BMW CE 04 (2022 - On) Review | MCN - Motorcycle News

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The BMW CE 04 is as practical and usable as it is stylish. Technology and know-how have been shared across BMW platforms, with the CE-04 adopting modified, smaller versions of the car battery cells as used in the iX range - ensuring reliability and safety.

If you’re yet to ride an electric motorcycle, the initial sensation can feel a little like Bambi on Ice. This dissipates within a few hundred meters on the CE 04 though and once the full colour TFT dash shows you're 'ready', you simply twist the throttle and go – like a silent conventional modern scooter.

The CE 04’s instantly accessible torque is not to be underestimated. Acceleration from a standstill is brisk to say the least, and out of town the CE 04 is happy to whizz up to an indicated 60mph without hesitation.

This is a surprisingly quick commuter, though rapid acceleration and aggressive riding will reduce the claimed 80-mile range. Maximum output is just shy of 42bhp at 4900rpm; with a claimed top speed of 120kph/75mph. Nought to 31mph is achievable in 2.6 seconds and you'll see 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds.

The all-important 100% charging time is four hours and 20 mins from a regular household socket or an hour and 40 minutes with an optional £850 fast charger. A 20% - 80% charge takes just 45 minutes with the fast charger or one hour 40 minutes from a regular household socket.

There is no lag or clutch delay, no build-up of revs. Instead there is instant torque and acceleration (peak torque is as just 1500rpm). As well as the three riding modes, our test scoot also had the optional Dynamic mode fitted.

Each mode has a different throttle response and engine brake strategy, which regenerates energy back to the battery. Eco, for example, is very soft, with maximum battery recuperation and strong engine braking, while Road delivers full acceleration and dramatically reduced engine braking and regeneration.

Dynamic mode gives enough oomph to embarrass most motorists from the lights, the traction control activating from time to time over slippery white lines and cats-eyes.