Style studies are often tempting, but we are too often disappointed when the end result is a watered-down production model. Fortunately, this does not seem to be the case with the BMW CE-04 electric scooter. Indeed, it appears to be moving closer to production after BMW Motorrad recently filed the design with the European Union Intellectual Property Office.
The registered design is almost indistinguishable from that of the concept, the main differences are the addition of mirrors, which were absent on the concept, as well as a longer rear mudguard which also serves as a license plate holder, and an LED taillight.
Subtle changes appear such as the shape of the passenger footrests slightly repositioned and redesigned, while the saddle remains ironed and has lost the central hump which separated the rider from the passenger on the concept version. The center stand is also disappearing, but it is likely that it will be available as an option.
For the rest, the CE 04 remains substantially unchanged. In terms of technology, we got a pretty good look at the CE 04's innards when the concept was revealed. The battery will occupy the space under the saddle, but leaving a loading compartment accessible from the sides. The electric motor is just behind the battery, but unlike most scooters, it's not integrated into the swingarm, mounting to the tubular steel frame instead to keep unsprung mass to a minimum. It will use an exposed belt final drive.
The front suspension may be hidden, but it's pretty conventional. Dual disc brakes with radial calipers suggest distinct scooter-like performance. Like the concept, the CE-04 in almost final version sports a solid rear wheel, just like the one located at the front which seems identical. The large 10,25-inch TFT instrument cluster is already offered on some BMW models, with split-screen capability to allow navigation or multimedia functions to share the display with more conventional readouts.
The Bavarian brand has also registered the name CE-02, which is surely intended for a smaller and less efficient electric scooter. Rumors suggest that the CE-04 could already enter production by the end of the year.
