- BMW Motorrad is launching a new electric motorcycle called the CE 02, which is designed to run around town while looking less clunky than a mobility scooter.
- The electric motor produces up to 15 horsepower, and there are two 1.96-kWh batteries on board. BMW Motorrad says that’s enough for a driving range of about 56 miles.
- A set of smart glasses is also being introduced. Wearing it, riders get important information such as speed and turn-by-turn navigation right in their line of sight.
Electric powertrains are creating a lot of buzz in the automotive world. The same eco-friendly approach has been applied to motorcycles, so BMW Motorrad is adding a second electric model to its two-wheeler lineup. The CE 02 is the smaller, more affordable follow-up to the CE 04 that hits the market for the 2022 model year.
Although BMW insists this new product is neither an e-motorcycle nor an e-scooter, we can’t use the company’s marketing materials, which refer to the CE 02 as an “e-parkourer.” We can see where they’re going with it, though, as the bike has a street-smart look that would look right at home in an urban environment.
Two different versions will be offered on the global market, including one with a 5-hp electric motor and one with a 1.96-kWh battery. But American buyers will only have one option: the more powerful 15-hp version, which doubles the battery for a total of 3.92 kWh and a claimed range of about 56 miles per charge. Top speed is estimated at 59 mph.
A 0.9-kW home charging adapter is standard, but frequent riders may find it easier to upgrade to the optional 1.5-kW charger, as it reduces charging time. The high-power charger is part of the optional Highline package, which also adds Bluetooth phone connectivity, a smartphone holder, heated hand grips and upgraded seats.
The CE 02 has a standard 3.5-inch display between the handlebars that shows speed and remaining range, among other things. There’s also a USB-C port for charging smartphones as well as an app to track the bike’s charging status.
Attention!
To bring the whole connected package together, BMW Motorrad is launching smart glasses integrated with bike telemetry to display speed, charging and turn-by-turn directions on the right lens. The goggles will pair with other BMW Motorrad products, so you’re not locked into the CE 02 if you want to try it out.
We got a chance to try out the glasses at a recent BMW event and we can report that they function as a head-up display of sorts, providing enough adjustability that most users will have a clear view of both the road ahead and the information being displayed. . They’re not the most stylish color pair, but the functionality seems worth it for frequent riders. The price, which comes in at about $750 at today’s exchange rates, is what might give buyers pause.
The CE 02 seems like a great option for getting around town and avoiding traffic, but it also carries a hefty starting price of about $8200. BMW Motorrad has yet to announce pricing for the options, but we think with the Highline package the CE 02 will likely approach the $10,000 mark. We expect the CE 02 to arrive at BMW Motorrad dealerships in the US in early 2024.
Managing Editor, Buyer’s Guide
Drew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held various consumer-focused positions throughout his career, from financial counselor to car salesman. He had dreamed of becoming one Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a Michigander born and raised and learned to drive in a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and SUVs luxury
