BMW CE04 - the ultimate (electric) commuter machine?

[@droso]

Great to see more electric bikes coming to marked, and even better to see them reviewed on AutoEV. Thanks, can't wait for more.

[@1MrBryn]

I test ride one a couple of months ago. if I had space and money for a second bike, I'd get it in a heartbeat. Absolutely loved it.

[@brofessormex]

How much was it where you are?

[@kylebeetham3679]

I’m seriously considering one

[@hermanstokbrood]

I drove the C evolution a few years back and loved it also. I rather would have a new release of the C evolution.

[@dprimer422]

thanks for the review Charlie. I like the look of this e-scooter. I like the features and the power is good. A better wind screen would be nice, one that actually provided some wind protection. What makes this bike unacceptable at least for me is the limited range. My aprox. 56 mile round trip commute is 70% freeway here in the US. So I would be lucky to make it. I would have to take more surface roads increasing my commute time by 30 minutes or stop somewhere to recharge adding an additional 30 minutes to an hour. Not something I would like after a 12 hour shift. and charging points are very limited here. Although that is improving slowly. The other problem is the cost. 14k $ for the equivalent of a 400 cc scooter is just unacceptable. (for me at least). When I used to live in the city and my commute was 12 miles each way it would have worked. But still there is that extra large price tag. $$$$ I have to say I really wanted to like this scooter . I do like it ! but It's just not practical for me. If the range were double and the price half what it is I'd be first in line. cheers D.

[@andysmerdon1]

Thanks Charlie. I do like this bike. I saw them in Melbourne, Australia. The price is scary though.

[@kai5703]

The reverse button is pure genius

[@k8for]

Stupendo il mio ce04!!❤

[@brendonoleary519]

These are interesting as a not-quite-typical-bike. EVs give us a chance to rethink categories of vehicle. It'd be nice to see something between this and a car but with a bit more emphasis on fun and cool than, say, a Renault Twizy. The Carver EV looks fun, as an example. I'd love to see what possibilities might emerge if manufacturers are brave enough to try. An 80mph leaning reverse trike, anyone? 😁

[@mraidymaddful]

And for considerably less you could get an ebike with more power, speed and range.

[@davidford631]

Tried one and absolutely loved it... I want one! It would certainly tempt me from the car/truck on suitable days, and provide a welcome return to biking after a long absence. I might not be the average use case though. Home is very rural with lots of tiny roads and some major roads 15-20 minutes away - but most of my journeys are 10 to 30 miles and mostly on these smaller roads - so this type of bike - even with limited range is ideal. It rained when I was riding the demo bike and I wasn't wearing waterproofs, but as long as you went at over 10mph - I stayed remarkably dry. The taller screen and the longer seat type (I'm 6'3") would be a useful option to choose. I'm quite familiar with electric vehicle ownership having had one BMW i3 and then adding an i3S as well. Both of these are superb vehicles for our use and location, especially since we charge them from our own large 55kW solar array and energy storage system. I know there's a lot of reasons that for many, electric vehicles don't work as well for people's needs as a ICE vehicle will do - but I am a convert. I still have a big diesel pickup truck for work (VW Amarok 3.2 Litre) but it's annual mileage has halved - for any of those journeys that I can use the i3 or i3S for, then it's those keys I reach for. I can see the same happening if I'm fortunate enough to be able to get a reasonably priced CE-04 anytime soon, and if the weather is OK and the choice is there - I expect the CE-04 would be my first choice.

[@olaflanfermann7343]

Riding position for people >185 cm might be painful. I got mine yesterday and I did tour of around 200km. 2 things to change is the seat and the windshield (which is a joke). Nevertheless a very nice scooter.

[@1990-t1j]

This is the only EV bike that I could be interested in, only I don't live in London or England anymore. If I did, it could support, but never replace, an ICE bike. It is far too expensive where I am. And why does it need servicing every 10,000 km. You can bet it will only amount to a plug-in / diagnostic check for a ridiculous amount of money. The range is poor if you're gunning it, too. Stunning-looking scooter. The reverse is a great idea. The Triumph Rocket 3 R needs that feature. Nick

[@marinusk67]

if it is uncomfortable you don't get used to it , you wil sell it

[@jasonchatto]

Pricey

[@athollmcnicoll1028]

If it was less pricey I might Charlie put an order in but I am mainly a car driver and love speeding in my Fiesta.

[@denisbassom172]

£14K for the equivalent of a 400cc scooter with a limited range, particularly in winter and when it is a few years old...pretty small market.

[@andrewmorgan6775]

Don't fall for the crap about the batteries, there a sevn year old Tesla that covered 1000 miles and the battery still has over 80% Robert LLewelyns Leaf was ten years old and the battery was around 70%, he had it swapped out, the video is on Fully Charged.

[@hermanstokbrood]

@@andrewmorgan6775 Huh? He only says it's hard to swallow the price when you can get a equally good scooter for way less without having range anxiety .

[@ram64man]

This is exactly why combustion bikes should still exist come 2035

[@timscott3027]

It looks like that seat hump is a bad idea, if you could slide forward or backward into a more comfortable position it might be better. 14 grand though? You could get a zero SR for 18 only a few more but double the range and power or there are loads of smaller 50 60 70 mph scooters for 4 5 6 grand. I suppose it's true of the tmax as well probably the main competition like you said.

[@andrewmorgan6775]

For 13k more you have an Energica Ego, more speed than even the zero and way better range, plus, Energica has CCS rapid charging. Zero need to drop their prices or up their game.

[@timscott3027]

@@andrewmorgan6775 yeah I agree zero need to go CCS

[@Romiman1]

I have one. And I have chosen the bench with the rear positioned* hump. I don't want to miss it. Especially when accelerating, it is good to be pushed by it. *BMW offers 3 shapes for the bench, a totally flat one (the "ironing board"), one with hump in the middle (You see in this video) and one with the hump closer to the rear end. (+different colors and seat-heating optional).

[@timscott3027]

@@Romiman1 nice I didn't know that

[@rodericde876]

Hard to achieve the energy density required for adequate recreational or touring range within the space constraints of a motorcycle. With recharging necessary every 100 to 150 km there are not enough type 4 fast chargers around to enable a “good ride” especially out in the countryside where you want to be. With better batteries, better charging infrastructure and more compact on board chargers, batteries and controllers proper motorcycles will be possible. In the meantime electric commuting is a no brainer. Hats off though to Zero and Energica for pushing the limits of what an electric motorcycle can be under current restraints.

[@pcarts232]

I just got one of these! If I had to sum it up in one word it would be… Interesting “ 😂👍🏾 I will say this though I’ve totally fallen out of love with my Speed Triple RS 1200 …… until now 😂👍🏾 enough said lol

[@jasonchatto]

Need a good 125

[@ewadge]

I considered this bike but putting on a top box takes up space for the pillion rider. It’s also a BMW so I’d get ripped off at the local dealer whenever I’d need anything done.

[@declancrowley2155]

Shad make a top box that sits behind the pillion seat. I bought one for less than half the cost of the BMW version.

[@hermanstokbrood]

"If it was a bit cheaper" ...... Yeah, wouldn't we all like that?

[@Bobbgeane]

When its operating. After three months, the bike wont power up. Back to BMW for repair.

[@ronedwards8239]

Had mine over 1 1/2 years. No issues. Last summer I had the software updated so it could charge on my Wallbox.

[@jasonchatto]

Looks great. Costs too much

[@RedBatteryHead]

Obviously battery is better cause of the emissions. We all like riding in nature. So why would you like to gas it up 🤷‍♂️ That's my reason I switched to Energica . I like that BMW funky design. Pitty it's not charging on CCS. Would make it a tourer too.

[@Rick-ve5lx]

That tiny orange screen is a joke. Tall clear screen please.

[@declancrowley2155]

I have the "tall screen" option on mine and it is also a joke!

[@andrewmorgan6775]

12k for a 50 mile range Charlie? Whoever thought that up should be on a stage!

[@RedBatteryHead]

80 miles.

[@andrewmorgan6775]

@@RedBatteryHead If you're pootling around town perhaps but you get over 50 and your range drops like a two stroke twin.

[@RedBatteryHead]

@@andrewmorgan6775 is an 8,5kWh battery. Average consumption with 100/h is 10kW When I compare my less efficient Energica. So 50 miles highway could be right. However. Going secondary roads and city this drop dramatically by almost half. So 80 is a realistic figure too.

[@andrewmorgan6775]

@@RedBatteryHead I get what you mean dude, I was basing my comment on the test that Teapot one did, his was mainly fast A roads. There is a place for all these machines but the manufacturers need to give clear information about speed and range. You don't buy an Micra for long motorway journeys nor would you buy a Mercedes to nip to the shops. I'm looking for something I can plug in so it's full whenever I want to jump on and go for a quick ride in the country, An hour so just riding. If only someone would sell the Alrendo TS Bravo in the UK..Which Energica did you get?

[@RedBatteryHead]

@@andrewmorgan6775 I've got an '18 EVA107. It's quickly charged with CCS on 19kW. The current Ribelle plus has an 70% larger battery charges in 24kW. I like the Alrendo too. It's on sale in NL. Got decent battery and range. It's a moderate bike in performance. Albeit Quick enough. AC charging is not for me whilst touring. But when you only do a 150km round you could do without street charging on that one. I'm mostly out for 175-200. Charging once fully or twice short ones.

[@ReevansElectro]

Petrolheads are always petrolheads until they open their minds and ride a good electric bike.

[@QuietStormX]

EV Schooter!

[@andylewis210]

Electric bikes of all types are too expensive and unusable (for most) due to restricted range and inadequate charging infrastructure

[@PrestonBannister]

Suits me - bought one. Perfect for the commute to work. Quick enough to be fun, and get ahead of other drivers. Running cost and maintenance are near zero. Very quiet and civil. Easy to chat with folk on the side of the road. Would have bought at full price, but dealer marked down $4k to get rid of the 2023.