Meet the new BMW e-motorbike primed for the urban jungle

The BMW CE02 has been revealed as the German brand’s striking new electric two wheeler, which features a bold and sleek design to help it appeal to a younger audience.

BMW isn’t new to electric motorbikes and moped, having kick-started its all-electric range of machines with the C Evolution arriving in 2014. 

In 2016, BMW updated its C Evolution range, offering two different versions: a Long Range model and a European version A1 licence variant.

The Long Range was powered by an 8kW motor and could travel up to 99 miles on a charge; 37 miles more than the original 2014 model. The alternative 11kW model retained its 62-mile range and could travel up to 74mph. 

Following the success of the C Evolution, BMW launched the CE 04 as its replacement in 2020. The boldly-styled machine arrived with 31kW of power and an electric range of 80 miles. It also features battery cells and technology from the firm’s electric car line-up. 

Now BMW Motorrad, the Munich-based brand’s two-wheeled arm, is expanding its electric line-up with the smaller CE 02 machine, which is claimed to be similar in performance to a 125cc machine.

The CE 02 is powered by two removable 1.96kWh lithium-ion batteries, which helps the new machine travel up to 55 miles on a charge. Riders aged 16 can ride the CE 02 with a maximum output of 11kW and a top speed of 60mph.

A less potent 4kW version with a top speed of 30mph will also be available from launch. This meets the requirements for the AM driving licence and can be ridden in Germany, for example, by anyone from the age of 15 or with a car licence.  

BMW says the CE 02’s low weight of only 132kg (11kW version) or 119kg (4kW version) helps to give its new machine more playful handling characteristics. 

The CE 02 features two riding modes: Flow and Surf. The former offers the optimal drive set-up for urban commuting with a more relaxed throttle response and energy recuperation. 

Surf meanwhile, offers more “dynamic acceleration” and zero recuperation. Buyers can add Flash mode as an optional extra, which delivers an even more sportier feel with a greater response from throttle inputs. 

BMW's latest model gets a TFT display which informs the rider of speed, battery status and more. USB-C charging sockets have also been added for smartphone charging.

BMW has also created a special edition Highline model which features gold anodised front forks, and a turquoise contrasting colour scheme on the side of the bike and seat.

The Highline model also gets the Flash mode as standard, heated grips, a smartphone holder and quick charger. 

The German brand has also created a new pair of digitalised sunglasses that pair with the machine to provide a head-up display similar to that found in a car.

Called ConnectedRide Smartglasses, the super clever sunglasses connect to your phone via bluetooth and project the speed, navigation and other relevant data into the rider’s field of view, which BMW says makes for safer motorcycle riding. 

BMW says the new piece of eyewear has been designed to be worn comfortably with a helmet – and if you don’t fancy using the head-up display for every journey, you add a pair of transparent, visor-like lenses. 

BMW is yet to reveal the price of the CE 02, but it will likely cost less than the larger CE 04, which starts from £12,850.