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The first letters in a BMW motorcycle's model name tell you a lot about the bike. In case you don't have your BMW decoder ring handy, here's a simplified breakdown of the current line:
| R | This motorcycle has a boxer twin engine. |
| S | This motorcycle has an inline four-cylinder engine, and it is fast. |
| M | An S, but faster and more expensive. |
| K | This motorcycle has an inline six-cylinder engine, and it is a different kind of fast from S and M. |
| F | This motorcycle has a parallel-twin engine. |
| G | This motorcycle has a single-cylinder engine, and it is neither fast nor expensive. |
| C | This scooter has a single-cylinder engine, and it is not weird. |
And now we have:
| CE | None of the above, and nothing like them. Read on. |
BMW’s radical CE 04 electric scooter is the brand’s urban transportation flagship. For my quick test ride on this purpose-built city runabout, I had a few hours to ride around Berlin unsupervised for an ideal first impression, riding the bike the way it was meant to be ridden, in the city where it was built.
Disclaimer: I only had this motorcycle for a morning, and I was lucky to get even that with 17,000 other event attendees trying to get demo bikes. This is a mini-review, and it will not include range tests or charging tests. CE 04 press bikes are hard to come by in the United States and Common Tread staffers take our opportunities wherever we can find them.
That’s not to say I was without a destination. Joining me on a demo R nineT Pure was Cycle World Senior Editor Morgan Gales, and if we played our cards right, we’d ride around Berlin, make a quick stop at the Apple Store, and then sprint back to the demo pool so the rest of the moto press could take their turns. Morgan’s iPhone had suddenly stopped working earlier on the trip, and he needed a replacement before flying back to the United States, so the Apple Store stop was critical. This was bad news for him, but good news for my CE 04 mini-review because scooters are all about missions — zipping around town, taking care of business, and secretly trying to win every stoplight drag race along the way. All in all, this was shaping up to be a pretty good day at work.
The CE 04 in facts and figures
The CE 04 is built around one of the battery packs used in the new i4 and iX electric cars. With this borrowed tech from BMW Group’s automotive side, BMW Motorrad got a valuable head start on its new scooter's drivetrain. (Hardly a new idea. The 2014 through 2021 C evolution, BMW’s previous e-scoot, used battery tech from the old i3 electric car.) BMW claims the all-new CE 04 makes 42 peak horsepower and gets a combined range of 80 miles from its 8.9 kWh peak/8.5 kWh nominal battery mounted low in the frame. Top speed is 75 mph (confirmed). Power is sent to the rear wheel via belt final drive. Total payload (passengers and cargo) is 395 pounds.
The Level 2 quick charger (included for all U.S. CE 04s) manages a 0-to-80-percent charge time of 65 minutes. The Level 2 charging is also compatible with BMW’s Wallbox 240V home chargers, or the CE 04 can charge at Level 1 using any standard 120V outlet and the included charging cable in the underseat storage area. Level 1 takes three hours and 30 minutes to reach 80 percent charge, and another 50 minutes more to reach full. You’ll find a watertight glovebox with a built-in USB-C powerlet by your left knee, and a flip-down charging port cover over on the right. The glovebox, underseat compartment, and charging port are all accessible while still sitting on the scooter.
A spacious 10.25-inch screen displays speed, range, ride mode, regen, and ride time. The display gets a lot smarter once connected to a smartphone via the BMW Motorrad Connected app, but I decided to spend my limited time riding instead of scrolling menus.
Styling and design
Aesthetically, the CE 04 looks like it fell off the set of a Syd Mead movie. “Large, calm surfaces, interrupted by sharp edges,” as BMW describes the design language here. I was able to check out the original Definition CE 04 concept vehicle at BMW’s factory in Berlin (more on that visit coming soon), and it was nearly identical to the 2022 CE 04 I rode. Historically, a concept vehicle has rarely made it to production without getting watered down. Recently, though, several other manufacturers have introduced production models that stayed true to their concepts, and I hope this trend continues.
Back when the production CE 04 debuted, BMW Motorrad’s Head of Vehicle Design Alexander Buckan said this project questioned “nearly everything: use cases, target groups, up to the entire architecture. And I guess this is exactly the reason our CE 04 is that daring, that incredibly radical, compared to all the other scooters on the market right now.”
Case in point: the seat. Buckan said that, according to BMW’s research, the average urban mobility vehicle travels 7.5 miles per day or less. No longer bound by the same tradition that gave us the C evolution’s supremely plush saddle, the CE 04 has an, ahem, minimalist flat seat that would make any bratstyle custom builder blush. And much like a custom, the seat is more about style than squish. It's comfier than it looks, and considering the bike's intended usage and range, it shouldn't be much of an issue for most customers. An optional comfort seat is available with about an inch more padding.
The CE 04’s chassis geometry includes some unusual — though not necessarily bad — choices. The most obvious at a glance is the colossal 66-inch wheelbase, which is exaggerated by the solid 15-inch wheels at each end. For reference, a Triumph Rocket 3’s wheelbase measures 66.2 inches, and a Hayabusa with a relatively mild stretch for drag racing can be 65 to 67 inches. This scoot’s loooooong.
Riding the CE 04
A BMW rep handed over the keys and walked me through the CE 04's startup sequence. Push the power button, flip up the side stand, pull one of the brakes, and hit the "start" paddle on the right switch pod. The menu switches to a ride-ready display, and an indicator lets me know that the throttle is ready.
Let's back up for a second and talk about the side stand. It's connected to a cable that runs back to a parking brake built into the rear wheel. Deploy the stand, and the cable engages the brake to lock the bike in place. Fold it in, and the bike rolls freely. This is a clever solution to the fact that electric motorcycles without manual transmissions can't park in gear. Some electric motorcycles have no provisions at all for preventing the bike from rolling while powered down. BMW's brake is simple, intuitive, and totally hidden. Five out of five stars here.
The CE 04 silently navigated the tight parking lot with less effort than I expected. I tried to be mindful of CE's extra length, at least compared to other scooters, while snaking around rows of parked cars and bikes, only to find that it wasn't an issue at all. I toggled to Dynamic mode and joined Berlin traffic. The CE 04 gets right up to city speeds and holds its own. Quick maneuvers like overtaking, merging, on-ramp acceleration, and dodging wayward drivers couldn't be easier. At the opposite end of the spectrum, crawling in traffic or a construction zone is effortless. If you're the sort of person who likes practicing balance skills in gridlock, the CE 04 will make you feel like a trials champ. Crazy-low weight, instant torque, and a powertrain that's impossible to stall are all perfect for close-quarters combat in rush hour.
Not long into the ride, I took an exit that looked like it went to a park. Instead, it put the little CE 04 on the highway. This was as good a time as any to test the bike's acceleration, and without much convincing, the Beemer met and held traffic speeds of around 65 miles per hour. Small scooters can feel squirrelly or downright dangerous on the open road. The CE 04, on the other hand, felt entirely stable and planted. Over our Cardos, I asked Morgan for his thoughts on the CE's brake and turn lighting, and he reported no trouble seeing them in the bright morning sun. That was good, because we were now much farther outside Berlin than we had planned, and the extended highway riding had depleted 15 percent of my scooter's battery. Or so I thought.
We took an off-ramp to make a U-turn back towards Berlin, and while I waited at a light, I switched the CE over to Eco mode. After a little more riding, I noticed that the remaining range estimate changed to reflect my selected ride mode, as well as my recent throttle inputs. Highway riding in Dynamic mode had rapidly dropped the range estimate, but focusing on regen braking and switching to Eco mode quickly bumped the range back up by 10 miles within a few minutes. The BMW reps confirmed that range was constantly updated instead of holding fast to the calculated range shown at startup.
The CE 04’s power delivery, especially in Dynamic mode, feels just right for city streets. Threading the bike through traffic, then picking up the pace once the roads open up, is more than enough fun to keep the rider engaged. High performance isn’t the point here. This scooter is meant to be easy and non-threatening urban transportation, and it works just fine in that capacity. The CE 04 has one of the gentlest learning curves of any vehicle I've ever tried, even though it looks like a sophisticated set of wheels.
Back in the city, the CE 04's laid-back, easygoing character continued. I could place my feet up and forward for more legroom or place them flat on the floorboards for an easy reach to the ground. My demo bike had one of the optional seats with a small bumpstop, and I would have preferred one of the fully flat seats so I could sit back a bit farther. The handlebar position is natural and relaxed. My legs and torso seemed to have good protection from the elements. The windshield, in contrast, is only there for looks. There is a taller accessory windshield available. I think I'd run down to the closest office supply place, grab a translucent orange clipboard for $3, and enjoy my new "accessory tall windshield with map holder."
In all seriousness, this bike gets constant attention everywhere it goes. At stoplights, crosswalks, parking lots, and even while moving, people stare at it. They ask questions about it, poke at the seat, and peer at the wheels. Can you blame them? This vehicle was designed to stand out. Some riders will enjoy the impromptu conversations, and others will try to avoid them. Just be aware that, for the foreseeable future, a BMW CE 04 draws a crowd.
Stopping by the Apple Store gave me a chance to try parking the CE 04 with the other motorcycles on the sidewalk. The tall-ish wheels and soft suspension made short work of crawling up on the curb, and the side stand parking brake allayed any concerns about the bike rolling away. I also used this as an opportunity to check out the underseat storage compartment, which barely fit a full-face helmet. The charging cable normally lives in here. Beyond small grocery runs or trips to the office, I'd look at BMW's accessory luggage and racks to boost the utility of this scooter. With Morgan's phone situation squared away, it was one last blast across town back to the demo pool. I handed the keys back with 79 percent charge and a helmet full of thoughts about this unique vehicle.
Deception and perception
Dramatic body lines, solid wheels, “floating” seat, spaceship winglets and ductwork… The CE 04's appearance defies convention over and over. Strip the bodywork away, however, and this futuristic machine is built on well proven concepts. These underpinnings are just as essential to the CE 04's mission as the fashion-forward bodywork.
The scooter's outward appearance might suggest a wild aluminum skeleton or a carbon fiber monocoque below, but you’ll find a good ol’ double-loop steel frame instead. The fork uses a typical single-bridge design (basically one big lower triple clamp) as seen on many scooters, and the rear monoshock and swingarm aren’t anything fancy, either. The long wheelbase is largely determined by the size of the automotive battery pack, not new ideas in scooter chassis design. I thought the bike’s weight (509 pounds!) and relaxed 26.5 degrees of rake would give a funky “gliding” feel to the ride, but handling was neutral, predictable, and generally unremarkable. I suspect the 15-inch wheels and ultra-low center of gravity keep the CE 04 feeling nimble for its design and dimensions.
Ultimately, the CE 04 is a collection of existing ideas arranged in a new way. The C Evolution started this line of thought, but with the CE 04, BMW has finally started coloring outside the lines with its electric ambitions. It’s refreshing to see a major manufacturer build something new around an electric drivetrain instead of sticking to traditional ICE motorcycle silhouettes. Most customers will never even notice the goofy wheelbase, the fork design, or the sheer mass of this scooter. The CE 04's design and function take all the attention, and the oddities disappear into the background of the experience. It's the engineering equivalent of a magic trick.
Looking back on my morning with BMW’s latest electric bike, I found the CE 04 to be deceptive in all the right ways. It looks strange and uncomfortable, but it’s just right for riding around town, or even the highway. The outrageously long wheelbase and quarter-ton weight suggest unpleasant handling, yet the CE 04 is probably the easiest vehicle for a beginner to ride in the entire Motorrad lineup. Finally, the exotic styling draws attention everywhere, but the CE 04’s MSRP is only a bit more than the old Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive’s. Apples to oranges, maybe, but nobody ever crossed a street to ask me about a Burgman.
The CE 04's ideal customer is probably an electric/tech enthusiast with short urban travel requirements, a secure place for charging, and an offbeat sense of style. Oh, and this customer isn't turned off by the price tag. (Let's be real, this ideal customer is probably parking the CE 04 next to a BMW i-series or a Tesla.) Like a luxury compact car or a high-end tiny home, the CE 04 is a premium interpretation of an everyday concept. And starting with the CE 04, BMW will release a new electric two-wheeler every 18 to 24 months. BMW is already showing a smaller concept scooter called the CE 02. I don't think we've seen the last of the CE designation or its disregard for convention.
Availability, packages, and options
For 2023, the CE 04’s base price of $11,795 remains unchanged, although all U.S. import CE 04s will have the premium package. This adds $1,650 and includes: lean-sensitive adaptive headlight, Ride Modes Pro (Dynamic riding mode that accelerates faster and regen-brakes harder), lean-sensitive ABS Pro, upgraded Level 2 charging cable, heated seats, and TPMS. As much as we rag on BMW for severely limiting base model bikes in the United States, all of those features are worth having based on my limited experience with the CE 04. The Dynamic ride mode and Level 2 cable are both non-negotiables in my mind.
The CE 04 is available in Light White (base) or Magellan Grey Metallic with the Avantgarde styling package. Individual upgrades include windshields, heated grips, and different seat profiles. Current CE 04 availability is limited, but BMW is more than happy to take a preorder if you'd like to add this electric scooter to your garage.
| 2022 BMW CE 04 | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $11,795 base Light White, +$225 Magellan Grey Metallic, +$1,650 for Premium Package (all U.S. imports) |
| Motor |
EMP 156 permanent magnet liquid-cooled synchronous motor
|
|
Transmission, final drive |
Single speed, belt |
| Claimed horsepower | 20 continuous, 42 @ 4,900 rpm peak |
| Claimed torque | 45.7 foot-pounds @ 1,500 rpm |
| Frame | Steel double loop frame |
| Front suspension | 35 mm telescopic fork; 4.3 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock; 3.6 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Dual J. Juan four-piston calipers, 265 mm discs, Bosch 9.3 ABS |
| Rear brake | J. Juan single-piston floating caliper, 265 mm disc, Bosch 9.3 ABS |
| Wheelbase | 66 inches |
| Seat height | 30.7 inches (31.5 inches with optional comfort seat) |
| Claimed range | 81 miles (WMTC) |
| Claimed battery capacity |
8.5 kWh nominal, 8.9 kWh maximum
|
| Claimed charge rate |
Level 2: 1.1 hours 0-80 percent charge, 1.66 hours 0-100 percent
Level 1: 3.5 hours 0-80 percent, 4.3 hours 0-100 percent
|
| Tires |
Pirelli Diablo Rosso (as tested); 120/70R15 front, 160/60R15 rear
|
| Claimed weight | 509 pounds |
| Available | Now |
| Warranty | 36 months |
| More info | bmwmotorcycles.com |
