BMW CE 04: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
BMW is at the front line of the electric revolution, and the CE 04 adds a premium element to the urban commuter equation
Why is the BMW CE 04 a bikesales BOTY finalist?
The electric motorcycle ripple will inevitably parlay into a mega tide-turning wave, and you have to applaud manufacturers like BMW which are already doing more than just having a ‘conversation’ – they are already in the thick of the groundswell.
In BMW’s case it’s the CE 04 electric scooter, which has links to former electric (C Evolution) and conventionally powered scooters in the company’s line-up, as well as the ‘Concept Link’ that was unveiled in 2017.
The CE 04 is now at the next level of maturation: a hi-tech, comfortable, fast and unique maxi scooter for urban commuting. And if you want to take off from a set of traffic lights with some real sting in the tail, you’ve come to the right place!
The CE 04 is certainly no shrinking violet, and the innovative permanent magnet electric motor features liquid cooling and is mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel. Power is 42hp (31kW) at 4900rpm, with 62Nm of exhilarating instantaneous torque to keep the good times rolling.
Yes, it’s niche and premium – the plus-$20K price tag befits that status – but as a superb commuter as well it is outstanding, which is why it’s a finalist in the 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year award.
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Who will the BMW CE 04 appeal to?
We know who it won’t appeal to: those people who start to get nervous when the fuel gauge on their car or powered two-wheeler hits the quarter mark.
A flippant comment perhaps, but range anxiety is a real thing and still the biggest issue on electric fare. We can live with a whirring sound and all the other unique electric traits, but riders want to know they can get from A to B without undue stress.
That’s why the CE 04 has an urban bent, with all that regen braking (which differs depending on what ride mode is selected) helping to extend the available mileage.
BMW claims about a range of 130km from the CE 04, but in essence it all boils down to how it’s ridden: throttle-to-the-stops take-offs in Sport mode do come with consequences, just like on an internal combustion engine.
The great thing is the CE 04 can be charged at public stations, and obviously at home or work. Craft a charging routine, add a few dollops of conviction, and the white knuckles will subside. And, of course, there’s an optional quick charger which can be factored into the mileage matrix.
That sorted, the CE 04, just like BMW’s other maxi scooters, handles, stops and rides beautifully, and also does the commuting ducking and weaving with plenty of skill and flair – even though it is quite long.
It’s accessible, too, with a 780mmm seat height.
What does the BMW CE 04 cost?
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 (with a higher windshield as standard) which bikesales tested.
BMW pricing does take a while to get your head around, but the fact is that for the moolah owners are certainly not short-changed on spec levels.
The base model comes with the Dynamic and Comfort packages as standard, while the Avantgarde model includes the Dynamic package as standard – but has some Comfort ‘privileges’ such as the heated seat and grips.
There’s also cornering ABS, adaptive LED headlights, four riding modes, daytime riding lights, tyre pressure monitoring, a centrestand, automatic stability control, and a whopping 10.25-inch colour TFT screen with integrated map navigation and advanced connectivity.
The scooter also features plenty of convenient storage compartments, including a ventilated mobile phone charging compartment with USB charging port.
What have we already said about the BMW CE 04?
We haven’t really touched on some of the key BMW CE 04 numbers yet, such as the 15-inch wheels, 265mm brake discs and the single-speed twist-and-go transmission.
Even if the CE 04 wasn’t electric, we’d still enjoy those attributes, which is why we had a ball while it was in the bikesales bunker.
Unfortunately, due to its range restrictions it won’t be joining us on our BOTY ride to the roof of Victoria, but that’s certainly not a black mark: what BMW has achieved with the CE 04 is brilliant.
Here’s what we said in our review on the CE 04: “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?”
BMW CE 04 specs at a glance:
Price: $21,960 ride away (Avantgarde: $22,270 ride away)
Engine: Permanent-magnet liquid-cooled synchronous
Output: 42hp (31kW) at 4900rpm, 62Nm at 1500rpm
Transmission: Single speed
Weight: 231kg
Seat height: 780mm
Related Reading:
BMW CE 04 Review
BMW CE 04 electric scooter revealed for 2022 with pricing
BMW Motorrad 'Concept Link'
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