BMW’s CE 02 scooter will tug your heartstrings, drain your wallet

Enlarge / It wasn’t the best weather for riding, but we braved the elements anyway to try out this adorable-looking machine. (credit: Daniel Kraus for BMW)

BMW provided flights from Albany to Portugal and accommodation so we could ride the CE 02. Ars does not accept paid editorial content.

While I wouldn’t say the BMW CE 02 has universal appeal, there is something incredibly compelling about the thing. It doesn’t matter if you’ve ever thrown a leg over a motorcycle or scooter or whether a two-wheeled means of conveyance makes any sense for your mobility needs.

Take one look, and you’ll probably want one.

Unfortunately, reading the particulars of the bike reduces its appeal dramatically. With a top speed of just 59 mph (95 km/h), a range of only 56 miles (90 km), and a recoil-generating base price of $7,599, the CE 02 is a tricky proposition.