BMW's Current Electric Motorcycle Lineup

BMW makes two electric motorcycles available to consumers: the CE 04 and the CE 02. The CE 04 is the larger, highway-capable model designed for commuting and longer rides. The CE 02 is a smaller, lighter bike aimed at urban riding and shorter trips. Both use electric motors instead of gasoline engines, meaning they plug in to charge rather than visit a gas station.

The CE 04 produces 42 horsepower and reaches a top speed of 75 mph. Its battery holds enough charge for roughly 130 miles of mixed riding before needing a recharge. The CE 02 is less powerful—11 horsepower—and tops out around 45 mph, with a range of about 60 miles per charge. Neither bike requires a traditional motorcycle license in all states; some states classify them as mopeds or low-speed electric vehicles, which may have different licensing rules.

Pricing varies by model and region. The CE 04 typically costs more than the CE 02 because of its larger battery and motor. Availability also differs by country and dealer, so checking with a BMW motorcycle dealer in your area will give you current pricing and whether either model is in stock.

Key Takeaways

  • BMW offers two electric motorcycles: the CE 04 for highway commuting with 130-mile range, and the CE 02 for city riding with 60-mile range.
  • The CE 04 reaches 75 mph and produces 42 horsepower; the CE 02 maxes out at 45 mph with 11 horsepower.
  • Both bikes plug into standard outlets or dedicated chargers, with charging time ranging from a few hours to overnight depending on the charger type.
  • Licensing requirements vary by state—some treat electric motorcycles as mopeds or low-speed vehicles rather than full motorcycles.
  • Maintenance costs are typically lower than gas motorcycles because electric motors have fewer moving parts and no oil changes.

How Charging Works for BMW Electric Motorcycles

Both the CE 04 and CE 02 charge by plugging into an outlet, similar to charging a car or phone. The bikes come with a standard charging cable that works with a regular household outlet, though charging this way is slow—typically 8 to 12 hours for a full charge. A faster option is a dedicated Level 2 charger (the same type used for electric cars), which can fully charge the battery in 3 to 4 hours.

You can install a Level 2 charger at home if you have a garage or covered parking space. The installation cost varies depending on your electrical setup, but many electricians can handle it. If you don't have home charging, you'll need to rely on public charging stations or charge overnight using a standard outlet.

The CE 04's larger battery takes longer to charge than the CE 02's, so if you're considering one of these bikes, think about where you'll charge most often. Riders who commute daily and can charge at home or work find electric motorcycles practical. Those without reliable charging access may find the range limiting.

Range, Battery Life, and Real-World Riding

BMW's stated range figures—130 miles for the CE 04 and 60 miles for the CE 02—assume steady, moderate riding. Real-world range depends on how you ride. Aggressive acceleration, highway speeds, and cold weather all reduce range. A rider who accelerates hard and rides at top speed may see 20 to 30 percent less range than the EPA estimate.

The battery itself lasts for years, but capacity gradually decreases over time, similar to a phone battery. BMW typically warrants the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that period, the battery still works but holds less charge. Replacement batteries are expensive—often several thousand dollars—so this is a real cost to consider if you plan to keep the bike long-term.

Cold weather is harder on electric motorcycle batteries than warm weather. If you ride in winter, expect your range to drop by 20 to 40 percent in freezing temperatures. Some riders in cold climates keep their bikes in heated storage during winter or use them only for short trips when temperatures drop.

Licensing, Insurance, and Registration

Licensing requirements for electric motorcycles vary significantly by state. Some states treat the CE 04 as a full motorcycle and require a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. Other states classify it as a moped or low-speed electric vehicle, which may only require a regular driver's license or a separate moped endorsement. The CE 02, being smaller and slower, is more likely to fall into the moped category in most states.

Before buying, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm what license you'll need. This can affect your purchase decision, especially if you don't currently have a motorcycle endorsement and don't want to take the test.

Insurance for electric motorcycles is generally cheaper than for comparable gas motorcycles because repair costs are lower and theft rates are often lower. However, not all insurance companies offer policies for electric motorcycles yet, so you may need to call around. Registration is straightforward in most states—you register an electric motorcycle the same way you register a gas one, though some states offer tax incentives for electric vehicle purchases.

Maintenance and Operating Costs

Electric motorcycles have far fewer moving parts than gas bikes, which means less maintenance. There's no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, no transmission fluid, and no fuel filter. The main maintenance items are tire rotation, brake fluid checks, and battery health monitoring. Regenerative braking (where the motor slows the bike and recovers energy) means brake pads last much longer than on gas motorcycles.

The cost to "fuel" an electric motorcycle is much lower than gas. Charging the CE 04's battery fully costs roughly $2 to $4 in electricity, depending on your local rates. That covers 130 miles of riding. A gas motorcycle getting 40 miles per gallon would cost $10 to $15 in fuel for the same distance. Over a year, the savings add up significantly if you ride regularly.

Tire costs are similar to gas motorcycles, and you'll still need periodic inspections. The main wildcard is battery replacement, which is expensive but typically won't happen for 8 to 10 years of normal use. If you plan to keep the bike beyond that, budget for a replacement battery as a major future expense.

Where to Buy and Test Ride

BMW electric motorcycles are sold through authorized BMW motorcycle dealers. Not every BMW car dealership carries motorcycles, so you'll need to find one that specializes in bikes. You can search BMW's website for dealers near you, or call ahead to confirm they have the CE 04 or CE 02 in stock.

Test riding is important because electric motorcycles feel different from gas bikes—acceleration is when ready and smooth, there's no engine vibration, and the riding position may feel unfamiliar. Most dealers will let you take a bike out for a short ride before you commit to buying. If a dealer won't let you test ride, consider going elsewhere.

Pricing and availability change by season and region. Spring and early summer typically see more inventory and promotional offers. If you're buying in fall or winter, you may have fewer options or longer wait times. Asking the dealer about current promotions and expected delivery times will help you plan.

Comparing BMW Electric Motorcycles to Gas Alternatives

If you're deciding between an electric BMW and a traditional gas motorcycle, the main trade-offs are range versus refueling speed, and operating cost versus upfront price. A gas motorcycle can travel 200+ miles on a tank and refuel in minutes. An electric motorcycle has a shorter range but costs less to operate and requires no gas station visits.

Electric motorcycles are best for riders who have predictable, shorter commutes and access to charging. They're less practical for long road trips or riders who live in areas with no charging infrastructure. Gas motorcycles remain the better choice for riders who prioritize range and refueling convenience.

Noise and emissions also differ. Electric motorcycles are nearly silent and produce zero tailpipe emissions, which appeals to urban riders and environmentally conscious buyers. Gas motorcycles are louder and produce emissions, though modern bikes are far cleaner than older models. If you ride in a noise-sensitive area or want to minimize your environmental impact, electric makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a BMW electric motorcycle on the highway?

The CE 04 can legally ride on highways in most states because it reaches 75 mph. However, its 130-mile range means you'll need to plan charging stops on longer trips. The CE 02 is too slow for highway use and is designed for city riding only.

What happens if the battery dies while I'm riding?

The bike will gradually lose power as the battery depletes, similar to how a gas bike runs out of fuel. You won't suddenly stop; instead, the motor will produce less power until you can no longer maintain speed. Most riders get a warning display showing remaining range, so you can plan to charge before this happens.

Do I need a special outlet to charge at home?

A standard household outlet works, but charging is slow (8 to 12 hours). A dedicated Level 2 charger is faster (3 to 4 hours) and requires an electrician to install. Many homes can support Level 2 installation, but the cost varies based on your electrical panel and distance to your parking area.

Is the battery waterproof if I ride in the rain?

Yes, the battery and electrical components are sealed and waterproof. You can ride in rain without risk of electrical damage. However, avoid submerging the bike or riding through deep water, as with any motorcycle.

How much does a replacement battery cost?

Replacement batteries for BMW electric motorcycles typically cost several thousand dollars, though exact pricing varies by model and dealer. This is why warranty coverage (usually 8 years or 100,000 miles) matters. If you plan to keep the bike beyond the warranty period, factor battery replacement into your long-term ownership costs.