrush. The 14-inch wheels contribute to a handling experience that feels more motorcycle than scooter, while the grippy tyres inspire confidence when leaning into corners. Direction changes feel fluid and intuitive, giving the rider a strong sense of control. However, the scooter’s weight does make itself known during rapid side-to-side transitions, subtly reminding you of its underlying heft.

Coming to its suspension setup, the CE 02 features non-adjustable upside-down forks up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the back. The front forks do a decent job of soaking up bumps, potholes, expansion joints, and uneven tarmac. While it isn't overly plush, it strikes a good balance between comfort and control.

The rear, meanwhile, is set on the firmer side. Over sharp bumps or speed breakers, it feels a little stiff, almost like the scooter skips over the surface rather than gliding across it. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s something you’ll notice, especially over poorly maintained Mumbai roads.

The braking setup comprises disc brakes at either end, along with the safety net of single-channel ABS. BMW should have offered a dual-channel unit at this price point. That said, the setup performs well in almost every situation. The front brake offers good bite along with a progressive and confidence-inspiring lever feel. The rear, too, is sharp, and if you stomp on the brake, it allows you to slide the scooter and have some controlled fun.

The BMW CE 02 comes well-equipped with features and modern tech. It gets three ride modes: Flash, Flow, and Surf, and a colour TFT display, which shows essential ride data. Then, there's Bluetooth smartphone connectivity via the BMW Motorrad app, which provides additional functions like ride tracking and battery monitoring.

The BMW CE 02 also features LED lighting, USB-C charging, keyless ignition, and regenerative braking for added efficiency. You also get a mobile holder as standard, which allows you to stay notified with mobile alerts and comes in handy to navigate your way through unknown places.

BMW Motorrad claims the CE 02 has a WMTC-certified range of 95km on a single charge. In Bikewale's city range test, the CE 02 delivered a range of 103.6km (in Flow mode) before the battery ran dry.

This extended range can be largely attributed to brake energy regeneration, which recovers small amounts of charge during frequent deceleration in stop-and-go traffic. That said, range is likely to drop on the highway, where higher speeds and reduced braking limit the effectiveness of regeneration.

As for its charge time, BMW claims that the scooter can be charged from 20-80 per cent in 102 minutes with the bundled charger. That said, there's no way to store/mount the charger on the scooter and carry it with you, thereby limiting its use case to only charging it at home.

The BMW CE 02 is not for everyone, but that’s exactly the point. It is a statement vehicle for those who value personality and experience over practicality and affordability. It is a stylish, quirky, and distinctly different electric scooter.

It offers a fun and agile ride, nimble handling, and excellent snob value. However, it’s not without flaws. It lacks pillion comfort, isn't very practical in terms of storage space, and is priced at a premium. So, who is it exactly for?

Well, at Rs. 4.57 lakh on-road Mumbai, the BMW CE 02 is a rich person's toy. It makes sense for someone who already owns a few luxury cars and bikes, and wants a premium electric scooter that is an extension of his/her personality. Something that can be used to go cafe hopping or to the gym. In that case, the BMW CE 02 is a compelling option.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi