BMW CE 04 Electric Motorcycle Review: Price, Range, Economy, Durability and Futuristic Design

The BMW CE 04 is one of the most unconventional electric two-wheelers I have encountered. It does not try to look like a traditional scooter, and it certainly does not try to hide the fact that it is electric. From its long, low body to its floating-style seat and exposed rear wheel, the CE 04 looks like something that escaped from a science-fiction movie and somehow ended up in city traffic.

As an electric-vehicle critic, I find the CE 04 particularly interesting because it sits between a premium scooter, a commuter vehicle and a technology showcase. It is expensive, heavy and unconventional, but it also delivers impressive acceleration, sophisticated electronics and a level of build quality that you would expect from BMW.

For 2026, BMW Motorrad Philippines lists the BMW CE 04 at ₱895,000. That immediately puts it into a very different category from mainstream electric scooters.

So, is the BMW CE 04 actually worth considering? In this detailed review, I will examine its price, design, performance, battery, range, charging, running economy, durability, practicality, comfort, technology and ownership experience.

BMW CE 04 Price in the Philippines

The first thing I have to discuss is the price.

According to BMW Motorrad Philippines, the 2026 BMW CE 04 starts at ₱895,000. This is the official Philippine price currently listed by BMW Motorrad Philippines, although optional equipment and accessories can increase the final purchase price.

At almost ₱900,000, the CE 04 is clearly not positioned as a budget transportation solution.

important because the biggest question surrounding this scooter isn't simply, "Is it good?"

It is:

"What are you actually paying for?"

My answer is that you are paying for a combination of BMW engineering, premium components, electric performance, technology and a design that is dramatically different from conventional scooters.

If your only objective is inexpensive transportation, there are obviously much cheaper ways to move around the city. But if you want a premium electric two-wheeler with substantial performance and a distinctive identity, the CE 04 becomes much more interesting.

Futuristic BMW CE 04 Design

The design is probably the first thing people will notice.

I would describe the BMW CE 04 as futuristic, minimalist and deliberately unconventional.

Instead of using the familiar rounded bodywork found on traditional scooters, BMW created a long, angular silhouette with a low-mounted battery and a distinctive floating-style seat. The rear wheel is visually exposed, while the body panels create a layered appearance.

Several reviewers have described the styling as futuristic or even science-fiction-like, and after looking closely at the motorcycle, I understand why.

The CE 04 also uses a single-sided swingarm, 15-inch wheels and a long wheelbase. The result is a motorcycle that looks substantially different from an ordinary city scooter.

The design isn't just about appearance, however.

BMW placed the high-voltage battery low in the chassis. That helps lower the center of gravity, which becomes particularly important because the CE 04 weighs approximately 231 kg ready to ride.

That's a lot of weight for a scooter.

But when riding, the low center of gravity helps make that weight more manageable.

BMW CE 04 Performance: Surprisingly Fast

This is where the CE 04 really changes the conversation.

The full-power BMW CE 04 produces up to 31 kW, equivalent to approximately 42 horsepower, with 62 Nm of torque. BMW claims 0–50 km/h in only 2.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 120 km/h.

For an urban electric scooter, those numbers are impressive.

Electric motors also deliver torque immediately, so there is no conventional transmission shifting through multiple gears. Twist the throttle and the motor responds almost instantly.

As a critic, this is one of the CE 04's strongest characteristics.

It doesn't feel like a slow electric commuter vehicle. It feels like a serious premium performance scooter.

The acceleration can actually require some adjustment if you're coming from a conventional gasoline scooter.

BMW offers several riding modes, including Eco, Rain and Road, with Dynamic available depending on specification. These modes change the character of acceleration and regenerative braking.

BMW CE 04 Battery and Range

The battery is one of the most important parts of any electric vehicle.

The CE 04 uses a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the floor area. BMW lists an energy capacity of approximately 8.5 kWh, with the standard full-power model delivering a claimed 130 km WMTC range.

I would not treat the 130-km figure as a guaranteed real-world distance under every condition.

Electric-vehicle range depends heavily on:

• Riding speed
• Acceleration
• Traffic
• Rider and passenger weight
• Road conditions
• Weather
• Tire pressure
• Battery condition
• Riding mode

BMW itself notes that temperature, riding style, vehicle load and battery ageing can all affect range.

This is particularly relevant in the Philippines.

Hot weather, heavy traffic, frequent acceleration and high-speed riding can all change energy consumption.

The good news is that regenerative braking can recover some energy during deceleration. BMW recommends using Eco mode, riding smoothly and maintaining proper tire pressure when maximum range is the priority.

Charging the BMW CE 04

Charging is another area where the CE 04 is more sophisticated than many ordinary electric scooters.

With the standard charger, BMW lists approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes for a 0–100% charge. The standard charging system can use a normal household outlet, with charging power of up to 2.3 kW.

For owners who want faster charging, an optional quick-charging system increases charging capability to 6.9 kW.

BMW states that with the quick charger, the CE 04 can reach approximately 80% in 65 minutes, while a complete charge takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes under the specified conditions.

For daily urban use, this is reasonably practical.

If I could charge at home every night, I would consider the charging situation much less of a concern than it would be for someone who relies entirely on public charging.

BMW CE 04 Economy: How Much Does It Cost to Operate?

This is where electric vehicles have a fundamental advantage.

BMW lists electrical consumption at approximately 7.7 kWh per 100 km under the WMTC test cycle.

Your actual electricity cost depends on your local electricity rate.

For example, if electricity costs ₱12 per kWh, consuming 7.7 kWh would theoretically cost around:

7.7 × ₱12 = ₱92.40 per 100 km

That is approximately ₱0.92 per kilometer for electricity under those assumptions.

Actual consumption will vary, so I would use this calculation as an illustration rather than a promise of real-world operating cost.

There are other potential savings too.

An electric motor does not require engine oil changes, spark plugs, fuel filters or conventional exhaust-system maintenance.

However, that doesn't mean the CE 04 is maintenance-free.

You still have tires, brakes, suspension, bearings, electronics and other components that require inspection and eventual replacement.

And because this is a premium BMW, specialized servicing may cost more than servicing a basic scooter.

Is the BMW CE 04 Durable?

Durability is one area where I would separate mechanical durability from battery longevity.

The CE 04 uses a steel frame, conventional telescopic front suspension, rear monoshock and disc brakes. BMW lists twin 265-mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers and a 265-mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. ABS is standard.

Those are substantial components.

Independent reviews have also generally found the build quality impressive. BikeWale, for example, noted good-quality parts and materials during its road test.

The battery deserves special attention.

BMW's CE 04 battery certificate specifies coverage for the high-voltage cell modules for up to 40,000 km or five years, depending on which condition comes first, under the terms of that certificate. It also addresses excessive capacity loss, with the certificate defining less than 70% of original net battery capacity as excessive during the applicable period.

That is significant because battery degradation is one of the biggest long-term concerns with electric vehicles.

Of course, a battery will naturally lose some capacity as it ages. BMW explicitly acknowledges this.

For a buyer spending nearly ₱900,000, I would definitely examine the exact local warranty and battery coverage terms offered by the Philippine dealer before signing the purchase agreement.

Riding Comfort and Handling

The CE 04 is a strange combination.

It is heavy at 231 kg, but the weight is positioned relatively low. That gives it a planted feeling once moving.

Independent road tests have reported that the CE 04 handles more like a motorcycle than a lightweight scooter.

The long wheelbase contributes to stability.

But there is a downside.

At parking-lot speeds, reversing, pushing the scooter or performing very tight maneuvers, you will notice its mass.

This is not the type of electric scooter I would describe as featherweight.

Seat comfort is also subjective. Some reviewers found the firm seat supportive for urban riding, while others criticized the relatively flat seat for longer journeys.

For commuting around the city, I think the ergonomics make sense.

For long-distance touring, I would want to spend significant time on the bike before purchasing it.

Technology and Features

The technology package is one of the CE 04's strongest selling points.

The scooter features a large 10.25-inch TFT display, smartphone connectivity and BMW Motorrad's connected technology.

You also get features such as:

• Keyless operation
• Navigation capability
• Smartphone integration
• USB-C charging
• Multiple riding modes
• Regenerative braking
• ABS
• Traction control
• Reverse assistance
• LED lighting

The large TFT screen is particularly impressive.

It gives the CE 04 a much more modern feeling than many traditional scooters.

BMW also provides information about battery state and estimated range through the TFT display and connected app.

Practicality: Where the CE 04 Has Some Weaknesses

This is where my enthusiasm becomes more measured.

The CE 04 looks futuristic, but futuristic doesn't automatically mean practical.

Storage is useful but not enormous. The under-seat compartment can accommodate the charging equipment, but some full-size helmets may not fit. There is also smartphone storage with USB-C charging.

The motorcycle's 231-kg weight can also make parking and maneuvering more demanding.

Then there's weather protection.

The relatively open scooter design doesn't provide the same kind of weather protection you might expect from a large touring scooter.

So I wouldn't buy the CE 04 solely because I want the most practical urban transportation solution.

I would buy it because I want premium electric performance combined with distinctive design and technology.

Final BMW CE 04 Review

After examining the BMW CE 04 from the perspective of an electric-vehicle critic, I see a machine that is intentionally different rather than universally practical.

Its biggest strengths are clear:

• Futuristic design.
• Instant electric acceleration.
• 120 km/h top speed.
• 130 km claimed WMTC range.
• Large 10.25-inch TFT display.
• Premium components.
• Low center of gravity.
• Strong braking system.
• Regenerative braking.
• Home and fast charging capability.

Its compromises are equally important:

• ₱895,000 starting price in the Philippines.
• 231-kg weight.
• Limited long-distance practicality.
• Potentially expensive premium servicing.
• Range that can vary considerably with riding conditions.
• Some questions around long-term battery replacement costs outside warranty coverage.

For me, the BMW CE 04 is not simply another electric scooter.

It is BMW's interpretation of what an urban electric two-wheeler can become.

The performance is strong enough to make it exciting, the technology makes it feel modern, and the design guarantees attention. At the same time, the high purchase price and considerable weight mean that buyers should understand exactly what they are getting.

If I were evaluating it strictly as an inexpensive transportation tool, the ₱895,000 price would be difficult to justify. But if I evaluate it as a premium electric motorcycle/scooter combining performance, technology, BMW engineering and futuristic styling, the CE 04 becomes much easier to understand.

Ultimately, the BMW CE 04 isn't trying to be everyone's scooter.

It is designed for the rider who wants something different—and is willing to pay a substantial premium to have it.

Cheerio!