BMW CE 04: Electric and Innovative

A flat energy storage in the underbody and a compact drive, an unusual aesthetic. The new CE 04 looks completely different from... its competitors? Currently, there is no technically comparable vehicle that one can compare with the new city cruiser.

Two Power Levels

The engine is liquid-cooled and similar to the electric drives of BMW's hybrid cars. It is offered in two versions. For the powerful drive with 42 HP (31 kW), a motorcycle license is required, while for the weaker engine with 31 HP (23 kW), a Class A1 license or the B196 extension of the car driving license is sufficient. The top speed for both versions is 120 kilometers per hour.

Half a Meter Longer than a Vespa

The CE 04 lies firmly on the road and, thanks to the low-lying, long battery, has a low center of gravity, which is good for handling and driving fun. With a diameter of 15 inches, the wheels are larger than those of most scooters. And unlike the usual scooters, the CE 04 has no step-through; you have to climb the "floating" seat like on a motorcycle. Weather protection is rather minimal behind the small fairing. However, the design also offers practical advantages: a trunk for groceries and a helmet.

Paris is Scooter City

The predecessor of the CE 04 was not very successful. In design and concept, it was even more conservative than the futuristic CE 04. The C-evolution was part of the lineup from 2014 to 2020. However, with 275 kilograms and a starting price of 14,900 euros, it was far too heavy and too expensive. About half of the approximately 8,000 C-evolution scooters sold are used in Paris. To escape the overcrowded metro and to weave through the congested traffic above ground, many people in the French capital use scooters.

Range and Charging

The capacity is 8.9 kilowatt-hours, which should provide a theoretical range of about 130 kilometers. It can be charged easily at a 230 V household socket, taking four hours and 20 minutes to fully charge. With an optional quick charger, the scooter's power storage can be filled from zero to 80 percent in 65 minutes with a charging power of up to 6.9 kilowatts. The price for the CE 04 is a reasonable 11,990 euros. However, the extensive equipment and accessory program still allows for plenty of room for upgrades… how about heated grips, a heated seat, or an electric reversing aid?