BMW has been braver than most when it comes to exploring electric powered scooters. Its C Evolution led the way back in 2014 and the quirky 125-equivalent CE 02 debuted in 2024, following on from this slightly earlier, A2-class maxi-scooter, the CE 04.
Of the bunch, the CE 04 is the best and one of the current best electric scooters, period, due to sprightly performance, slick style and premium equipment. It’s a boldly styled, quality machine that will turn heads down any High Street as effectively as a spaceship. It’s also reasonably effective and simple to use, and has the premium finish and quality components you’d expect of anything with a BMW badge.
But all that also adds up to a near £13k price tag. In many ways it’s more corporate statement than viable transport, and its bold styling means it’s not as practical – or comfortable – as it might have been.
Comfort, weather protection and luggage capacity all fall short of usual maxi-scooter expectations, its range when ridden hard can dive under 50 miles, while the high price and likely poor residuals both contrast with usual commuter scooter considerations.
As a result, it’s only really likely to appeal to electric ‘early adopters’ and fashion victims, but there’s no denying it’s a striking, effective two-wheeler that will start a conversation whenever you park it up.
Underneath that futuristically styled bodywork, the CE 04 uses a permanent-magnet liquid-cooled synchronous motor with a 60.6Ah/148v battery derived from the one used in BMW’s iX car. In layman’s speak, that translates into maximum power of 31kW (in Dynamic mode) and torque of 62Nm.
There are also four performance modes – Eco, Rain, Road and Dynamic – and a regeneration function under braking/deceleration to aid battery life. In pure performance terms that adds up (in Dynamic mode) to undeniably impressive acceleration (especially considering its all-up 231kg weight) which BMW claims translates into 2.6 seconds for 0-50kph and a top speed electronically limited to 120kph (75mph).
The best I saw on the dash was around 75mph and acceleration never felt wanting. What did was the range – ride hard and, although BMW claim around 80 miles in normal use, it wasn’t difficult to get the predicted range display to plummet to under 50. BMW also claim 100% charging in four hours 20 mins from a regular household socket or an hour and 40 minutes with the optional £850 fast charger. Braking is more than adequate.
There’s one further thing, too. Although acceleration can be impressive, the overall experience is frustratingly soul-less. You move… but you don’t get ‘moved’. It’s more like riding a travelator at an airport than a conventional motorcycle.
Handling-wise, the CE 04 is a scooter (with small wheels) and a heavy and long one at that. Cycle parts are mostly decent quality. There are 35mm Showa non-adjustable forks at the front and a preload-only adjustable monoshock at the rear, and although ride is a little on the firm side, considering the CE 04’s weight, everything’s controlled and predictable.
The scooter’s length means stability is never an issue and the slightly larger-than-average 15” wheels help it flow through corners predictably. For a scooter, it’s better and more fun than most through corners … but at this price, so it should be.
It's also as easy to get on with as any conventional maxi-scoot – with one proviso and two niggles. Its riding position is familiar ‘sit-up and beg’ scoot, being upright, comfortable and easy, but there’s also no getting away from the fact that, due to the size of the batteries, this is one heavy machine – approximately 30% heavier than a petrol equivalent, even if that extra weight is carried low.
On top of that, the seat is flat, hard, thin and plank-like, which can induce numb-bum feelings within 40 minutes (although a ‘comfort’ version with a thicker seat is available as an extra cost option). The screen is small and virtually ineffective which renders prolonged riding at speed, as on dual carriageway ring roads, more of a chore than it could have been. On the upside, the CE 04 has a reverse setting which helps when maneuvering into parking places.
The CE 04 may not be as practical as many conventional maxi-scooters costing less than half the price, but that doesn’t mean it’s not practical. Riding it is ‘simple as’: just switch it on, twist the throttle and go. The four riding modes are easy, intuitive and effective, the big dash and slick controls are welcome and there’s enough storage room under the seat for a full-face helmet.
But its size, length and weight also make the CE 04 significantly less manageable than many conventional rivals, the lack of weather protection irritates and, although possible, we wouldn’t recommend taking a pillion for any great distance, given the tiny seat.
As a premium machine the CE 04’s specification is fairly impressive, but then, at the price, it should be: there’s the slick, massive, 10.25” full colour TFT dash complete with BMW’s usual quality ‘scrolling wheel’ switchgear. There are also heated handlebar grips, cornering ABS, full Bluetooth connectivity, three riding modes as standard (the Dynamic mode is an extra price option for £830 and also includes an adaptive headlight), reverse ‘gear’, keyless operation, a neat cubby hole in the inner fairing (for the key), a side-accessed luggage compartment under the seat and more.
At £12,410 (€13,650 in Ireland) there’s little doubt that the CE 04 is currently one of the best electric ‘maxi’ scooters currently available – but also one of the most expensive.
If your motivation for getting an electric scooter is economic, environmental and practical, there are far more affordable and practical electric scooters available than the CE 04 – even if they can’t quite match the BMW’s performance. If, however, you want a premium, state-of-the-art, statement machine which will turn heads and be a talking point wherever you go, there’s none better.
So, if you want to commute into central London for a pittance, side-step the ULEZ charge, park for free, zap impressively past cars and taxis and make a premium fashion statement while doing all that, the CE 04 is the machine to have. If you’re prepared to pay for it…
BMW CE 04 specification
Price: £12,410 (€13,650 in Ireland)
Engine: Permanent-magnet liquid-cooled synchronous motor
Power: 42bhp (31kW) @ 4900rpm
Torque: 62Nm (46lb-ft) @ 1500rpm
Transmission: Single-speed, belt final drive
Frame: Tubular steel double loop
Suspension: (F) Non-adjustable Showa 35mm telescopic forks, (R) Non-adjustable mono shock.
Wheels: Cast aluminium, 15 x 3.5”/15 x 4.5”
Tyres: (F) 120/70 x 15, (R) 160/60 x 15
Brakes: (F) 2 x 265mm discs, four-piston calipers, (R) 265mm disc, single-piston caliper. ABS
Weight: 231kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1,675mm
Seat height: 780mm
Fuel tank: N/A
Fuel consumption: 7.7kWh/100km (claimed)
Service intervals: 6,000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 36 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk
Words: Phil West
Photos: BMW
