Last May, BMW Motorrad Malaysia introduced the BMW CE 02 for the local market. This electric motor looks different from most electric motors in the local market because it is designed like a scooter, unlike its brother CE 04 and other brands of electric motors that are designed like scooters. Even BMW Motorrad itself labels it as an e-Parkourer.
BMW Motorrad CE 02 (Highline Package)
Driving Mode Flow, Surf, Flash
Travel Distance (WMTC) 90km
Acceleration 0-50 km/h – 3 seconds
Maximum speed 95 km/h (limited)
Battery Capacity 8.9 kWh
Charging Speed
10A / 230V / 2.3kW 0-100%: 3 hours 30 minutes
Weight 120 kg
3.5-inch Screen Size + Can be Tethered with
BMW Motorrad Connected app
Front Tire Size: 120/80 R14
Rear: 150/70 R15
Maximum Power 15HP (11 kW)
Maximum Torque 62 Nm @ 1500
Other Functions of Front ABS,
SP Connect port, USB-C
Selling Price RM 38,500
e-Parkourer Design & Specifications
The term Parkour is a noun from the French language meaning an activity or sport that requires agile movement in urban areas. This movement can include running, jumping or climbing very fast. If you are in your 30s, you may have heard of a movie about 'Parkour' called Yamakasi where the agility of Parkour practitioners moves between buildings and obstacles.
This term was brought by BMW Motorrad for the BMW CE 02 electric motorcycle because it is the only motorcycle from BMW that is small in size and does not require a Full B license. Apart from the CE 02, all BMW Motorrad motorcycles that can be classified as large motorcycles or scooters require a Full B license as they have an engine capacity of over 250cc. With the small 120kg BMW CE 02 design, it gives agility to this electric car and I didn't have a big problem getting between vehicles during traffic jams.
On the size too, it can be said that this BMW CE 02 is in a group with other small motorcycles such as the Kawasaki Z 125, CFMoto Papio, Honda Grom or Benelli TNT 135. With a low and small seat, it may be suitable for a single ride, or a passenger will be cramped in the back and there will still be footrests for rear passengers.
For the Malaysian market, the BMW CE 02 is offered in a Highline package that provides different seat colors, a gold-plated front suspension, and also a smartphone holder pole that allows a smartphone to be tethered to the BMW Motorrad Connected system and become a secondary display that provides more information that cannot be displayed on a small main display. This secondary display can display tire pressure rates, odometer, and energy consumption as well as a navigation map.
From a specification point of view, the BMW CE 02 has 2 batteries with a capacity of 1.96 kWh each of which can provide a travel distance of around 90km. Its 15hp electric motor can accelerate from 0-50 km/h in 3 seconds with a maximum speed of 95 km/h. Charging 0-100% will take 3.5 hours.
One interesting thing is that the batteries are removable but each battery is quite heavy, and not as light as other electric motor batteries like Blueshark. Since my office and home do not have charging facilities, I used a trolley to carry these two batteries upstairs to charge.
The included 3-pin plug charger can be said to be a little bigger and heavier than the Type 2 charger that is usually used for EVs and PHEVs. The BMW CE 02 uses a different charging head from the Type 2, and this makes you have to carry the charger everywhere due to the lack of proper charging. And since there isn't any storage space on the BMW CE 02, you may need to install an additional storage box or side bag on this electric hatchback.
First ride experience
I tried this electric kapcai during the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 event and for the purpose of this article, I borrowed it for a few days. When I picked it up from Cyberjaya, the 100% battery had a travel distance of about 60KM, which at the same time made me worry because I would take it to Kuala Lumpur, and the distance between them is 35km. I arrived at the office with 48% battery remaining with the travel distance still remaining around 51km which may be the original distance of 61KM due to the user / reviewer before me using the motor inefficiently.
For the ride through the MEX, I didn't go fast because I wanted to save the battery, and the speed reached around 80-90 km/h could be said to be a normal speed, but it attracted the attention of other road users who would look away. However, during the recording at AKLEH, I was able to reach a speed of 100 km/h probably because of the absence of a backpack and also the charger that was given along.
Carrying this electric kapcai in the city really highlights its agility. For me who used to carry the CE 04 as a daily ride, the scooter was very heavy and bulky, and controlling the CE 02 to cut into traffic was very easy. This is compounded by a body that is not long, and having a sharp cornering angle makes it easy to get to the front row of traffic lights without getting stuck in a traffic jam.
Then thanks to the electric acceleration, I was able to 'run away' from the other motorbike quickly, but it was only for a few moments before the other motorbike overtook. Regenerative braking can save energy consumption but depends on your riding pattern and selected riding mode.
There are three riding modes which are Flow for normal riding mode, Surf is a powerful riding mode, without regenerative braking, and Flash for faster acceleration, and strong regenerative braking. Flash mode is only available for the Highline package and all CE 02s in Malaysia come with it.
For myself, I use Flash a lot even though I am aware that it can drain the battery faster. The agility that Flash offers on CE 02 can be said to be a little closer to CE 04. For Flow mode, I use it during long trips using MEX to save battery.
In a few days of using this BMW CE 02, coupled with the experience of trying it at the Malaysia Autoshow and also driving it on the electric go-kart circuit, I can conclude that the BMW CE 02 provides a fun experience but may require a high cost to own. This is because at a price of RM38,500 it is very different compared to other electric motors that are offered at a price of less than RM15,000.
Among the things that are a big drawback for me is the lack of storage space. This can probably be solved by adding a storage box at the back, but since the CE 02 has its own plug, and cannot use the CCS Type 2 charging plug, which is a popular charging plug for electric cars, users may need to carry the charger everywhere to always have a battery. However, this will not be a problem if the use of the CE 02 is limited to short distances.
I also wish it would have used a CCS Type 2 plug but this may not be the case with the small battery capacity. The use of the same plug as an electric car can increase the travel distance of this motor. Pictured in this review is the BMW CE 02 which comes with additional accessories sold separately such as exclusive footpegs, front panel and even a storage box.
However, if you only have a B2 driver's license, and want to own an electric vehicle from BMW, this motorcycle can provide fun and agility for daily use and for short distances.