I rode the BMW CE 02 e-motorbike and it is one of the finest applications of electrification in the two-wheeled world

7 hours ago 4

(Image credit: BMW/Jake Baggaley)

Funky electric motorcycle comes in two power outputs
11kW or 4kW options can be ridden on basic licenses
Compact, cool and stupidly fun to ride

The electric motorcycle market can be split into two contingents: one that attempts to mimic internal combustion engine bikes and gloss over the motors and battery packs, while the other tears up the rulebook and throws it out of the window.

I’ll have to admit, I am a fan of the latter, as it eschews the need to have the same monotonous conversation with the general public about its “lack of engine and exhaust note”.

The BMW CE 02, for example, is so wild and different, most folk are so bowled over by its general looks and road presence that they don’t even bother making the combustion engine connection.

As a quick overview, the CE 02 is the smaller sibling to the full-size but equally neo-futuristic CE04 – but here it is designed to appeal to a raft of age groups and demographics, from those that want a fuss-free way to get around town to individuals that have never thrown a leg over a motorcycle.

Hence it is available in either 4kW (5hp) or 11kW (15hp) outputs, meaning it can be ridden on a CBT or basic scooter training in most countries.

The easily removable flat seat houses one or two batteries, depending on the version, and it can be charged from a standard domestic plug socket in around five hours or faster via an optional 11kW adaptor.

BMW describes the machine as an “eParkourer”, which doesn’t make much sense, but it is essentially an agile city-slicker that weighs just 132kg (119kg in the 4kW version) and can manage around 60 miles on a single charge in the top-spec versions.

No matter the output, power delivery has been engineered in a way that the CE 02 dashes from rest to 30mph (a typical traffic light sprint) in less than three seconds. It’s a zippy little machine that can be thrown around like a bicycle.

Both the front and rear brakes are mounted to the handlebars (like an eBike) and only the front is hooked up to the ABS. Yank the rear brake and the CE 02 pulls some impressive skids. It actively encourages a bit of hooligan antics, if that's your thing.

What’s more, regen braking in the zippiest ‘Flash’ mode helps feed power back into the battery packs to extend the ride.

Analysis: EVs need to be bold

With BMW’s typical build quality and famed riding dynamics, the CE 02 feels solid and it looks like nothing else on the market. There are elements of Honda Grom, but with futuristic sci-fi touches.

Park it up in a public place and you’ll get stuck conversing with a passer-by about its top speed, range, charging time and ability to carry a pillion passenger (it can).

There’s typically a quizzing on the ability to mount a smartphone and charge it, as well as questions abount BMW’s companion smartphone app that can be used for navigational duties.

But that’s fine, the CE 02 is unapologetically different and nails a sweet spot in terms of range, power output and simple charging. It’s not trying to be a petrol-powered motorcycle, but instead offers something completely fresh.

The biggest sticking point is the price, with CE 02 starting at £7,450 in the UK ($7,599/around AU$11,500) for the base model, with the 11kW full-power version rising to £8,450 ($8,424/around AU$12,750).

It’s certainly not cheap, but monthly finance deals can see the CE 02 cost £89 a month in the UK ($29.48 per $1,000 financed in the US), though this requires a deposit up front.

That’s cheaper than some travel cards to use public transport across large cities… and certainly a much cooler way of getting around.

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.

Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.

Read Entire Article