BMW Motorrad reveals new urban EV concept

BMW Motorrad has taken the covers off its Concept CE 02, a new interpretation of smart, urban single-track mobility. The electric vehicle concept, which the company says is neither a classic motorcycle nor a scooter, is being showcased at IAA Mobility 2021 which opens on September 9.

“At first glance, there is little about the BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 that is typically BMW Motorrad – it’s something completely new. We want to strive for something novel and be pioneers. The Concept CE 02 features new proportions and modern forms of single-track mobility in an urban environment. In addition, we wanted to achieve a level of design innovation that we have not had before at this level. Straightforward use was important, but above all the emotional component was crucial, as well as riding fun,” explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad.

With its compact dimensions and youthful proportions, the Concept CE 02 is targeted at people aged 16 and over, who have not ridden a motorbike before but are open to new experiences, smart technology and, above all, combining mobility with fun. As a lightweight e-vehicle weighing about 120kg, the BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 is ideal for urban use, offering a high fun factor as well as straightforward yet stylish commuting.

The 11 kW of output and all the torque available from standstill allow for fast acceleration at traffic lights. A top speed of 90kph and a range of 90km make it easy to get from A to B – and back again – even in heavy city traffic.

Freedom on two wheels
“We wanted to develop an easily accessible two-wheeler for everyone who wants to be mobile and independent,” says Alexander Buckan, Head of Vehicle Design BMW Motorrad. “The BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 is a reliable companion on a day-to-day basis. You love it because it’s always there for you and it just works – even if you occasionally don't treat it as carefully as you might. And there are stickers, tapes and other forms of customisation that make it quite clear to everyone that it belongs to you. It embodies youthful freedom and a carefree spirit – rather like a skateboard on two wheels.”

The simple and transparent proportions ensure an honest, emotional aesthetic appeal. Two large-size wheels, similar to a fun bike, promise robustness and straightforward riding fun. They are designed as disc wheels, thereby emphasising the proportions of the vehicle graphically. The dark area for the two battery units and the drive with silver accentuations create a compact body. The long, narrow seat and the frame round off the distinctive silhouette.

Good riding dynamics
Thanks to the flat vehicle body, the centre of gravity is low and favourable when it comes to riding dynamics. Characteristic proportions not only allow for a very agile riding experience, they are also intended to encourage non-motorcyclists to perhaps get on and have a go.

The continuous seat reflects the versatility of the concept. Whether leaning far back with your feet first or leaning forward with your feet on the rear footrests or, of course, with two people – the seat allows numerous sitting positions since no foot brake lever has to be operated due to the electric drive.

In addition, the free space between the seat and frame offers room for small luggage items. In the front area of the seat, there are two crossed-over petrol-coloured elastic bands attached in such a way as to enable smaller items to be casually tucked in. Further storage space is provided by the brackets: the front footrests are mounted here, too. You can also attach your own skateboard here and use it as a footrest.

Focus on high quality and technical refinement
The purist design reveals high-quality details and technical refinements on closer inspection. Light is provided by a square, black headlight with four distinctive LED elements as front headlights. The rear light comprises two small, translucent LED leaves that are fixed to the left and right of the rear seat.

A small colour screen on the handlebars provides basic display functionality: this is connected via a visible, visually deliberately overemphasised cable harness. Otherwise, the technology is deliberately restrained. In combination with the disc wheels and the single-sided swinging arm, the showcased elements such as the drive belt, handlebars and fork emphasise the urban, modern character of the concept bike in detail.

In terms of colour, the BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 also keeps things purist: black/silver is the underlying scheme. The colour black is reminiscent of early BMW motorbikes. What is new here, however, is the interplay of matt and high-gloss surfaces, giving the concept bike greater expressiveness. Silver-coloured elements such as the triple clamp or the drive, the white graphics and the petrol-coloured luggage straps set targeted accentuations, breaking up the overall image. Technoid typography is used as an active design tool, conveying the association with technical information on machines. The BMW emblem is integrated on the whitish silicone seat just in front of the handlebars; otherwise only the BMW wordmark on the rims and luggage straps indicates the manufacturer.

Tech Specs: BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02
Battery: not specified
Output: 11 kW for driving licence class from A1 (ECE)
Max speed: Up to 90 kph
Range: Approximately 90km (according to WMTC)
Wheels: Disc wheels with 15-inch front and rear
Seat height: 730mm
Unladen weight: 120kg