BMW Motorrad USA today announced the new 2024 BMW CE 02 – an electric two-wheeler something or other. BMW said (marketing babble alert> “it’s electric, designed to appeal to young people and it’s neither an e-motorbike nor an e-scooter. It’s an eParkourer (sic), created for the urban environment. Nimble, practical, tough, and reduced to the essentials in terms of design. Large wheels meet the demand for robustness and at the same time ensure riding fun on many differing terrains.” Whatever it is, when it rolls into the US, the MSRP will be $7599 plus destination, plus accessories, plus taxes. CE 02 has a top speed of 59 mph, and a range of ~56 miles.

CE 02 is powered by an air-cooled, current-excited synchronous motor. Power is supplied by two air-cooled lithium-ion batteries with an operating voltage of 48 volts and an energy content of 1.96 kWh each. They can be removed for care and maintenance. With an output of 15 horsepower and 40.6 lb.-ft. torque, it has a top speed of 59 mph, and a range of ~56 miles (according to WMTC). Weighing 291 pounds and with a low seat height of only 29.5 inches, BMW claims it has ” flickable handling characteristics.”

Torque is transmitted from the synchronous motor on the right-hand side of the two-wheeler via a toothed belt to an intermediate shaft. From there, another toothed belt on the left side takes over the function of the secondary drive to the rear wheel. This design allows a good center of gravity for neutral handling. ASC (Automatic Stability Control) ensures safe power transmission between the rear tire and varied road surfaces. RSC (Recuperation Stability Control) functions similar to an engine drag torque control and reduces the drag torque in overrun or coasting mode to provide stability. Energy recovery occurs in overrun mode. Reversing aid makes maneuvering easier.