VM test report BMW CE02: This is not a scooter – it's a traffic revolution!

This is not a scooter! With this discreet hint, a BMW representative with a ZZ Top biker beard welcomes us and advises us to wear appropriate motorcycle gear from the in-house collection. So professionally adorned, we apparently make such an impression in the urban cityscape that a superbike rider shortly after nods to us in approval. Yet, we are only "scootering" with a "50cc." But what a 50cc it is. Calling the CE02 a scooter would indeed be a bit disrespectful. After all, genuine motorcycle technology and know-how are embedded in this light electric vehicle. And the 50cc as the CE02 AM forms the basis for greater things starting at €7,500: After all, there is also a 90 km/h version with an 11 kW mid-motor (starting at €8,500) instead of the 4 kW restricted machine in our test model.

The air-cooled synchronous motor in the 48-volt system generates a grown-up 55 Nm of torque in both cases, sourced from Valeo and linked to the rear axle via two carbon belts. This has the disadvantage of a whirring noise, which one quickly gets used to – and can easily be accepted as a "combustion replacement." However, alongside the long maintenance interval of 10,000 kilometers, it has the advantage that the mid-motor contributes to a wonderfully low center of gravity and an excellent "mid-position," without a hub motor at the rear creating unsprung mass.

The congruent and balanced, intuitively easy handling is undoubtedly one of the many highlights of the latest Munich contribution to urban mobility and contrasts maximally in its ultimate minimalism with the BMW iX2 or the Mini Countryman Electric, which are presented simultaneously – but rather opt for maximum display and command significant space and resources.

CE02 Triumphs Over iX2 – At Least in the City

The CE02 - let's just call it the cool scooter - immediately proves to have the advantage. As usual, there's traffic congestion starting at the city limits, and we weave through it effortlessly and with nimble handling, modulating movements from the hips, with the 87-centimeter slim e-bike including mirrors. The well-placed mirrors always keep the rear traffic in view. A twist of the grip, and you zoom past and into the next gap, formally reaching the 50 km/h mark in just three seconds. Assisted by decent recuperation in the first of the two modes "Surf" and "Flow" - and by mature, decelerating hydraulic floating saddle brakes, even with double pistons and ABS regulation at the front. The "Maxi-Mini" and its even larger brother are still stuck in traffic as we leave the town sign behind us.

Like a Small Motorcycle

In the suburbs, the 50 km/h speed is more than sufficient, and one quickly appreciates the qualities of the double loop steel frame, the upside-down telescopic fork, and the rear single-sided swingarm over numerous speed bumps. Paired with the real motorcycle tires - 120/80 R14 at the front, 150/70 R15 at the rear - the bike remains unfazed by bumps or potholes, cushioning all the cobblestones with ease, without creaks, rattles, or twists, and thanks to the low seat height of just 75 centimeters, you can quickly get out of the saddle like on an enduro if things do get too rough.

Agile Handling, Direct Riding Feel

Or better said: from the comfortably padded seat bench, seamlessly integrated into the cool "form-follows-function" industrial design. It turns out to be super easy to mount, features high-quality and stable grips for the passenger, is quite comfortable but not too softly padded, giving the CE02 an agile touch and rejecting a cushioned feel. Instead, you have good road contact and a great riding feel that makes you crave the 11-kW version, so you don't become the target for the motorized four-wheel faction. You can place your feet either on the front pegs or the rear ones, where the passenger typically rests their feet. The chassis accommodates dual riding without issues: the "non-scooter" has a total weight capacity of 312 kilograms, with the base model weighing 119 kilos and the 11-kW variant weighing 132 kilos.

The battery is not really for removal

A 1.96 kWh battery weighs 17 kilograms, so removing it is not exactly "easy" - and not necessarily recommended. However, it is possible. If you do not order a second battery, which boosts the range from 40 to 80 kilometers - corresponding to a consumption of 6.0 kWh/100 km - there remains storage space under the seat. Tailored bags for the side (16 l) or a rear bag or top case are also available, transforming the CE02 into a great electric shopping cart.

As well as a smartphone holder with USB connection in the cockpit. This consists of a robust and cool-looking narrow 3.5" display bar that provides the most important information on range, speed, performance, and recuperation. That's really all you need. And it fits the "reduce to the max" approach that the BMW Motorrad engineers are propagating here. "Keyless Ride" is almost a given. Basic connectivity via app as well.

So if you do not want to remove the battery, you can charge it at the slot on the left side with the charger from 20 to 80 percent in 90 minutes for the 4-kW version. The 11-kW variant is optionally available with a 1.5-kW "fast charger" along with the even faster "Flash" driving mode, taking 1:40 hours from 20 to 80 percent. Admittedly, it takes longer than from 0 to 50 km/h. But the wait is worth it.