BMW CE 04 (2021 - ) Electric review

There’s no denying the CE 04 is a boldly styled, quality machine. Whistle down any High Street and it turns heads as effectively as a spaceship. It’s also reasonably effective and simple to use, with the premium finish and quality components you’d expect of anything with a BMW badge. But it’s also more corporate statement than viable transport and, due to its high price, only really likely to appeal to electric ‘early adopters’ and fashion victims. Comfort, weather protection and luggage capacity all fall short of usual maxi-scooter expectations, its range when ridden hard can dive under 50 miles and the high price and likely poor residuals both contrast with usual commuter scooter considerations. But there’s no denying it’s a striking, effective two-wheeler.

Fairly typical, oversize, ‘step-thru’ scooter fare here which means the CE 04 is as easy to get on with as any conventional maxi-scoot, with one proviso and two niggles. The riding position is familiar ‘sit-up and beg’ scoot so upright, comfortable, easy. But there’s also no getting away from the fact that, due to the batteries, this is one heavy machine – approximately 30 per cent heavier than a petrol equivalent, although that extra weight is carried low. On top of that, the seat is flat, thin and plank-like, which can induce a numb-bum within 40 minutes, while the screen is small, resembles a broken salad drawer from your fridge, and is virtually ineffective. This makes prolonged riding at speed, such as on dual carriageway ring roads, more of a chore than it could have been.

The CE 04 may not be as practical as many conventional maxi-scooters at less than half the price, but that doesn’t mean it’s not practical. Riding it is ‘simple as’, given you just switch it on, twist the throttle and go. The four riding modes are easy, intuitive and effective (more of that later), the big dash and slick controls are welcome and there’s enough storage under the seat for a full-face helmet even if it’s less than many conventional combustion engined rivals. And that’s your lot. Its size, length and weight make the CE 04 significantly less manageable than many conventional rivals, although there is a reverse ‘gear’. The lack of weather protection and any substantial luggage capacity irritates and, although possible, we wouldn’t recommend taking a pillion, given the tiny seat.

The CE 04 uses a permanent-magnet, liquid-cooled synchronous motor with an 8.9kWh battery derived from that used in BMW’s hulking great iX SUV. In more layman’s speak this translates into maximum power of 42 horsepower (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. This means undeniably impressive acceleration, which BMW claims translates into 2.6 seconds for 0-31mph and a top speed limited to 75mph. I’ll vouch for that, and acceleration in Dynamic mode never felt wanting. What did was the range. Ride hard and, although BMW claims around 80 miles in normal use, it wasn’t difficult to get the predicted range display to plummet to under 50. BMW also claims 100 per cent 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. But there’s a caveat to all this. Although acceleration can be impressive, the overall performance experience is frustratingly soulless, silent and sterile.

Once you’ve taken into consideration the CE 04 is a small-wheeled scooter – and a heavy and long one at that – it’s not too bad. Cycle parts are mostly decent quality. There are 35mm Showa non-adjustable forks at the front, a preload-only adjustable monoshock at the rear and although ride is a little on the firm side for the weight of the bike everything’s controlled and predictable. The scooter’s length means stability is never an issue and the slightly larger than average 15-inch wheels helps it flow through corners predictably. For a scooter it’s better and more fun than most. But at this price so it should be.

It’s always difficult to assess electric motorcycles and scooters in this regard, especially when the machine concerned is so new. On the plus sidethe CE 04 will be ultra-frugal, if not negligible, when it comes to fuel costs while VED and ULEZ charges currently don’t apply either. On the flip side a high initial purchase price and likely poor residuals can’t be ignored and, if ridden as a full A2 bike (the CE 04 can also be restricted to A1 status), that 42 horsepower and the extra kilos will cause some wear and tear on the belt drive, brake pads, tyres and so on.

Another one it’s difficult to be certain about, given how new the CE 04 and its powertrain still are. That said, the battery system is derived from one already proven in BMW’s electric cars, the performance isn’t excessive, there are very few moving parts, BMWs generally have an enviable record for quality and reliability and the German marque also now has a longer, proven track record with electric scooters than any of its major rivals. So, we have very little cause for concern.

Most of BMW’s bikes now come with an extended three-year, 36,000-mile warranty covering all parts and labour and the same is true of the CE 04. On top of that the CE 04 also has a five-year/40,000km (just shy of 25,000 miles) warranty on its batteries which means that if you buy a CE 04 and the battery capacity falls below 80 per cent within five years BMW will replace that battery with no additional cost. Servicing is also good news with the first service due only after a whole 24 months or 6,214 miles with just simple, straightforward annual checks required after that.

The CE 04 has been designed as a high-end, premium machine and its specification (and price) reflects that. So, most obviously, there’s the massive, 10.25-inch full colour TFT dash as from BMW’s R1250RT tourer, complete with BMW’s usual ‘scrolling wheel’ switchgear. Heated handlebar grips, cornering ABS, full Bluetooth connectivity, three riding modes, 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 are also standard. The Dynamic mode is, meanwhile, a cost option at £830, which also includes an adaptive headlight.

If your motivation for getting an electric scooter is economic, environmental and practical, there are far more useful scooters available, even if they can’t quite match the CE 04’s performance. But if you want a premium, state-of-the-art statement machine which will turn heads and be a talking point wherever you go there’s no electric scooter like it. 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.