BMW's Electric Motorcycle Lineup and Where to Find Them

BMW currently makes two electric motorcycles available to consumers in most markets: the CE 04 and the CE 02. The CE 04 is the larger, highway-capable model designed for commuting and longer trips. The CE 02 is a smaller, lighter bike aimed at urban riding and shorter distances. Both are street-legal in the United States and Europe, though availability and pricing vary by region and dealer.

BMW also produces the CE 05, which launched in Europe and Asia but has not been confirmed for U.S. sale as of now. This model sits between the CE 02 and CE 04 in size and capability. Before shopping, check with a BMW motorcycle dealer in your area to confirm which models they stock and what the current wait time is—electric motorcycle demand has created backlogs at some locations.

Key Takeaways

  • The CE 04 offers roughly 80 miles of range per charge and can reach highway speeds, making it suitable for daily commutes and weekend rides.
  • The CE 02 is lighter and cheaper but has a shorter range (around 50 miles) and lower top speed, designed mainly for city riding.
  • Charging time varies: a Level 2 home charger takes 4 to 6 hours for a full charge, while a DC fast charger can add 80 percent range in under an hour.
  • Purchase price for a new BMW electric motorcycle ranges from roughly $8,000 to $12,000 depending on the model and your location.
  • Maintenance costs are lower than gas motorcycles because there is no oil, spark plugs, or transmission fluid to replace.

CE 04: Highway-Ready Range and Performance

The CE 04 is BMW's flagship electric motorcycle. It has a maximum range of approximately 80 miles under ideal conditions, though real-world range typically falls between 50 and 70 miles depending on riding style, weather, and terrain. The motor produces 42 kilowatts (56 horsepower), which is enough to merge on highways and cruise at 75 mph comfortably. Top speed is around 100 mph.

The battery is a 10.5 kWh lithium-ion pack mounted low in the frame for stability. Charging at home with a Level 2 charger (240V) takes approximately 4 to 6 hours for a full charge. Using a DC fast charger at a public station, you can recover 80 percent capacity in roughly 45 minutes. The bike weighs 412 pounds, which is heavier than many gas motorcycles but manageable for most riders.

The CE 04 comes with ABS, traction control, and multiple riding modes that adjust power delivery and regenerative braking. The seat height is 31.5 inches, and the bike has a small storage compartment under the seat. Pricing starts around $11,500 before any state or local incentives.

CE 02: Compact Urban Commuter

The CE 02 is designed for city riding and short commutes. It has a maximum range of approximately 50 miles, with real-world range typically between 35 and 45 miles. The motor produces 11 kilowatts (15 horsepower), which is sufficient for city speeds up to 60 mph but not for highway riding. Top speed is around 62 mph.

The battery is a 4.3 kWh lithium-ion pack. Charging at home with Level 2 takes 3 to 4 hours. DC fast charging can add 80 percent range in roughly 30 minutes. The CE 02 weighs only 264 pounds, making it one of the lightest electric motorcycles on the market and easier to handle for new riders or those with less upper body strength.

The CE 02 includes ABS and a single riding mode. The seat height is 28.9 inches, the lowest of BMW's electric line. Pricing starts around $8,000 before incentives. This model is particularly popular in Europe and Asia but has limited availability in the United States.

Charging Infrastructure and Home Setup Costs

Charging a BMW electric motorcycle at home requires either a standard 120V outlet or a dedicated Level 2 charger. A 120V outlet will charge the CE 04 fully in roughly 12 to 15 hours and the CE 02 in 8 to 10 hours—practical only if you charge overnight and do not ride daily. Most owners install a Level 2 charger, which runs on 240V and cuts charging time to 4 to 6 hours for the CE 04 and 3 to 4 hours for the CE 02.

A Level 2 home charger installation typically costs between $500 and $2,000 depending on your electrical panel capacity and how far the charger is from your service entrance. BMW includes a portable charging cable with each bike, but a wall-mounted charger is more convenient and safer for regular use. Many states and utilities offer rebates for Level 2 charger installation—check your local utility's website or the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for current programs.

Public DC fast charging is available through networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint, though availability varies by region. Most public chargers cost between $0.25 and $0.50 per kilowatt-hour, so a full charge on a CE 04 costs roughly $2.50 to $5.00 at a public charger. Home charging is significantly cheaper—typically $1.00 to $2.00 per full charge depending on your local electricity rate.

Maintenance, Warranty, and Long-Term Costs

Electric motorcycles have far fewer moving parts than gas bikes, which means lower maintenance costs. There is no oil to change, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid, and no coolant. The main maintenance items are tire rotation, brake fluid replacement every two years, and brake pad inspection. Regenerative braking means brake pads wear more slowly than on gas motorcycles.

BMW covers the battery under an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first. This covers defects and capacity loss beyond normal degradation. In practice, lithium-ion motorcycle batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of their capacity after 100,000 miles. Replacing a battery outside warranty costs between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on the model, but this is a rare expense for owners who keep their bikes for a typical ownership period.

Annual registration and insurance costs are similar to gas motorcycles, though some insurers offer small discounts for electric bikes because they are less likely to be stolen and have lower repair costs. Tire replacement is the largest recurring expense after electricity, and tires for electric motorcycles cost roughly the same as for comparable gas bikes.

Comparing BMW Electric Motorcycles to Gas and Other Brands

BMW electric motorcycles cost more upfront than entry-level gas motorcycles—a new CE 04 runs $11,500 versus $5,000 to $7,000 for a comparable gas bike. However, the total cost of ownership over five years often favors the electric bike because fuel and maintenance are so much cheaper. Electricity costs roughly one-fifth what gasoline costs per mile, and maintenance is a fraction of what a gas engine requires.

Other manufacturers offer electric motorcycles in similar categories. Harley-Davidson makes the LiveWire, which is heavier and more expensive than the CE 04 but has similar range. Zero Motorcycles offers lighter, more affordable models but with less range and lower top speeds. Energica, an Italian brand, makes high-performance electric bikes but at significantly higher prices. BMW's CE 04 sits in the middle of the market for price, performance, and practicality.

The main trade-off is range. A gas motorcycle can travel 200+ miles on a tank, while the CE 04 maxes out around 80 miles. For daily commutes under 40 miles, this is not a limitation. For weekend road trips or long-distance riding, you will need to plan charging stops or stick with a gas bike.

State and Federal Incentives for Purchase

Federal tax credits for electric motorcycles are limited compared to cars. The U.S. federal government does not currently offer a direct tax credit for motorcycle purchases. However, some states and local jurisdictions offer rebates or tax credits. California, Colorado, and a few other states have programs that provide $500 to $2,000 rebates on electric motorcycle purchases. These programs change year to year, so check your state's energy office or environmental agency website for current offerings.

Some utility companies also offer rebates for purchasing an electric vehicle, including motorcycles. These are usually smaller—$100 to $500—but worth checking. Additionally, if you install a Level 2 home charger, you may be able to claim the installation cost as part of a broader home energy efficiency tax credit in some states, though this varies by jurisdiction and tax year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a BMW electric motorcycle battery last?

BMW covers the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Most owners report their batteries retain 80 to 90 percent capacity after that point. Actual lifespan depends on charging habits, climate, and riding style. Keeping the battery between 20 and 80 percent charge most of the time extends its life.

Can I ride a BMW electric motorcycle in the rain?

Yes. Both the CE 04 and CE 02 are sealed and waterproofed for normal rain and wet conditions. They are not designed for submersion or fording through deep water, but riding in rain is safe. Wet roads reduce traction the same way they do for gas motorcycles, so adjust your speed and braking accordingly.

What is the difference between the CE 04 and CE 02?

The CE 04 is larger, heavier, and more powerful—suitable for highway riding and longer commutes. The CE 02 is lighter, cheaper, and designed for city riding only. Choose the CE 04 if you ride on highways or need more than 50 miles of range. Choose the CE 02 if you ride only in cities and want the lowest price and weight.

Do I need a special motorcycle license to ride an electric BMW?

No. Electric motorcycles are classified the same as gas motorcycles for licensing purposes. You need a standard motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. Some states have separate classes based on engine size or power output, so check your state's DMV website for the specific requirements for the model you plan to ride.

Where can I test ride a BMW electric motorcycle?

Contact BMW motorcycle dealers in your area. Not all dealers stock electric models, so call ahead. Many dealers offer test rides by appointment. Some also participate in demo events where you can ride multiple models in one location. BMW's website has a dealer locator tool to find the nearest location.