BMW CE 02

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Introduction

The BMW CE 02 is BMW Motorrad’s first electric two-wheeler made in India, produced at TVS’ Hosur plant as part of their partnership. It’s called an “eParkourer” because it’s not your usual electric scooter or motorcycle. The CE 02 catches the eye with its playful design and bold, eco-friendly look. It’s designed as an alternative to 200cc bikes, offering power similar to sporty 160cc motorcycles but weighing just 142 kg. With a low seat height of 745 mm, it’s easy for shorter Indian riders and perfect for city travel. You can choose between two versions: Standard (Cosmic black with a black seat) and Highline (Cosmic black 2 paint with a three-colour seat and rim tape set).

Gallery

Key Specifications

Power Output

11 kW

Range

65-85 km/c

Battery

2X 1.96 kWh

Torque

54.91Nm @ 1000 rpm

Max Speed

95 km/h

Charging Time

3 HOURS

Rear Suspension

Adjustable shock absorber

Kerb Weight

142 kg

Ratings

  • 100%

    Performance

  • 100%

    Features

  • 90%

    Handling

  • 95%

    Comfort

  • 100%

    Build Quality

  • 90%

    Styling

  • 95%

    Value for Money

  • 96%

    Total

Price

State - DELHI
City - DELHI
Price (Ex-showroom) - 4,49,900

Special Features

1
Optimized Front Fairing
2
Cast Aluminium Wheels
3
Reverse Assist Feature
4
Single Channel Abs
5
Full Led Headlights
6
Radial Tyres
7
Stand Alarm
8
Odometer
9
3.5-inch Micro Tft Display
10
Riding Modes Flow
11
Digital Tripmeter
12

Ride By Wire

Full Specifications

Motor Type Externally excited air-cooled synchronous motor
Max Power 15.0 PS @ 5000 rpm
Torque 54.91Nm @ 1000 rpm
Top Speed 95km/h
Power Transmission Belt drive
Battery voltage 48 V
City 75-85km/full charge
Highway 65-75km/full charge
Speedometer Digital
Tachometer Nill
Tripmeter Digital
Low Battery Indicator Yes
Start Type Electric
Kill Switch Yes
Clock Digital clock
Pass Light Yes
ABS Yes
Stand Alarm Yes
Tyres (F) 120/80 -14
Tyres (R) 150/70 -14
Brakes (F) Hydraulic single disc brake, diameter 239 mm, 2-piston floating caliper
Brakes (R) Hydraulic single disc brake, diameter 220 mm, 1-piston floating caliper
Frame Double loop steel frame
Front Suspension Upside-down telescopic fork
Rear Suspension Adjustable shock absorber
Wheelbase 1350 mm
Ground Clearance 140mm
Length x Width x Height 1970mm x 876mm x 1140mm
Kerb Weight 142kg
Seat Height 745mm
Battery two air-cooled, removable lithium-ion batteries
Charging Time 3 hours
Head Lamp LED
Tail Lamp LED

Overview

Performance And Motor

The BMW CE 02 is quick off the mark, going from 0 to 50 kmph in just 3 seconds. It reaches 80 kmph faster than most 160cc motorcycles. In daily use, its acceleration feels like a fast sub-160cc bike or a slower 200cc bike, making it ideal for city traffic. The electric motor delivers smooth, quiet acceleration with zero emissions, which fits city life well. The bike handles city roads easily and can even manage short highway trips. There are three riding modes: SURF for relaxed coasting, FLOW for moving smoothly with traffic, and FLASH (only on the Highline version) for quick starts and maximum energy recovery. The CE 02 also recovers energy automatically when slowing down and has an electric reverse gear to help with parking in tight spots.

The BMW CE 02 uses an externally excited air-cooled synchronous motor. In India, it comes with the more powerful 11 kW version (about 15 hp), not the lower 4 kW version sold in other countries. The motor delivers 11 kW (15 hp) at 5,000-5,500 rpm and has a maximum torque of 55 Nm at just 1,000 rpm, helping it accelerate quickly from a stop. The motor is mounted on the chassis rather than the swingarm, which reduces unsprung weight and improves handling. This is an air-cooled permanent magnet synchronous (PMS) electric motor. The 11 kW version is suitable for A1 license holders and can reach a top speed of 95 km/h.

The BMW CE 02 has an automatic transmission, so you don’t need to shift gears. Power goes to the rear wheel through a dual-belt drive system with a maintenance-free toothed belt, so the bike needs very little upkeep. The drivetrain uses a swing-arm design with the motor mounted on the chassis. The automatic transmission makes the CE 02 easy to ride for both beginners and experienced riders.

The BMW CE 02 can reach a top speed of 95 km/h (59 mph), but this depends on factors such as riding conditions, battery level, rider weight, and environmental conditions. Only the 11 kW version can reach this speed; the 4 kW version sold elsewhere is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph). This top speed helps the CE 02 handle city traffic and short highway trips. BMW notes that the actual top speed can vary based on different factors.

Charging Time

The BMW CE 02 offers different charging options depending on the charger used. With the standard 0.9 kW charger, charging from 20% to 80% takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes, and a full charge from 0% to 100% takes 3.5 hours. In some cases, a full charge with the 0.9 kW charger can take up to 5 hours and 12 minutes. If you use the optional 1.5 kW quick charger (available with the Highline package), charging from 20% to 80% also takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes, and a full charge takes 3.5 hours. The bike supports charging from a regular 120 V home socket, with 900 W as standard and up to 1,500 W with the quick charger. The batteries can be removed for maintenance, but not for home charging or swapping; however, you can charge the bike at a domestic socket.

Range

The BMW CE 02 has an official electric range of 108 km, certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) under standard test conditions. It uses 4.5 kWh of electricity per 100 km. This 108 km range is possible with the dual-battery setup, which combines two 1.96 kWh batteries for a total of 3.92 kWh.

In real-world use in India, the BMW CE 02 typically delivers less range than the claimed 108 km. In FLOW mode, riders see about 80-85 km per charge. For daily commutes, reaching the full 108 km is possible but not common. The range varies by riding style: calm city riding yields 75-85 km, mixed commuting yields 65-75 km, and aggressive riding yields 55-65 km.

Overall, the realistic range for the BMW CE 02 is between 60 and 85 km, depending on different factors. Many users get about 70-85 km in normal Indian city traffic. The range varies widely depending on riding mode, environment, rider weight, battery level, and temperature. Using FLASH mode and riding aggressively lowers the range, while calm city riding in FLOW mode helps you get the most distance.

Features And Technology

The BMW CE 02 in India comes packed with premium features, making it a strong choice for urban mobility. Both the Standard and Highline versions are designed for city commuters who want style, connectivity, and convenience.

  1. Keyless Ride System: Simply jump on and off, with the Keyless Ride feature that eliminates the need for traditional key insertion, providing seamless access to your vehicle
  2. 3.5-inch Micro TFT Display: BMW CE 02 is equipped with a 3.5-inch micro TFT display that shows essential information such as speed, battery level, range, and riding mode
  3. USB-C Charging Socket: The vehicle includes a USB-C charging socket for convenient smartphone charging while riding, keeping your devices powered during urban commutes.
  4. Shaft Drive (Cardan) Final Drive System:Reliable shaft drive system providing exceptional durability and maintenance-free convenience for Indian touring riding without regular chain lubrication, tension adjustments, or puncture repairs, essential for dusty roads and varied terrain where service facilities may be limited during extended touring across India’s remote regions.
  5. All-LED Lighting: BMW CE 02 gets all LED lights as standard, including LED headlight, LED turn signals, and pass light, ensuring superior visibility and modern aesthetics.
  6. Single-Channel ABS: The CE 02 is equipped with BMW Motorrad’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) on the front wheel for single-channel ABS safety, preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking.
  7. Bluetooth Connectivity: Smart connectivity functions allow you to connect your smartphone to your eParkourer via the free BMW Motorrad Connected app, operating available functions via the switch on the left handle.
  8. Three Riding Experience Modes: The CE 02 features perfectly tuned riding modes, including SURF (maximum coasting and chilled-out gliding), FLOW (seamless movement with traffic), and FLASH (catapult start with maximum energy recovery, included only in the Highline package).
  9. Electric Reverse Gear (Reversing Aid): With the electric reverse gear and Reversing Aid, you can manoeuvre with ease even when space gets tight, making parking and tight-space navigation effortless
  10. Anti-Theft Alarm Preparation: The CE 02 comes with preparation for an anti-theft alarm and an electronic immobiliser for enhanced vehicle security.
  11. Automatic Stability Control (ASC): Safety features include automatic stability control (ASC) that helps maintain traction and stability during various riding conditions.
  12. Recuperation Stability Control (RSC): The vehicle includes recuperation stability control (RSC) for enhanced safety during energy recovery and regenerative braking.
  13. Adjustable Brake Levers (Handbrake Lever Adjustable): BMW CE 02 is equipped with adjustable brake levers/handbrake lever adjustable for personalised rider comfort and control.
  14. Upside-Down Telescopic Fork Suspension: The front suspension features upside-down telescopic forks (USD forks) with gold-finished forks in the Highline package, providing superior handling and comfort.
  15. Pre-Load Adjustable Rear Suspension: Rear suspension includes preload-adjustable twin shocks/single swinging arm with adjustable shock absorber for customised ride comfort.
  16. Disc Cast Wheels: Wide tyres are mounted on cast light aluminium wheels in disc wheel design with front tyre 120/80 R 14 and rear tyre 150/70 R 14.
  17. Double-Loop Steel Frame Chassis: The BMW CE 02 uses a double-loop frame made of tubular steel with a double-cradle chassis for structural rigidity and durability.
  18. Power-Saving Mode: The CE 02 offers a special power-saving mode to optimise battery usage and extend range when needed.
  19. Call/SMS Alerts: From a comfort perspective, CE 02 has Call/SMS alerts through the BMW Motorrad Connected app integration.
  20. Side Stand Alarm: The vehicle features a side stand alarm as a safety feature to prevent accidental operation when the side stand is down.
  21. Highline Package Features: The optional Highline package includes heated grips for riding comfort in windy conditions, a highly integrated SP Connect smartphone holder, a 1.5 kW external quick charger, exclusive Cosmic black 2 paintwork, a 3-colour motorcycle seat, 22 tapes, including rim tape set, and gold-coloured fork.
  22. 3 Years Peace of Mind Warranty: BMW offers an extra year’s worth of peace of mind in addition to the statutory warranty period when you purchase the CE 02, giving you 3 years total coverage.
  23. Customisation Accessories: The CE 02 is customizable with accessories, including a tinted cockpit fairing with an angular design and petrol-coloured hue, a petrol-coloured comfort seat (wider with 20 mm thicker upholstery), and front and rear footrests made of milled aluminium reminiscent of BMX foot pegs.
  24. Dual Battery Setup: Powered by two 1.96 kWh lithium-ion batteries forming a combined high-voltage battery net capacity of 3.92 kWh (3.9 kWh) for extended urban adventures.
  25. Maintenance-Free Toothed-Belt Drive: A virtually maintenance-free toothed-belt drive with a dual-belt system and fixed transmission efficiently transmits power from the motor to the rear wheel.

Build Quality

The BMW CE 02 stands out for its solid build quality, blending BMW Motorrad’s German engineering with the precision of Indian manufacturing through its partnership with TVS. It uses a double-loop tubular steel frame and a double-cradle chassis, giving it strength and durability for long-term city use. This design helps the CE 02 keep its shape and reliability, even after facing rough Indian roads and daily commuting challenges.

The cast light aluminium wheels feature a disc-wheel design with wide tyres mounted as front 120/80 R 14 and rear 150/70 R 14, providing both visual appeal and functional strength. The upside-down telescopic fork suspension at the front features gold-finished fork components in the Highline package, which add both premium aesthetics and durable performance. The rear suspension uses a single swinging arm with preload-adjustable twin shocks and an adjustable shock absorber with a black casing to protect against the elements and maintain appearance.

The drivetrain utilises a swing-arm configuration with a virtually maintenance-free toothed-belt drive that efficiently transmits power from the motor to the rear wheel without the reliability concerns associated with traditional chain drives. The electric traction motor is mounted to the chassis rather than the swingarm, reducing unsprung weight and improving overall build integrity. The vehicle includes preparation for an anti-theft alarm and an electronic immobiliser for enhanced security, demonstrating BMW’s attention to comprehensive build quality beyond just mechanical components.

BMW offers a 3-year peace-of-mind warranty with an extra year of coverage, in addition to the statutory warranty period, when you purchase the CE 02, giving you total confidence in the build quality. The all-LED lighting system, including LED headlight, LED turn signals, and pass light, ensures superior durability and longevity compared to traditional bulb systems. The 3.5-inch micro TFT display provides a clear, modern information display with protection against weather and road elements.

Handling

The BMW CE 02 handles city streets really well and is one of the most agile two-wheelers tested in India. Even though it weighs 142 kg on paper, it feels much lighter to ride, with quick, easy direction changes. The CE 02 is impressively nimble, making it stand out among urban two-wheelers.

The chassis feels super capable, and the bike is super comfortable at medium speeds, loving to lean about during cornering manoeuvres at roundabouts or urban turns. While the suspension is set on the softer side, the CE 02 can still dart confidently into and out of gaps without upsetting the bike’s composure. Sudden direction switches and lane changes do not upset the vehicle, making it perfect for Indian traffic conditions where quick manoeuvres are constant.

The electric reverse gear and Reversing Aid allow you to manoeuvre with ease even when space gets tight, making parking and tight-space navigation effortless in crowded Indian cities. The 745 mm seat height ensures the vehicle is quite accessible for shorter riders and specifically designed for city commutes, allowing confidence when stopping and starting in traffic. The front-set footpegs offer a relaxed riding posture, while rear-set footpegs provide greater aggressiveness, offering flexibility in handling characteristics.

The single-channel ABS system on the front wheel prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, but the CE 02 doesn’t get ABS on the rear wheel, which can lock up under hard braking. The handlebars felt a bit too high for some riders, but the vehicle is super comfortable at medium speeds and loves to lean over during cornering. The biggest issue was in slow-speed riding, as there’s no tank-like leg grip available, which can create a feeling of disconnection with the machine, and the handlebars felt too light and would “flop about” at slow speeds.

At spirited town speeds, the FLASH mode (included only in the Highline package) almost feels like you’re linearly controlling the bike’s speed as you move your right wrist, providing exceptional control and handling precision. The CE 02 accelerates closer to a fast sub-160 cc or slower 200 cc bike, aligning well for urban traffic handling and allowing you to overtake almost 80 per cent of traffic on Indian roads. The vehicle maintains good handling at both high and normal speeds without any special problems.

Comfort

The BMW CE 02 offers several comfort features for city commuting in India, but there are a few things to note. The saddle is 20 mm thicker than usual, which helps with comfort on daily rides. However, the seat is hard, flat, and narrow, so it can get uncomfortable on longer trips. While the 745 mm seat height suits most people, sitting for long periods can be tiring due to insufficient padding.

The suspension is tuned on the softer side to absorb bumps and potholes common in city commutes. Small bumps are handled easily, and bigger potholes are also absorbed without a harsh feeling, even on rough roads. However, the ride can still feel stiff, and even small bumps can be felt in your spine, while larger ones can unsettle the bike. Because of the soft suspension, small bumps and potholes are noticeable on the handlebars and seat.

The petrol-coloured comfort seat option is wider, and the upholstery is 20 mm thicker than the standard version, making it super comfortable for riders who want enhanced cushioning. The riding stance is relaxed yet fully in control, providing a comfortable position for urban commuting. The front-set footpegs offer a relaxed riding posture, making it comfortable for daily commutes in the city.

The heated grips included in the optional Highline package provide additional riding comfort in windy conditions, a feature that’s particularly valuable during early-morning or late-evening commutes in cooler Indian weather. The Keyless Ride feature lets you simply jump on and off, eliminating the hassle of inserting a key and providing convenience and comfort. The USB-C charging socket enables convenient smartphone charging while riding, keeping devices powered during urban commutes.

The fully electric drive offers smooth acceleration and zero emissions, making it an ideal choice for sustainable city living without the fatigue and heat concerns associated with ICE bikes that use a clutch and gears. As an electric vehicle, there was no concept of vibrations at any specific rpm. In Flash mode, some vibration was felt on the footpegs whenever regen kicked in, but it was subtle and not alarming. The brakes have brilliant bite with progressive, non-wooden feedback, contributing to comfortable and confident braking.

The tinted cockpit fairing with an angular design provides increased protection against wind and weather, helping you move more comfortably to your next destination in the rain. The CE 02 is designed to ride through the urban jungle, whether on city streets or on paths unknown to most, allowing you to move your way and create your way comfortably. Given its purpose, the range is fine for daily commutes in the city, making it a practical and comfortable offering from BMW Motorrad in the country.

Styling

The BMW CE 02 has a modern style that signals it’s part of a new generation of urban mobility. As an eParkourer, it stands out in the city with its fast, agile, and creative design. Its minimalist and futuristic look, with simple construction and minimal bodywork, is made for city commuting.

The long, low seat appears to float above the iconic disc wheels, creating a striking silhouette that’s instantly recognisable. The BMW CE 02 is a piece of street art, offering a fresh take on urban commuting by blending futuristic design with electric innovation. The vehicle features revolutionary and iconic styling that proves being environmentally conscious can be stylish with a BMW electric scooter. Playful elements make it an eye-catcher, creating a visual harmony between riding fun and visually loud, electrically quiet.

The design includes a double-loop frame made of tubular steel with a double-cradle chassis, providing structural rigidity while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. The cast light aluminium wheels feature a disc-wheel design, with front tyres 120/80 R 14 and rear tyres 150/70 R 14, contributing to the distinctive visual identity. The upside-down telescopic fork suspension features a gold-finished fork in the Highline package, adding premium visual appeal. All LED lights, including LED headlight, LED turn signals, and pass light, ensure superior visibility while maintaining modern aesthetics.

The 3.5-inch micro TFT display provides clear, modern information while the Keyless Ride feature eliminates the need for traditional key insertion, maintaining the sleek design philosophy. The vehicle’s minimalist yet futuristic design is complemented by the virtually maintenance-free toothed-belt drive, which efficiently transmits power without the reliability concerns associated with traditional chain drives. With a curb weight of just 142 kg and a seat height of 745 mm, the CE 02 is accessible for shorter riders while maintaining its distinctive styling.

The BMW CE 02 isn’t just a scooter; it’s a gateway to a new era of urban mobility, with its progressive style showing you’re already on your way to the next big thing. Wherever you go, you will be seen, as this BMW electric scooter creates the day and shapes the ambience. The minimalist design and simple construction emphasise the vehicle’s role as an urban commuter rather than as a traditional electric scooter or motorcycle.

Colour Options And Variants

The BMW CE 02 in India is available in two iconic colour options.

  1. Cosmic Black
  2. Cosmic Black 2

allowing riders to choose their preferred aesthetic statement for their urban mobility solution. These two exclusive colour variants let riders personalise their eParkourer to match their style.

Cosmic Black is the standard colour option, featuring bold black paintwork that makes a statement. The CE 02 comes with Cosmic black paintwork and a monochrome black seat as standard, creating a cohesive all-black aesthetic. Granite grey metallic sets cool contrasts on the motor cover, while the tape design looks fresh and adds visual interest. This blacked-out treatment includes black body panels, black seats and rims, and black-and-white body decals, creating an aggressive, modern appearance. Cosmic Black is ideal for riders who prefer a bold, understated look that commands attention through its sheer presence rather than flashy colours.

Cosmic Black 2 is the exclusive paintwork available only with the Highline package, making the CE 02 even more extroverted. This special colour variant features exclusive paintwork in Cosmic black 2 combined with a 3-colour motorcycle seat that adds visual variety. The Cosmic Black 2 option includes 22 tapes, including a rim tape set, creating a more expressive design that stands out from the crowd. White and teal stripes appear on the seats, body decals, and rims, adding colour to the package and creating visual contrast against the black base. The gold-coloured fork takes it to the next level, adding premium gold anodised forks at the front that complement the colour scheme. Cosmic Black 2 is perfect for riders who want an even more eye-catching, stylish appearance, with expressive design elements that make their eParkourer stand out from the crowd.

The BMW CE 02 is available in two equipment specifications in India.

  1. Standard Variant
  2. Highline Package

offering riders different levels of features and styling to choose from based on their preferences and budget. These two variants allow customers to select the perfect level of specification for their urban commuting needs.

The Standard variant is the base model of the BMW CE 02. This variant comes equipped with Cosmic black paintwork and a monochrome black seat as standard, delivering the core eParkourer experience with essential features. The Standard model includes the 11 kW version suitable for A1 motorcycle licence holders, producing a maximum power of 11 kW (15 HP) at 5,500 RPM. Riders get two riding experience modes as standard: SURF for maximum coasting and chilled-out gliding, and FLOW for seamless movement with traffic. The Standard variant includes a 900 W standard external charger that enables 20 to 80 per cent charging in 102 minutes. All essential features, such as Keyless Ride, 3.5-inch micro TFT display, all-LED lighting, single-channel ABS, U-turn telescopic fork suspension, and USB-C charging socket, come standard. The Standard variant is ideal for riders who want the authentic BMW CE 02 experience with core features at an accessible price point.

The Highline package is the optional premium variant that makes the CE 02 even more extroverted with exclusive features and enhanced styling. This variant offers significantly more premium features than the Standard. The Highline package includes exclusive paintwork in Cosmic black 2, a 3-colour motorcycle seat, and 22 tapes, including a rim tape set. Gold-coloured fork takes it to the next level, featuring gold anodised USD forks at the front for premium visual appeal. The Highline variant includes a third FLASH riding mode that provides a catapult start with maximum energy recovery, giving riders the ultimate thrill and the ability to be first to arrive when the lights go green. Heated grips provide additional riding comfort in windy conditions, making early-morning or late-evening commutes more comfortable. The highly integrated SP Connect smartphone holder is included for convenient smartphone integration. An external quick charger at 1.5 W is standard with the Highline package, enabling faster charging times. The Highline package is perfect for riders who want maximum extroversion, premium features, and enhanced styling for their urban mobility solution.

Both variants share the same core specifications, including a dual-battery setup with two 1.96 kWh batteries, a combined high-voltage battery net capacity of 3.92 kWh (3.9 kWh), a maximum torque of 55 Nm at 1,000 RPM, and a top speed of 95 km/h. The curb weight of 142 kg and seat height of 745 mm remain consistent across both variants, ensuring accessibility for shorter riders. BMW offers a 3-year peace-of-mind warranty, with an extra year of coverage, in addition to the statutory warranty period, for both variants.

Value For Money And Pricing

The BMW CE 02 starts at an ex-showroom price of ₹ 4,49,900 across India, making it BMW Motorrad’s entry-level electric vehicle. The BMW CE 02 is available in two equipment specifications in India. The Standard variant is the base model. The Highline package variant is the top variant, offering significantly more premium features than the Standard. The Highline trim, with added features, costs around ₹50,000 more than the standard variant.

The BMW CE 02’s EMI starts at ₹9,999, making it more accessible for buyers through BMW Motorrad Financial Services. Customers can choose from flexible financing plans like Standard, Bullet, and Balloon, each designed to suit different lifestyles and budgets. This financing option makes the all-electric BMW CE 02 easier than ever for Indian buyers to own.

The CE 02 is more affordable than other BMW models, but it’s still a niche product aimed at a specific group of buyers. While it comes at a premium, it’s the most affordable BMW electric vehicle available, considering its features and quality. The price reflects its unique place in the market, giving buyers a way to enter electric mobility with BMW’s design and engineering.

This is neither affordable nor practical, suggesting the CE 02 is positioned more as a premium lifestyle statement than a value-for-money daily commuter. Sharing its underpinnings with the TVS X electric scooter, the BMW CE 02 is significantly more expensive. The high price is due to its positioning as a premium product with BMW branding, even though it shares the same platform as the more affordable TVS X.

Given its purpose, the range is fine for daily commutes in the city, making it a practical and comfortable offering from BMW Motorrad in the country despite the premium pricing. The CE 02’s 108 km range under standard test conditions and 95 km/h top speed provide adequate performance for urban commuting, though competitors offer similar specifications at lower prices.

The CE 02 is compact and agile, featuring advanced connectivity, including free BMW Motorrad Connected app smartphone integration, Keyless Ride, and a 3.5-inch micro TFT display. BMW offers a 3-year peace-of-mind warranty with an extra year of coverage, in addition to the statutory warranty period, when you purchase the CE 02, giving buyers confidence in the product’s longevity. The vehicle features all-LED lighting, single-channel ABS, heated grips (Highline), and an electric reverse gear for easy manoeuvring, offering premium features that justify some of the price. The locally manufactured aspect reduces costs compared to CBU imports, though BMW branding still commands a premium.

While it’s a lifestyle product targeted at a very specific set of buyers, the high price makes it less practical for value-conscious urban commuters who prioritise economics over brand prestige. The CE 02 is significantly more expensive than mainstream electric scooters offering similar or better range and performance. The minimalist design and simple construction mean some might question whether the premium pricing is justified compared with more practical alternatives. For buyers seeking the most affordable daily commuter, the CE 02’s premium positioning makes it less value-oriented compared to competitors.

Competitor Models in India are

  1. TVS X
  2. Ather 450X
  3. Ola S1 Pro
  4. Simple One
  5. TVS iQube
  6. Bajaj Chetak

The BMW CE 02 competes in a price bracket where buyers can choose among premium electric scooters with advanced features, traditional motorcycles with superior performance, or value-focused electric alternatives with practical daily-commute capabilities. The CE 02’s unique positioning as an “eParkourer” rather than a traditional scooter or motorcycle creates a niche that appeals to buyers seeking distinctive styling and BMW brand prestige, though this comes at a significant cost premium compared to competitors offering similar specifications. The CE 02 becomes more competitive with rivals, though the official pricing still positions it as a premium lifestyle product rather than a value-oriented commuter.

Verdict

The BMW CE 02 in India is a new kind of urban mobility solution that changes what an electric two-wheeler can be. It combines BMW Motorrad’s German engineering with local manufacturing from TVS. As BMW’s first electric vehicle made in India, the CE 02 offers a lively city-commuting experience with quick 0-50 kmph acceleration in just 3 seconds, agile handling that makes it one of India’s most nimble two-wheelers despite its 142 kg weight, and a claimed 108 km range that’s great for daily urban errands. Its futuristic design, zero-emissions electric drive, fast 3.5-hour charging, and features like Keyless Ride, a 3.5-inch TFT display, and three riding modes (SURF, FLOW, FLASH) make it a fun and stylish choice for eco-conscious city riders who want something different from traditional scooters or motorcycles.

However, the CE 02’s high price makes it more of a niche lifestyle product than a practical, value-for-money daily commuter. Its cost is higher than many mainstream electric scooters with similar or better features. Major drawbacks include no storage space for items or the charger, no rear ABS safety, a hard and uncomfortable seat for longer rides, a stiff ride despite softer suspension, an awkward riding position, and low-speed handling issues with light handlebars that can feel unstable. The real-world range of 70-75 km is much less than the claimed 108 km, and India’s charging infrastructure is still developing, which adds to the inconvenience. While the CE 02 is a fun city bike for those who value unique style and BMW branding, buyers looking for an affordable daily commuter with storage, better comfort, and proven value should consider options like the TVS X, Ather 450X, or Ola S1 Pro.

Pros

  • Sprightly Acceleration for City Traffic: The CE 02 delivers excellent 0-50 kmph acceleration in about three seconds flat with instant electric torque, making it quick off the line and perfect for city commuting and overtaking.
  • Agile and Lightweight Handling: Despite a 142 kg weight on the spec sheet, riders never feel it during operation, and the vehicle feels incredibly agile with intuitive directional changes, making it possibly the most agile two-wheeler in India.
  • Fun and Quirky Riding Experience: The CE 02 offers pure, unadulterated fun with twist-and-go operation, no gears and no noise, just instant power that is super simple and easy to ride for all experience levels.
  • Iconic Futuristic Design: Eye-catching, revolutionary styling with progressive design makes it an instant eye-catcher and piece of street art that blends sustainability with style.
  • 108 km Claimed Range for City Use: The claimed range of 108 km on full charge is decent for city use, running errands, or getting to work and back without frequent charging.
  • Quick 3.5 Hour Charging Time: The 3.92 kWh battery can be fully charged in a claimed three and a half hours, with testing showing complete charging in just 3 hours with the 1.5 kW fast charger.
  • Keyless Ride Convenience: Keyless Ride feature allows riders to simply jump on and go without traditional key insertion, providing seamless access and convenience.
  • Three Riding Experience Modes: Three perfectly tuned riding modes, including SURF (maximum coasting), FLOW (seamless movement with traffic), and FLASH (catapult start in Highline), allow riders to customise their experience.
  • Electric Reverse Gear Feature: Electric reverse gear and Reversing Aid allow riders to manoeuvre with ease even when space gets tight, making parking and tight-space navigation effortless.
  • Advanced Technology Features: Full LED lighting, 3.5-inch full colour TFT display showing battery and range, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration through free BMW Motorrad Connected app, and USB Type-C charging port.

Cons

  • Extremely Expensive Pricing: The CE 02 is quite expensive, making it a pricey plaything that only makes sense for buyers with deep pockets.
  • No Storage Space: There’s no storage onboard the CE 02, which is a glaring miss for a vehicle designed for urban commuting, where carrying items is essential.
  • No Charger Storage Space: More surprisingly, there’s no place to keep the heavy charger, forcing riders to carry it with them or leave it at home/workplace, creating inconvenience.
  • Inadequate Charging Infrastructure in India: You either carry the charger or leave it at home or workplace, which may not always be ideal in a country like India, where charging infrastructure is still developing.
  • No Rear ABS Safety: The CE 02 doesn’t get ABS at the rear wheel, meaning the rear wheel can lock up under hard braking, which is a glaring miss, especially for the price point.
  • Hard and Uncomfortable Seat: The seat is hard and flat with little cushioning and narrow too, causing discomfort during longer rides, and spending enough time on it, your backside gets extremely sore because there isn’t proper padding.
  • Stiff Ride Quality: The ride is quite stiff, with the smallest undulations felt distinctly on your spine and larger ones unsettling the motorcycle, contrary to the suspension being set towards the softer side.
  • Awkward Riding Position: The placement of the handlebars, footpegs, and bench seat makes riders sit a bit awkwardly, struggling to find the perfect riding position for comfort.
  • Low-Speed Handling Issues: The handlebars felt too light and would “flop about” at slow speeds, making low-speed manoeuvring less precise.
  • Real-World Range Lower Than Claimed: While the claimed 108 km range is fine for city use, in real-world conditions you are likely to get around 70-75 km in standard Flow mode, which limits its practicality.
  • Heavy Charger Unit: Lugging the hefty 1.5 kW charger unit along is quite a task since the EV doesn’t offer any storage, creating a physical burden for riders.

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Hiran Narayanan - Founder & CTO, Bikeleague India

Hiran Narayanan

Founder & CTO at Bikeleague India

Hiran Narayanan is the Founder and CTO of Bikeleague India, bringing over 15 years of experience in motorcycle technical writing. He develops detailed analyses, tools, model overviews, and blogs that contribute to bikeleague.in's improving rankings.

Core Expertise
Two-wheeler Technical & Blog Content Writing Petrol Motorcycle Analysis Electric Motorcycle Analysis Petrol Scooter Analysis Electric Scooter Analysis WordPress & SEO