BMW CE 04 Review: The Futuristic Electric Scooter

A spaceship on two wheels, the BMW CE 04 blends wild design, surprising performance, and EV tech for riders who want to make a statement in the city.

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If you’ve ever looked at an electric scooter and thought, “Meh, boring,” then the BMW CE 04 is here to melt that perception faster than a KL traffic jam melts your patience. When it first launched in 2022, it looked like something straight out of a futuristic movie and not the low-budget kind. Think Blade Runner, but with Petronas Twin Towers in the background.

BMW sold nearly 5,000 units in its first year, and while Europe went crazy for it, the Malaysian EV scene is catching up fast. We’ve got brands like Blueshark, RydeEV, Yadea and even Modenas MEV popping up everywhere, but the CE 04 is in a whole different league, maybe in its T20 class? 

Looks Like a Skateboard, Goes Like a Rocket

The “CE” which stands for Concept Electric, and that’s spot on because this thing doesn’t look like it should exist outside of a design studio. Long, low, and sleek, it’s got a stance that makes people stare, whether it’s parked outside a kopitiam or slicing through Bukit Bintang traffic.

Underneath the styling drama sits a liquid-cooled electric motor powered by an 8.9kWh lithium-ion battery. BMW says it’s equivalent to a 400cc petrol scooter, and with 42hp and 61Nm of torque, it feels every bit as quick as that claim.

Top speed? Around 128 km/h (electronically limited). And get this, even in Eco mode, you can still hit that top speed. The only difference between Eco, Road, and Sport is how quickly it gets there… and how fast your battery drains. Spoiler: Sport mode is addictive, but your range will vanish faster than durian at a night market.

But honestly, the moment you twist that throttle, it just takes off, real fast. I’ve compared it to the Honda X-ADV 750, and the CE 04’s torque hits way harder. I mean, of course, it’s electric, bro. That instant pull is addictive, and yep, it’s whisper-quiet. Even when you start it, you barely notice it’s on. The whole experience is just silky smooth.

Tech That’s Proper BMW

BMW didn’t just slap a motor on a frame and call it a day. The CE 04 comes with a massive 10.25-inch TFT screen with built-in navigation, full connectivity via the BMW Motorrad Connected app, and all your bike stats at a glance.

There’s also underseat storage, just enough for a full-face helmet if you’re not carrying the chunky Type 2 charging cable. Speaking of charging, a normal household socket takes about four hours for a full charge, but you can get BMW’s wallbox or use public charging with the optional Type 3 cable. Just… be ready for angry EV car owners if you take their parking spot.

How It Feels to Ride

Here’s the thing, the CE 04 is heavy. Like, 231kg heavy. That’s sports-touring bike territory. But once it’s moving, the weight disappears. The 15-inch wheels with scooter-sized tyres make it surprisingly agile for something that looks like a surfboard on wheels.

The flat seat might not win awards for long-distance comfort, but for zipping around town, it’s fine. Reverse assist is a nice touch for parking or even playing around, I mean it seriously. And BMW even offers a comfort seat and side bags if you want to dress it up for daily use.

The Downsides

It’s not perfect. There’s no swappable battery, so you’re stuck with charging it as-is. And when that battery eventually needs replacing, well… it’s a BMW. Bring your wallet.

Also, at RM59,500 before insurance, this is not your average scooter purchase. This is for riders who want to make a statement, embrace EV tech, and maybe enjoy the smug eco-friendly grin at the traffic lights.

Verdict

The BMW CE 04 is part motorcycle, part tech statement, part rolling art piece. It’s quick, it’s futuristic, and it’s surprisingly practical for city life. If you’ve been waiting for an electric two-wheeler that actually feels special and you’ve got the budget, this is the one.

If I had to buy an EV bike today, the CE 04 would be high on my list. But until then, I’ll still be eyeing that BMW M 1000 R for my petrol fix. Visit imotorbike.com for more!