2022 BMW CE 04 Review

In a world that is becoming increasingly more aware of the climate issues it faces, the 2022 BMW CE 04 electric scooter is something of a breath of fresh air.

To date, electric motorcycles and scooters have struggled to truly inspire riders. Apart from the acclaimed but short-lived Harley-Davidson LiveWire, electric offerings have mainly come from start-ups and backyard operations that just don’t have the firepower of the big manufacturers.

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Of course, there have been some great and competent electric products in recent times, but none have given any significant hope or confidence that a future with electric vehicles will outshine the current internal combustion engine era.

So is the BMW CE 04 the answer we’ve been looking for? Well, not completely. There is still a long way to go, but this electric scoot does show that the world’s big motorcycle makers are not resting on their laurels. It’s not perfect, but it is certainly one of the better examples we’ve seen and it’s a big hint that a flood of mainstream electric motorcycles and scooters is coming. Let’s check it out.

The 2022 BMW CE 04 is an electric scooter that falls into BMW’s aptly-named Urban Mobility segment. Naturally, it is influenced by current and past BMW scooters including the C 400 X and the C 400 GT, but it also draws from its predecessor, the BMW C Evolution.

Yep, that’s right – this isn’t the Munich firm’s first rodeo in the electric scooter game. The C Evolution never made it to Australia but it had a solid run between 2014 and 2020 in overseas markets. Interestingly, the C Evolution is not entirely that far removed from the CE 04, and it actually has slightly better performance figures.

But the CE 04 – and the preceding concept that was first revealed in 2017 – is arguably a more complete and inspiring product. And that’s not to mention that it enters the market at a time when the electric conversation is louder than ever.

BMW’s pricing has always been a little confusing thanks to the way it structures its options and packages. The CE 04 is no exception.

According to BMW Motorrad’s Australian website, the CE 04 starts at $21,960 ride away, but that price rises to about $22,270 ride away (price varies slightly based on location) for the Avantgarde version as tested here.

Of course, it gets even more confusing when you start adding different options and packages, as most BMW customers do. The confusion comes in the fact that some of these packages are actually included as standard, and often can overlap with each other.

In Australia, the base model comes with the Dynamic and Comfort packages as standard, while the Avantgarde model includes the Dynamic package as standard.

The Dynamic package includes cornering ABS, adaptive and LED headlights, and four riding modes. The Comfort package features a comfier backrest seat and heated grips, but while the Avantgarde version doesn’t include the Comfort pack, it does add the seat and heated grips separately as standard equipment. I told you it was confusing.

Both bikes leave dealer floors with daytime riding lights, seat heating, tyre pressure monitoring and a centre stand as standard, while other available options include a high windshield, an anti-theft alarm, and a quick charger (which will add another $1330 to the price).

The BMW CE 04 is powered by a permanent-magnet liquid-cooled synchronous motor that puts out a claimed 42hp (31kW) at 4900rpm and 62Nm at 1500rpm.

BMW also claims a maximum speed of 120km/h, however that is electronically limited (presumably for safety). The Munich firm also claims a 0-50 time of 2.6 seconds and a battery range of 130kms.

In the charging department, BMW says the CE 04 can get a full charge in 5 hours 25 minutes, and 80% charge in 4 hours 23 minutes. With the optional quick charger, however, this estimation improves to 1 hour 40 minutes for 100% and 1 hour five minutes for 80%.

Other numbers worth noting include the 15-inch wheels, the 265mm brake discs (dual disc front, single disc rear), the 780mm seat height (800mm with comfort seat) and the 231kg weight.

One benefit that electric vehicles are often associated with (apart from environmental friendliness and lower running costs) is instant torque, and the CE 04 supports that.

Despite being a scooter, the CE 04 takes off from traffic lights like a 1000cc sportsbike. Trust me when I say that it is much quicker than expected. It doesn’t quite match the incredible power delivery of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, but it trumps any other electric bike or scooter I’ve had the pleasure of riding.

The power curve is characteristically linear and smooth, with loads of torque on tap at all times. The scoot does max out at 120km/h, but it will sit on 100km/h comfortably with plenty of stability and composure.

Of course, the downside to all this power is that the battery range is diminished greatly when you open the throttle. It takes a lot of restraint to ride more economically and save battery range.

But when you do ride sensibly and make use of the regenerative braking (which operates at different levels depending on ride mode), the CE 04 can squeeze out a fair bit of range from its battery. BMW claims 130kms, but I’d guess that 90-100kms at a variety of speeds is a realistic safe target.

The ride position is a little odd at first thanks to the scooter’s length and its non-traditional shape, but it’s fine once you get used to it, and it’s quite comfy and actually handles pretty well.

With a relatively slim profile, the CE 04 ducks and weaves through traffic without a fuss – exactly as you’d want in a commuter. It weighs 231kg, but you never really notice it and corners can be taken with a fair bit of spirit.

The suspension is fine, and the brakes do a decent job too. Speaking of braking, the regenerative engine braking is very helpful, but in Eco mode, it is quite strong and will catch you off-guard if you’re not ready for it. It’s not dangerous in any way, but it is jarring nonetheless.

Another key feature of the CE 04 is the 10.25-inch TFT display. It is the same unit seen on other recent BMW models such as the R 1250 RT and the R 18 B and Transcontinental. The full colour display features smartphone connectivity and is also capable of displaying colour maps/navigation.

Using BMW’s signature control wheel, the menu system is easy to understand and navigate. The display is easily readable and there is plenty of adjustment and customisation.

Speaking of adjustment, there are three standard ride modes (Rain, Road, Sport) as well as the optional (but standard by default) Dynamic mode. Each mode offers a different combination of throttle and regen braking settings.

Elsewhere, the CE 04 has an under-seat storage compartment and also a cockpit smartphone compartment with a cooling fan and USB port. The under-seat storage is naturally limited due to the size of the battery and motor, but it will still fit a six-pack, a bag of shopping, and even some smaller helmets. I couldn’t quite fit my full-face Shoei in there though.

Another handy feature is the keyless ignition, which also link to the storage compartments. When you walk away from the bike, everything locks.

Leave the electric aspect to the side for a moment, and you’ll agree that the BMW CE 04 is a very fine scooter. It is fast, functional, comfy, high-tech, and perfect for urban commuting. Sure, the price is definitely high for a commuter, but if you’re looking at a BMW, then there is a decent chance $22k is still inside your budget.

Of course, the problem comes from things like battery range and charging times. Yes, a petrol-powered equivalent would take you further and save you time, but it’s important to remember what the purpose of the CE 04 is. If you’re buying it to go on weekend road trips, or if you live a large distance from work, then you’re looking in the wrong place.

As an urban commuter the CE 04 fits the bill well. The 100km range will get most people to work and back on a single charge, but you can always give it a top-up throughout the day. Then plug it in when you’re home and happy days. It gets the job done, and you’re saving money and the planet at the same time. Feels good, huh?

All of that said, however, the CE 04 is very much in a niche market. For the price and its capabilities, I personally wouldn't buy this machine (as fun as it is). Instead, I see it appealing to those with a bit of cash, and who want a run-around vehicle that is hip and premium in nature. Current BMW owners (and of course Tesla owners), I’m looking at you.

Make no mistake though, this is a fast and fun ride that takes us another step closer to that electric future that we all must get used to, and it’s proof that BMW has officially joined Harley-Davidson at the top of the electric motorcycle food-chain.

Specs: 2022 BMW CE 04

MOTOR AND CHARGING
Type: Permanent-magnet liquid-cooled synchronous
Cooling: Liquid
Battery: Traction storage unit with high-voltage technology integrated into the vehicle underbody, 8.9/8.5 kWh (gross/net) 
Charging: Charging socket on vehicle type 2; Charging cable with power plug
Charging time (0-100%): 5 hours 25 minutes (standard), 1 hour 40 minutes (quick charger)
Battery range: 130km (claimed)

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 42hp (31kW) at 4900rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 62Nm at 1500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Single speed
Final drive: Belt

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel double loop
Front suspension: Single-bridge telescopic forks with 110mm travel
Rear suspension: Single-sided swinging arm/directly-hinged strut with 92mm travel
Front brake: Double disc brake 265mm (4 piston fixed caliper)
Rear brake: Single disc brake 265mm (1 piston floating caliper)
Wheels: Cast aluminium

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed on-road weight: 231kg
Seat height: 780mm
Length: 2285mm
Permitted total weight: 410kg
Payload (with standard equipment): 179kg

OTHER STUFF
Price (as tested): $22,270 ride away
Local distributor: BMW Motorrad
Warranty: Three years