triangletom
Well-known member
With 4,700 miles (7500km) and 9 months under my belt, it's time for my long-term review of the BMW CE 04.
In 2022, BMW released the CE 04: a futuristic-looking spaceship in a sea of boring two-wheeled EVs. It made quite a splash, with BMW selling nearly 5000 in the first year. While European sales were strong, I estimate that only about 250 were sold in the USA during 2022. I may, in fact be the only CE 04 owner in North Carolina.
One question I often get from onlookers is: is that thing a scooter, or is that a motorcycle? While the CE 04 shares parts with their motorcycle line (S1000XR, F850GS, etc.), it has a floorboard instead of foot pegs, so BMW calls it a scooter. With the transition to electric, there is no other difference between a scooter and a motorcycle. Scooters also generally have an area under the dash where you can place your legs or groceries, but the CE 04 does not.
While the CE 04 is the most fun I've had on two wheels, it is also the personification of compromise. It's heavy, but due to the exceptionally low center of gravity, it's far easier to handle than the equally heavy R1200GS. Rather than using new electric technologies like a hub motor, the CE 04 reuses well-tested components. Somehow, it is still the most efficient EV in its class (WMTC 3b). It's got more range than you need for the city, but less than you may want for touring.
If you ride primarily in urban or suburban areas, I can't think of a better bike than the CE 04.
If you want to participate in long group rides or want to venture out on day-long rides without micro-managing charging stops: check out Energica or Verge Motorcycles instead.
Introduction

In 2022, BMW released the CE 04: a futuristic-looking spaceship in a sea of boring two-wheeled EVs. It made quite a splash, with BMW selling nearly 5000 in the first year. While European sales were strong, I estimate that only about 250 were sold in the USA during 2022. I may, in fact be the only CE 04 owner in North Carolina.

One question I often get from onlookers is: is that thing a scooter, or is that a motorcycle? While the CE 04 shares parts with their motorcycle line (S1000XR, F850GS, etc.), it has a floorboard instead of foot pegs, so BMW calls it a scooter. With the transition to electric, there is no other difference between a scooter and a motorcycle. Scooters also generally have an area under the dash where you can place your legs or groceries, but the CE 04 does not.
While the CE 04 is the most fun I've had on two wheels, it is also the personification of compromise. It's heavy, but due to the exceptionally low center of gravity, it's far easier to handle than the equally heavy R1200GS. Rather than using new electric technologies like a hub motor, the CE 04 reuses well-tested components. Somehow, it is still the most efficient EV in its class (WMTC 3b). It's got more range than you need for the city, but less than you may want for touring.

Who should get this bike?
If you are looking for a fast, fun, practical utility bike, have access to a power outlet at home, and live within 30 miles (50km) of another EV charger (see the Plugshare map): skip the rest of this review and go buy a CE 04 now.If you ride primarily in urban or suburban areas, I can't think of a better bike than the CE 04.

Who should steer clear of it?
If you want to participate in long group rides or want to venture out on day-long rides without micro-managing charging stops: check out Energica or Verge Motorcycles instead.

Specs
- Top Speed: 78mph
- Approximate Range:
- 75 miles @ 35mph / 120 km @ 60km/h
- 65 miles @ 45mph / 105 km @ 70km/h
- 60 miles @ 55mph / 95 km @ 90km/h
- 40 miles @ 70mph / 65 km @ 115km/h
- Acceleration: 0-30mph (0-50km/h) in ~2s
- Maintenance: Every 2 years or 6200 miles (10000km)
- Battery: 8.9 kWh total (8.5 kWh usable)
- Effective charge time: ~1 hour @ 30A (240V) with the “Quick Charge” option

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