Remember the BMW C1? With its canopy and car-like seat, it was BMW Motorrad’s attempt at hybridizing a scooter and an automobile. It never caught on.
That hasn’t stopped the Bavarian marque from taking another crack at the idea. They’ve just pulled the wraps off the BMW Vision CE—an electric scooter prototype that revisits the C1 concept, 25 years after its initial launch.
Set to debut next week in Munich, at the IAA Mobility Motorshow—an event focused on next-gen mobility—the Vision CE is pitched as a future concept rather than a production-ready model.
We know that BMW Motorrad rarely releases a prototype that isn’t based on an existing or upcoming model to some extent. We’re seeing clear traces of the BMW CE 04 in the Vision CE, from the silhouette of the lower bodywork to the wheelbase, drivetrain, and trim. That’s no bad thing; the CE 04 is a fun scoot, if you can look past its exorbitant price tag.
The official BMW Vision CE press release is painfully light on details, but here’s what we do know. As with the C1, the Vision CE is designed to protect the rider without the need for a helmet or gear. To that end, a roll cage-like tubular structure runs over the top of the scooter. Drawing inspiration from dune buggies, it’s a departure from the fully enclosed canopy that the C1 had.
Additional security comes from the Vision CE’s seating arrangement, which pairs a scooter-style bench seat with a backrest that looks like it was yanked from a lightweight four-wheeler. A four-point seatbelt holds the rider in place.
The overall aesthetic is slick, modern, and edgy—the sort of vibe we’d expect from Vagabund Moto or Hookie Co. Stark black and white finishes dominate the sharp bodywork, punctuated by subtle aluminum and red touches. The cockpit is standard BMW scooter fare, the Maxxis tires show a hint of dual-sport capability, and the LED spotlights mounted to the cage offer some off-road style.
The Vision CE also sports crash bars up front, which serve to further protect the rider if things get random.
BMW also mentions, briefly, that the Vision CE comes with auto-balancing tech that keeps it upright when stationary, without its side stand. There’s no word on how it works, but it’s far too intriguing a detail to just gloss over.
The brand’s concept drawings also hint at the Vision CE’s potential for customization. Using the cage as a platform, BMW is teasing a host of bolt-on accessories, from full-length windscreens and storage options to various roof designs, some of which can carry cargo.
If the BMW Vision CE does make it to production, it will no doubt be a very niche machine with an eye-watering price tag. But we’re hoping it actually happens. Equal parts offbeat and whimsical, it’s got a strong two-wheeled beach buggy vibe—and we’re here for it.
It certainly won’t appeal to everyone—especially dyed-in-the-wool petrolheads. But BMW Motorrad isn’t targeting that crowd.
From safety features that cut the need for full motorcycle gear to the fact that it isn’t debuting at a major bike show, we’re convinced the Vision CE is aimed at automotive enthusiasts and early tech adopters.
We’re neither, but we’d still give it a go.
Source: BMW Motorrad
