BMW is on a mission to become a leader in electric mobility. Part of its strategy to do so involves a bold new electric scooter concept – called the Motorrad Definition CE 04 – designed to ‘redefine the scooter segment.’ It’s an evolution of the company’s wacky Concept Link electric scooter from 2017 and just a step away from becoming a super futuristic-looking production bike. The production reveal is planned for a few months from now.
Head of Vehicle Design BMW Motorrad, Alexander Buckan, said:
We have managed to transfer many innovative elements and details of the concept into the series. The technical realities of electric drive – such as the flat energy packs in the underfloor and the compact drive train – allow us to create a highly distinctive design that defines a new, urban aesthetic and which differentiates itself clearly from conventional styling. A design that follows the basic needs for simple functionality, clear aesthetics, and the digital reality today’s users live in. The new architecture has led to a visual revolution and has produced many new design themes. Maybe it will polarize, but it will definitely stand out.
The elongated, low body and linear, flat one-size-fits-all seat leading to a diagonally rising front end is a fresh new aesthetic that breaks away from the look of scooters as we know them. The side panels don’t cover the vehicle’s rear section completely to show-off the bike’s technology and internal mechanics. The feature gives the bike a more industrial feel than your average scooter.
Buckan said:
A scooter is not a “fun bike” which is taken for a ride in the mountains in fine weather, but a practical everyday vehicle for driving from home to the office or meeting friends in the evening – simply a vehicle for every day in the city. That’s why we dealt intensively with the design of the drive and energy storage system in order to make it meet the needs of the actual user: The urban target group mainly rides short distances of approximately 12 km per day. Long-distance comfort is, therefore, less important than variable ergonomics and easy accessibility. In this way, we were able to create a “floating” seat bench seat, which allows you to glide comfortably onto the vehicle even from behind. It also offers improved ergonomics for single riders, regardless of leg length and height.
The battery – with around 120 km (75 miles) of range – rests flat in the underbody, relieving space for storage. Thanks to that, below the seat, there’s a hidden compartment for a helmet.
BMW has been dedicated to electric mobility for many years now. Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad, explained:
Electric mobility is a central drive system for the BMW Group, and we are consistently relying on this technology in our sustainability strategy. Electric drives are also a current topic for BMW Motorrad, especially for the urban environment. Since 2013, we have been a pioneer in this area with the BMW C evolution scooter. The BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 is the logical continuation of the electromobility strategy for urban conurbations and provides a concrete preview of what a contemporary production vehicle could look like, with which we will take two-wheel electric mobility in metropolitan areas to a new level, both technically and visually.
And while the latest concept bike is a show-stopper, the most exciting feature may well be the clothing that comes as part of the package. The Motorrad Definition CE 04 comes with a matching Parka that interacts with the bike, allowing the jacket to act as brake light enhancement by lighting up when the rider pushes on the breaks. The lightly armored jacket also has a built-in power source to charge a phone wirelessly while it’s in a pocket.
Head of Rider Equipment Design at BMW Motorrad, Julia Lein, said:
We deliberately wanted to create a fashionable look that is urban yet highly functional rather than classic motorcycle clothing. We want to develop products with which you can get off the vehicle and go about your everyday business hassle-free. At the same time, the rider equipment offers the protection you are used to from BMW Motorrad and even becomes part of the vehicle communication to the outside world.
There’s no news yet when the Motorrad Definition CE 04 will be production-ready, but BMW will likely dish out more information about the futuristic scooter soon.
