BMW continues to do its part to advance the cause of the EV sector in general, and the EV bike bracket especially, with its cutting-edge CE 04 model. Part of BMW's C Series lineup, this electric scooter is impressive right out of the box with a powerful and fast drivetrain, decent mileage, and top-shelf ride-control electronics as part of the stock equipment package. Plus, Beemer offers a Premium Package that adds a lean-sensitive component to the mix along with some other goodies for confidence and peace of mind during your rides. The Premium Package comes automatically equipped on U.S. models.
Under ideal conditions, you can expect to go the better part of 80 miles with a top speed that makes it viable up to and including interstate speeds to make it a viable commuter and even a light tourer if you live close to one of the EV station corridors. It'll charge on household current with a capacity for level 2 charging systems for shorter charge times and can have the charging times further reduced by optional charging equipment.
2023 BMW CE 04
- Model
- CE 04
- Engine:
- Permanent-Magnet Liquid-Cooled Synchronous motor
- Power Output
- 42 HP
- Torque
- 45.7 LB-FT
- Range
- 80 Miles
- Transmission
- One-Speed
- Driveline
- Belt-Drive
- Fast And Powerful
- Top Notch Electronics
- Good Recharge Times
- A Bit Pricey For A Scooter
- Boring Color Selections
- Cramped With A Tall Rider Plus Passenger
2023 BMW CE 04 Performance And Capability
The CE 04 uses a permanent-magnet, synchronous drive motor, and comes liquid-cooled with a proper radiator up front to dissipate the waste heat. Battery heat also has its own heatsink along the bottom of the chassis with longitudinal cooling fins to protect the lithium-ion battery pack as well.
The 2023 BMW CE 04 produces 20 horsepower and 46 pound-feet of torque. That's for the continuous motor rating. However, you can get up to 42 ponies out of it on the short term, all around 4,900 rpm, while the torque comes on early in the rev range at only 1,500 rpm. The top speed for the motor is 12,000 rpm. This gives you plenty of tractable power throughout the range with enough oomph to make passes, even on the superslab at interstate speeds. It's intended as a 400 cc scooter equivalent and the numbers bear this out.
The battery can store up to 60.6 Amp-hours, or 8.9 kWh if you prefer, for a range around the 80-mile mark on a full charge. Charging times vary widely depending upon equipment and available power source, but a 100-percent charge from flat will take as long as 4:20 on a 10 Amp service, or as little as 1:40 on a 30 Amp service. Since the battery will usually be less than completely discharged when you plug it in, so perhaps the 20-percent to 80-percent charge on 30 Amps will be ready in only 45 minutes.
As for the electronics, Beemer chucks on a quartet of Ride Modes that lets you dial in the power delivery to suit, an Automatic Stability System (traction control), and an electric reverse feature that is worth its weight in gold when padding around the parking lot. Also, there's an automatic recuperation feature that puts some juice back into the battery while motor-braking. A quiet belt drive completes the drivetrain with an overall ratio that will turn out a CE 04 top speed of 75 mph, governed.
Design
Even the merest glance of the CE 04 leaves the observer with the impression that there is no way this thing has an I.C.E. on board, and Beemer makes no secret of it. The ultra-modern bodywork leaves the pilot with excellent protection from the waist down due to the broad panels that lead the way.
There's a flyscreen up top, but it's vestigial at best as it isn't even wide enough to protect the 10.25-inch TFT instrument display that follows close behind. Also, you can unlock the infotainment bundle through the BMW Motorrad Connected app for navigation, music, and communication.
The bench-style seat is long enough for taller riders to push off for more legroom, or to accommodate a passenger with fold-up footpegs as part of the stock equipment package. A close-fit rear fender contains the fling and the rest of the gear in the rear mounts to the small hugger.
Technically, there could be a gas engine tucked away under the panels, but the ultra-modern blockiness of it seems to suggest otherwise. All in all, a very clean build that is both classy and purpose-driven.
Specs & Dimensions
Length | 90 in (2,285 mm) |
Width | 33.7 in (855 mm) |
Height | 45.3 in (1,150 mm) |
Seat Height | 30 .7 in (780 mm), 31.5 in with optional comfort seat (800 mm) |
Wheelbase | 66 in(1,675 mm) |
Curb Weight | 509 lbs (231 kg) |
Chassis
Beemer relies on the strength of its one-piece, tubular-steel, double-loop frame to provide all the structural support the CE 04 needs. A 66-inch wheelbase fork with a 26.5-degree rake angle and a 4.7-inch trail to deliver a relatively stable ride that tracks especially well for a scooter.
Handling is light, and it has decent road manners to boot. A set of 35 mm forks float the front end on 4.3 inches of travel, while out back, a single-side swingarm and monoshock turn in 3.6 inches of travel, which is in full-size motorcycle range, to be honest, and should make for a plush ride.
Cast-alloy rims roll in a 15-inch diameter with a fat 120/70 ahead of a 160/60 in H-rated rubber to round out the rolling chassis. Dual, four-bore calipers bite 265 mm discs up front with a single-pot anchor and another 265 mm disc out back. Stock ABS ensures you can safely get the most out of the brakes.
Chassis & Suspension
Frame | Steel double loop frame |
Front Suspension/ Travel | Single-bridge telescopic forks/ 110 mm |
Rear Suspension/ Travel | Single-sided swing arm/directly hinged suspension strut/ 92 mm |
Rake | 26.5° |
Trail | 4.7 in |
Front Wheel | Cast aluminum 3.50 x 15” |
Rear Wheel | Cast aluminum 4.50 x 15” |
Front Tire | 120/70 R15 |
Rear Tire | 160/60 R15 |
Front Brake | Dual 265 mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliper |
Rear Brake | 265 mm disc, single-piston floating caliper |
ABS | BMW Motorrad ABS |
2023 BMW CE 04 Price And Availability
The 2023 BMW CE 04 starts at $11,795. You can choose between a white version and a dark gray one. Optional outside the U.S. market and standard-equipped in it, the Premium Package adds the “PRO” version of its Ride Modes and ABS with an adaptive headlight, heated seats, and a Level 2 charging cable for another $1,650.
Pricing & Features
Features | Full LED headlight, 10.25” TFT display w/ BMW Motorrad Connectivity, Keyless Ride, Three Ride Modes, ABS, ASC, Electronic reverse, lighted and ventilated side-loading storage, Standard charging cable for domestic sockets |
Warranty | up to 3 years or 36,000 miles |
Colors | Light White, Magellan Gray Metallic |
Price | $11,795 |
Competitors
Direct competition is hard to find for this EV Beemer. However, there are a few name-brand models that sorta fall in the same category, though none seem quite as capable as the CE 04. Italian giant Piaggio, and its spin-off Vespa, both have entries in the EV scooter sector, but where the German is super modern and urban in its finish, both Piaggio and Vespa stick to the classic Italian scooter architecture with a full step-through, old-school legguards, and small diameter wheels.
Output is proportional to size I suppose, but these two can't hold a candle to the Beemer. Max range, for example on the Piaggio One, is 60 miles in ECO and top speed is around 40 mph, so puttering around town is the best you can hope for. With prices around the $8,000 mark, you'll save some money, but you'll never get the same utility out of the Italian stallions.
He Said
“Not gonna' lie, it's a funny-looking thing, but there is no denying its potential to further the genre. Fast top speed and encouraging recharge times help sell the scoot, but the ride-control electronics seal the deal with robust protection from the stock package, and enhanced protection from the accessory list.”
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says,
“The CE 04 uses automotive-derived batteries, which shouldn't be a surprise when you consider that its predecessor, the C Evolution, shared battery modules with the BMW i3. For urban and suburban commuting, the CE 04 has adequate range and recharge. Performance is lively enough to make the commute fun and lets you keep up with traffic for increased safety.”
FAQ
Q: How much will BMW CE 04 cost?
The 2023 BMW CE 04 starts at $11,795 in the color choices of Light White or Magellan Gray Metallic. Adding the Premium Package that includes quick charge capability, Ride Modes Pro, ABS Pro, adaptive headlight, heated seat, TPM tire pressure monitor, and a center stand pushes that $1,650.
Q: Do you need a license for a BMW CE 04?
The BMW CE 04 , which is the equivalent of a 400 cc I.C.E. scooter, requires a full motorcycle license. For areas that have tiered licensing, you can dial back the power to qualify it for the lower tier category.
Q: What is the battery warranty on a BMW CE 04?
BMW runs the CE 04 with a five-year or 25,000-mile warranty on the batteries starting after delivery or after first registration.
Q: What is the 0 to 60 mph of a BMW CE 04?
Claimed zero-to-60 time for the BMW CE 04 is 9.1 seconds. The top speed is governed at 75 MPH.