Neither an e-motorbike nor an e-scooter, the BMW CE02 is somewhere in the middle. It combines elements of a scooter—its nimble and robust construction reduced to the design essentials—with a motorbike—large 14-inch wheels and tires—for a unique design. A low seat height of only 750 mm means it can easily fit most body types, and it weighs only 132 kilograms (11 kW) or 119 kilograms (4 kW).

In Germany, where it will launch first, the BMW CE02 can be ridden even without a motorcycle license. This applies to the base 4 kW (5 horsepower) version. Riders aged 16 and up, meanwhile, can go for the 11 kW (15 horsepower) version. The Base version comes with a single battery (1.96 kWh), while the more powerful variant has two batteries (1.96 kWh x 2).

The air-cooled, current-excited synchronous motor also generates 55 Nm of torque (transmitted via a toothed belt), and in the 15-horsepower version, it goes from 0 to 50 km/h in 3 seconds. This version has a top speed of 95 km/h, while the lower-powered version has a top speed of 45 km/h. Range are identical to the CE02 top speed with the 11 kW going up to 90 kilometers between charges, and the 4 kW version going 45 kilometers.

A sophisticated construction lends the BMW CE02 the best possible center of gravity for neutral handling. Moreover, it comes with front-wheel ABS and Automatic Stability Control. Recuperation Stability Control, meanwhile, functions like an engine drag control to reduce drag keeping the bike stable. In can also recuperate energy and store it in its lithium-ion battery pack.

Standard features on the BMW CE02 include keyless ride, LED headlights, DRLs, and side indicators, and a USB Type C socket. The screen uses a 3.5-inch micro TFT display. In addition, it can also take a pillion rider easily, or be fitted with storage boxes and a luggage carrier rack.

As for charging, the BMW CE02 comes with an external 0.9 kW charger. This equates to a 0 to 100 percent charge time of 312 minutes in the 11 kW version and 182 minutes in the 4 kW version. Opting for the optional 1.5 kW drops that to 210 minutes in the 11 kW variant (the 1.5 kW charger can’t be used in the 4 kW).

The BMW CE02 has already been launched in Germany as part of BMW Motorrad’s 100-year anniversary. Plans are already underway to make it available to global markets, including the Philippines. The cost, BMW says, is around “two-thirds” of the CE04.

Given its local price of P 1.055 million, the CE02 could be priced at around P 700,000 when it arrives here.