A few weeks ago, we were able to try the BMW CE-02 (11 kW) in its 125 cc equivalent version, that is to say with unbridled performance and a maximum speed greater than 100 km/h. During a second meeting with the manufacturer, this time to get to grips with the BMW iX2, we were able to test the CE-02 for a few kilometers, but this time in its 50 cc equivalent version, the BMW CE-02 (4 kW).
Let us also remember for all practical purposes that the version equivalent to a 50 cc is accessible from 14 years old, while the 125 cc equivalence is available from 16 years old with the A1 license or a B license with seven hours of training. To find out everything about permits for different types of two-wheelers, do not hesitate to consult our dedicated file.
Overall, if the 125 cc version had largely won us over with the good options and top-notch driving pleasure, this 50 cc variant immediately gives a little less enthusiasm. However, we will see, it does not lack interest, far from it, even if there will be a blocking element for many.
BMW CE 02 (4 kW / 50 cc) Technical sheet
Model BMW CE 02 (4 kW / 50 cc) Dimensions 197 cm x 87.6 cm x 114 cm Engine power 4 kW Range claimed 45 km Charging time claimed 182 min Removable battery Yes Number of battery slots 1 Bluetooth No GPS No Electronic screen Yes AM license Color Black Product sheet
Test carried out as part of a test organized by the manufacturer.
BMW CE 02 (4 kW / 50 cc) Design: futuristic neo-retro look
The BMW CE-02 looks more like a small motorcycle than a scooter, with a low seat and a rather contained size. The vehicle measures 1.97 meters long, 84.5 cm (without mirrors) wide and 1.14 meters high (with handlebars). As the saddle does not extend above the rear wheel, traveling in pairs is not impossible, but the passenger seated behind will not necessarily be comfortable, while the rider will be a little glued to the handlebars. But for short trips, why not.
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
Aesthetically, in our eyes, it is almost flawless, especially for a product that aims to be young and dynamic. The headlights are LED and the finishes are of a very good level, as evidenced by the wiring, very well hidden, or even these beautiful 14-inch rims, black and solid, like those of the CE-04. On the other hand, for the practical aspect, we will return, since you cannot attach a lock to a solid rim. It will always be possible to hang it on the tubular frame, not far from the footrests.
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
For the test of the 50 cc version, we had a black entry-level version, without the Highline pack, optional at 890 euros (and which includes a lot of other interesting equipment), which allows us to add a little of personalization, including a golden fork, a three-color black/white/blue saddle and blue inserts on the scooter. Note that a so-called “comfort” saddle that is two centimeters thicker is also available for an optional 242 euros. The configuration is a bit sad without this option pack.
The BMW CE-02 with the Highline pack // Source: BMW
As you can see in the photos, BMW completely neglected the practical aspects. There is no storage space, neither under the saddle, nor even elsewhere unless you opt for the soft luggage sold (at a high price) as an accessory in the manufacturer's catalog. It is also possible to opt for a 29 liter rigid top case allowing you to store a helmet.
BMW CE 02 (4 kW / 50 cc) On the handlebars: dressed to the nines
For its small electric scooter, BMW wanted something simple. On the left part of the handlebars, there are the comodos dedicated to the controls of the small 3.5-inch TFT screen. This one, very readable and with good graphicsdisplay information on driving and the status of the scooter, but also navigation.
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
Navigation ? Yes, but with the Highline pack, him again! Honestly, without this pack, this scooter loses a little of its interest in our eyes, both in terms of style and connectivity. It allows you to have support for the smartphone and thus connect it via Bluetooth. You can then switch between controlling the BMW Motorrad app on the smartphone and the scooter's TFT screen. A USB-C port is also present (standard this time!) to make it easier to charge your smartphone.
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
The BMW Motorrad app connects to the CE-02 via Bluetooth to display information about it. The hands-free key is also offered as standard. The Highline pack mentioned above also offers heated grips on three levels. These can also be ordered independently for 370 euros.
On the other hand, for this option, we have some reservations, and in general as with all heated grip systems, since they heat the wrong side of the hand, that is to say the one which is not not exposed to bad weather.
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
The Highline finish also allows access to the “Flash” driving mode (which accentuates acceleration and regenerative braking) and therefore heated handles.
BMW CE 02 (4 kW / 50 cc) As pleasant to drive as it is to look at
From a strictly technical point of view, apart from specific software programming, nothing differentiates the CE-02 in 50 version and that in 125 cc version. Only the engine power changes and, therefore, the maximum speed. The vehicle is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor of 4 kW (5.4 hp) in this version and 11 kW (15 hp). In both cases, the torque is 55 Nm. Our test model is obviously limited to 45 km/h to stay on top of the AM license.
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
For a 50 cc, we cannot deny that we are facing a high-end two-wheeler. Everything is beautiful and well put together. For example, in terms of the cycle part, we find a tubular steel frame, with a very wide fork and at the rear a large shock absorber adjustable in pre-load.
This therefore gives us, in fact, a super nice scooter to ride, a little frustrating in 50 cc due to the flange, but the synthesis between comfort and dynamism is successful. The CE-02 even allows itself a few pranks, with the absence of ABS and brake distribution at the rear wheel (only on the front wheel). This makes the BMW CE-02 even more fun since by firmly gripping the left handle for the rear brake, the wheel locks and it is possible to do nice little drifts. The scooter is, however, equipped with anti-skid system as standard, which is rather reassuring on wet roads.
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
There is even assistance for reversing, although it did not seem very useful to us given the weight of the machine, namely 119 kg with a single battery. Given its configuration, don't expect to do anything other than the city with this scooter.
BMW CE 02 (4 kW / 50 cc) Range and charging: don’t stray too far
Equipped with a single battery under the saddle instead of two for its unbridled big brother, the CE-02 4kW in version 50 displays an even lower weight, which therefore goes from 132 kg to 119 kg. By the way, with one less battery, this time there is a small space to store some accessories, but certainly not a headset.
Both versions are equipped with a standard 900 W domestic charger. This allows the two batteries of the 125 cc version to be recharged in approximately 312 minutes. As an option, a 1.5 kW charger reduces the charging time, but this is not available on version 50. From 0 to 100% then takes 182 minutes to recharge the single battery, and 85 minutes for the 20 to 80%.
The BMW CE-02 charging socket // Source: BMW
The battery is not removable on paper, but is only attached with straps and can therefore be removed.
For our test, we went to Cascais, Portugal, for a short trip by the sea to appreciate this small, conventional-looking scooter. Either way, we couldn't go any faster.
BMW CE-02 // Source: BMW
After a journey of around 20 km, without having really spared our mount, of course, but without overdoing it either, we had 32% autonomy left, or around ten kilometers. This suggests approximately 40 km of autonomy with our use. We noted on our route consumption of 5 kWh/100 km.
Theoretical consumption is given for 6 kWh / 100 km with the loss of energy linked to recharging. Note that the autonomy is announced at 90 km on the 125 version according to the WMTC cycle and 45 km on the 50 version.
BMW CE 02 (4 kW / 50 cc) Price and availability: more than a pain
If this BMW CE-02 ticks almost all the right boxes for a fun little electric two-wheeler, this is clearly not the case when you have to checkout. When the most expensive 50 ccs struggle to exceed 4,000 euros, at BMW, we said to ourselves that 7 750 euros might be a good price. At this price level, parents could instead be seduced by a Citroën Ami, not as fun, but safer for a teenager, all with two real seats, loading capacity, more autonomy…
In comparison, the 8,750 euros for the 125 equivalence are almost not as indigestible. Certainly, at this price level, the product is very nice, but when on top of that you have to add the Highline pack at almost 900 euros to have a really successful two-wheeler, the 50 cc is really very expensive, as well be it.