A First Ride for Everything

2022 BMW CE 04

BY SOPHIA VASSILIADIS PHOTOS BY BEN QUINN

There was no hiding my excitement. I’d been wanting to twist the throttle on an electric vehicle (EV) for a very long time, not to mention a less-thanlatent desire to sit on a scooter, and now the time had come; an opportunity to test the fresh new BMW CE 04 electric scooter. The maximum output of 31 kW (equivalent to 42 hp) is a comfortable entry into the genre, while the 45.7 ft-lb (62 Nm) of torque at 1,500 rpm with an acceleration potential of 0 to 50 km/h in 2.6 seconds is poised to live up to the electric hype in my head.

The BMW CE 04 looks amazing in person. Off the page and waiting for a rider, the futuristic beast is as enticing as it might seem intimidating. At an impressive seven-and-a-half-feet tip-to-tail and dressed in Magellan Grey Metallic strategically slashed through with bright orange it could not go unnoticed. And it didn’t. Whether parked (always within view) or travelling through town, BMW’s 2022 electric two-wheeler raised the greatest number of eyebrows, questions, and camera phones. There’s also nothing quite like soaring gas prices and the impending doom of climate change to generate interest in the cleaner, cheaper innovations in transport. Add an appealing

In addition to its futuristic looks, BMW’s CE 04 is packed with practical features including (below left to right) a 10.25-inch TFT display, belt drive, sufficient storage for the quick-charge cable or a full-face helmet and dual front brake discs.

package with lots of gadgetry, and suddenly the somewhat hefty base model MSRP of $15,000 feels less like a frivolous vanity purchase than it does an investment in future tech. Initiating the CE 04 feels like a bit of a magic trick. The keyless start button triggers barely perceptible electronic events that activate the impressively clear 10.25-inch TFT display, which confirms that the scooter is “READY.” No rumbling, no roaring, only a discreet electronic trill at the twist of a throttle that delivers smooth, even power. I thought I’d miss the noisy feedback, but instead it was the contained capability that I found uniquely intoxicating. It “whizzes” and “whirrs,” assertively.

Off the mark, the acceleration is direct and calibrated. Where other torque capacities might result in an unintentional wheelie, this highly responsive machine stays firmly grounded, while still delivering adequate agility, and once again, without disruptive waves of sound. Magic.

Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long to feel righteous either, especially in the context of a loud, smelly city. Like any EV, the CE 04 does what it does emission free. Zero carbon. Zero noise. The BMW e-scooter leaves no trace, except in the psyches of all its admirers. Neither the neighbours nor their dogs heard it come and go, nor could they pick up a scent. And, thanks to the regenerative braking it felt as though, were it to be strategically handled, the scooter might be able to run forever without needing to be plugged in. But I’ll get back to that.

I should probably come with a warning sticker: “If you don’t want me to try something, don’t tell me not to.” Yes, you read that awkward statement correctly; I have an opposite response to recommendations. It reads more like a challenge. So, when it was mentioned that the CE 04 is better suited to urban activities, I immediately decided I’d take it to work the next day, out of town. After all (I told myself) like most cosmopolitan centres there is almost as much work in the outskirts that requires commuting via a major speedway.

I quickly discovered that one of the greatest super-powers of the CE 04 is all but disabled on fast-moving routes. Without the steady source of regenerative braking, the scooter’s 130 km maximum range vanished at such an alarming rate that I found myself wishing for stop-and-go traffic! I even moved into the slow lane to allow for the engine braking to juice-up the battery. It could have been beginner’s nerves since admittedly I did arrive at my destination with power to spare, but watching your energy source evaporate while riding full-out amidst a sea of trucks is unnerving.

The job site was also at the end of an erratically pitted dirt road that culminated in a greasy gravel lot, a scenario that might have been untenable on the smooth 15-inch scooter tires. However, thanks to the solid suspension, low centre of gravity and extremely long wheelbase of the CE 04, riders are granted a level of stability that made even these very rural road conditions manageable. Additionally helpful was knowing that I could plant both my feet if necessary.

Back in the city, I was glad to have tested the limits of the CE 04. I was more appreciative of the regenerative capabilities, acceleration and steady handling now that I was faced with a very different set of variables. The engine braking adds an extra layer of protection

against darting dogs and distracted drivers, and the overall weight and length of the CE 04 that feels so effortlessly propelled by the electric engine is equally prepared to come to an abrupt halt.

The entire operation of a scooter happens up top. Some of you motorcyclists who have either transitioned from or dabbled in scooters already know this but the biggest differences between us and “them” is that your feet need not get involved.

It is indeed a strange sensation to operate everything with just your fingers and thumbs and yet, it works. The left-hand digits, which are now no longer required to help shift this single-gear transmission, have taken over braking duty for the rear wheel while the left thumb does almost everything else. In addition to the usual lights, horn, hazards and signals the left hand controls the (very helpful) reverse gear and a specially designed toggle dial (two-in-one fun) that gives you access to all the system information on your dash including – when you sign up for the BMW app – control over the navigation system, music and your phone. The right hand, meanwhile, is responsible for the front brake, on/ off switch, acceleration, modes and the optional heated grips.

The CE-04 I’m riding is tricked out with the optional Dynamic ride mode which extends the basic complement of Rain, Road, and Eco by one. Want to get farther less aggressively? Eco is your mode. Want more torque and an equal amount of resistance? Click into Road or Dynamic respectively. The feistier modes pull more power from the charge, but they also generate more during deceleration, which is a plus whilst navigating the special perils of busy roads. The throttle, meantime, is so expertly calibrated that choosing your mode-of-the-moment is more about satisfying your mood than your riding situation.

Have you heard of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)? That’s the favourable tingling sensation brought on by certain “gentle” stimulus, such as whispering. Though not normally associated with riding, open any electronically activated compartment on the CE 04 (excluding the charge port) and you’ll be treated to the very satisfying space-age sounds. The audio feedback is also a reminder that all the storage spots automatically lock to keep contents safe, such as the phone I left in the wireless charge port.

Stopping for coffee or to grab groceries? If you didn’t bring along the charging cord, you can stash your lid in the helmet-sized cubby under the seat. Or if that isn’t enough, more thoughtfully designed storage can be bought from a comprehensive list of accessory add-ons.

It’s fantastically convenient that the CE 04 can be charged overnight with a domestic plug. However, the optimal quick charge current available at specialized stations is preferable in between. To find the closest charge station more easily, I downloaded the PlugShare app which directed me (by strange coincidence) to the parking lot in front of the downtown BMW headquarters. There I found myself in front of a ChargePoint station that also required that I sign up for an account to access power. Two apps later, and I was finally ready for a charge that only functioned properly the first time. And to add to the app fatigue, BMW’s full complement of connectivity requires riders to download the company’s app, which doesn’t always sync up to a device’s various offerings.

Also, despite screaming-good style, certain finishes could use a bump up, such as the plastic front fender that isn’t well matched to the glossy fairing, and the exposed rear wheel nut which gives the impression that the scooter snuck off the assembly line before someone had a chance to cap it.

I’d have also appreciated a tighter turning radius. Though I get that a 66-inch wheelbase is unlikely to offer the kind of cornering available to a shorter stance, it still felt as though extra play could be made available.

Overall comfort is good. The upright ergonomics are excellent for visibility in the city, but at high speeds more shelter from the wind would be nice. Extra cushioning in the rather firm seat would be a welcome adjustment as well.

Despite the details, I can now imagine plugging in for life. The BMW CE 04 is fast, fun and free to become what we need it to be, including easier to power-up from the comfort of our homes, workplaces and favourite social stops. It also feels pretty good to turn heads even when you’re not the subject of their stares. When something brings you joy, you’re having too good a time to be jealous. IM

2022 BMW CE 04

PROS:

+ Emission-free + Uniquely eye-catching design

CONS:

- Extra-long wheelbase and curb weight - Expensive

Suggested Retail: $15,000 ($16,400 as tested)

Colours: Light White, Magellan Grey Metallic

Engine: Permanent-magnet liquid-cooled synchronous electric motor

Power: 31 kW (42 hp) at 4,900 rpm

Torque: 45.7 ft-lb (62 Nm) at 1,500 rpm

Final Drive: Belt

Weight: 231 kg (509 lb) wet Transmission: One-speed transmission integrated into motor housing

Frame: Double loop steel frame

Wheelbase: 2,285 mm (89.9 in)

Seat Height: 780 mm (30.5 in)

Suspension (front): Single bridge telescopic fork

Suspension (rear): Single-sided swingarm/directly hinged suspension strut

Tire (front): 120/70 R15 Tire (rear): 160/60 R15

Brakes (front): Dual 265 mm discs, four-piston fixed calipers

Brakes (rear): Single 265 mm disc, single-piston floating caliper

Range: 130 km (claimed)

Recharge time: 65 minutes from 0 percent to 80 percent using optional quick charger