In the fast-evolving world of electric mobility, BMW has dared to step off the beaten path with the BMW Chttps://www.bmw-motorrad.in/en/models/urban_mobility/ce02.htmlE 02, a futuristic, urban-centric electric motorcycle that doesn’t quite fit into any existing category. Often referred to as an “eParkourer,” this EV two-wheeler is aimed at young city dwellers looking for something edgy, fun, and different. But how does it really hold up in the real world? We spent a week with the CE 02 to find out.
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Design That Turns Heads
The first thing you’ll notice about the CE 02 is its unconventional design. With chunky tires, a minimalist frame, and a skateboard-like seat, it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. BMW calls it “not a motorcycle, not a scooter, but something in between.” And they’re right—it’s quirky in the best way possible.
Whether parked or in motion, the CE 02 turns heads. It’s a conversation starter, especially among younger riders or tech enthusiasts who are drawn to its futuristic charm.
Urban Agility at Its Best
In the city, the CE 02 is a joy. Its compact size and light weight (around 290 pounds) make it extremely agile. You can weave through traffic, make tight turns, and park just about anywhere. The upright riding position gives great visibility, and the throttle response is instant and smooth thanks to its electric motor.
It has two power modes—Flow for mellow city cruising and Surf for a sportier, more responsive ride. A third mode, Flash, is optional and delivers a boost in performance. In real-world urban settings, Surf mode felt zippy enough for daily commuting and quick errands.
Performance and Range
With a top speed of around 59 mph (95 km/h) and 15 horsepower, the CE 02 isn’t built for highways. It’s clearly targeted at short-distance, city use. Acceleration from 0-30 mph is quick and punchy, perfect for getting off the line at traffic lights.
BMW claims a range of about 56 miles (90 km) on a full charge, depending on riding style and conditions. In our testing, we averaged around 50 miles per charge in mixed city riding. That’s fine for daily commutes but might be limiting for anyone with longer or unpredictable travel needs.
Charging the CE 02 with the standard charger takes about 5 hours. An optional fast charger can reduce that time to around 3.5 hours, but it’s still not exactly “quick fill and go.” The removable battery feature is missing, which is a downside for city dwellers without dedicated parking or charging facilities.
Tech and Features
The CE 02 comes with a 3.5-inch TFT display that provides basic ride data, battery status, and ride modes. There’s also smartphone connectivity via the BMW Motorrad app, which unlocks features like navigation and ride logging.
Other features include keyless ride, USB-C charging, and regenerative braking. While the display is functional, it’s not as premium as one might expect from BMW. However, it gets the job done.
Optional accessories like luggage racks, pegs for a second passenger, and styling kits add customization options, but the base package is relatively sparse for the price.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The ride is generally smooth on well-paved city roads, thanks to the thick tires and simple suspension setup. However, the CE 02’s hard seat and stiff suspension become noticeable on longer rides or bumpy streets. The riding posture is upright, but taller riders may find it cramped due to the short wheelbase and foot peg positioning.
It’s best suited for short trips, especially within urban centers. Anything longer than 30–40 minutes starts to reveal the CE 02’s ergonomic compromises.
Not the Most Practical Choice
As fun and stylish as the CE 02 is, practicality isn’t its strong suit. The range, lack of storage, fixed battery, and limited passenger comfort make it difficult to recommend as a primary mode of transport—especially for those who live in sprawling cities or need a multi-functional vehicle.
There’s also the price: starting at around $7,500 USD, it’s a hefty investment considering its limitations. You could get a decent entry-level gas motorcycle or a more practical electric scooter for less money.
Who Is the BMW CE 02 For?
The CE 02 is clearly aimed at a niche audience: urbanites, students, or tech-savvy riders looking for a unique and environmentally friendly way to zip around town. If you prioritize style, fun, and urban convenience over long-range comfort or versatility, this could be your ride.
It’s not for the traditional motorcycle enthusiast or the long-distance commuter. But for city dwellers who want a statement piece that also gets them from A to B with zero emissions, the CE 02 offers a compelling—if expensive—package.
Final Verdict: A Fun, Futuristic Toy
The BMW CE 02 is a bold, unconventional step into the future of urban mobility. It’s fun, funky, and delivers an engaging ride within its city-centric limitations. But at the end of the day, it feels more like a premium electric toy than a practical everyday vehicle.
For those who can afford it as a second or third vehicle—and don’t mind charging every night—it can be a joyful part of daily urban life. For everyone else, its quirky charm might not outweigh its practicality compromises.
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