BMW CE 02 Is a Rad Little E-Motorbike for the City

BMW Motorrad is launching a new electric motorbike called CE 02, which is designed for running around town while looking far less dorky than a mobility scooter.The electric motor makes up to 15 horsepower, and there are two 1.96-kWh batteries on board. BMW Motorrad says that’s enough for about 56 miles of driving range.A set of smartglasses is also being introduced. Wearing them, riders get vital 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 car world. That same eco-friendly approach is trickling down to motorcycles, so BMW Motorrad is adding a second electric model to its lineup of two-wheelers. The CE 02 is a smaller and more affordable follow-up to the CE 04 that hit the market for the 2022 model year.

BMW Motorrad

While BMW insists this new product is neither an e-motorbike nor an e-scooter, we can’t quite get on board with 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 appearance that’ll look right at home in urban settings.

Two different versions will be offered in global markets, including one with a 5-hp electric motor and a single 1.96-kWh battery. But American buyers will have just one choice: the more powerful 15-hp version, which doubles up the batteries for a total of 3.92 kWh and a claimed range of about 56 miles per charge. Top speed is estimated to be 59 mph.

BMW Motorrad

A 0.9-kW home charging adapter is standard, but frequent riders may find it more convenient to upgrade to the optional 1.5-kW charger, as it cuts down on charging time. The higher-powered charger is part of the optional Highline package, which also adds Bluetooth phone connectivity, a smartphone holder, heated hand grips, and an upgraded seat.

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 to charge a smartphone as well as an app to keep track of the bike’s charging status.

Heads Up!

To tie the whole connected package together, BMW Motorrad is launching smartglasses that integrate with the bike’s telemetry to display speed, charge, and turn-by-turn directions on the right lens. The glasses will pair with other BMW Motorrad products, so you aren’t locked into the CE 02 if you want to give them a try.

BMW Motorrad

We got a chance to try the glasses at a recent BMW event and we can report that they serve as a sort of head-up display, providing enough adjustment capability that most users will have a crystal-clear view of both the road ahead and the information displayed. They aren’t the most fashionable pair of shades, but the functionality seems worth it for frequent riders. The price, which comes in at around $750 at today’s exchange rate, is what may give buyers pause.

BMW Motorrad

The CE 02 seems to be a great option for getting around town and avoiding traffic, but it too carries a high starting price of about $8200. BMW Motorrad hasn’t announced pricing for options yet, but we think with the Highline package it’s possible the CE 02 will push close to the $10,000 mark. We expect the CE 02 to arrive at BMW Motorrad dealers in the U.S. in early 2024.

Managing Editor, Buyer’s Guide

Drew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.