Self-Balancing BMW Motorrad Vision CE Teases the Future of Electric Scooters

BMW Motorrad is known for its showstoppers and the Vision CE, unveiled ahead of the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, is no exception. This electric scooter combines safety, accessibility and a radical vision of urban mobility into something that looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. Why? It has a protective cage, a seatbelt and a self-balancing mechanism.

A tubular aluminum cage surrounds the rider, forming a protective shell that BMW says eliminates the need for a helmet or other special riding gear. This isn’t a flimsy frame; it’s a solid construction with a full-back seat that includes a five-point seatbelt and headrest, car-like safety on two wheels. A rear-facing radar, which is most likely coupled to a collision warning system, adds an added layer of safety by monitoring the traffic behind you. For newcomers who are scared by the balancing task of traditional motorcycles, this could be a game changer, providing a safe ride without sacrificing the open-air excitement of a scooter.

Balancing a motorcycle at a standstill is a skill that requires experience, but the Vision CE wants to eliminate that. BMW has given this prototype a self-balancing technology that allows the scooter to stay upright when stopped. This feature was hinted at in previous, more fantastical concepts like the Vision Next 100 and it could revolutionize the experience for newbies or anyone dealing with stop-and-go city traffic. While we don’t know how this works – BMW hasn’t revealed the tech behind the magic – it’s easy to see the appeal.

Based on the CE 04 platform, the Vision CE has a long wheelbase and low seat height, so it feels solid and stable. Forward-set footrests make it easy to get comfortable for a ride through traffic. While the CE 04 had elegant, futuristic lines, the Vision CE goes bold with the cage design. Coated aluminum tubes in sharp matt white with black accents and neon red pops look stunning, almost sculptural. It’s modern without being boring and the open cage doesn’t make it feel heavy or cramped. This is more than a car; it’s the future of urban mobility.

The cage is also a mounting point for extras so you can customize the scooter to your needs. Want to be protected from rain or wind? Install full windshield, roof or leg panels. Need to carry stuff for a weekend trip? Install luggage racks or extra lighting. BMW’s renders show sets ranging from a “DJ” configuration – with bold graphics and a city night feel – to a camping setup for off-road adventure. This flexibility makes the Vision CE feel less like one scooter and more like a platform for infinite possibilities, whatever your lifestyle requires.

Performance details are under wraps, but the CE 04 is a good indicator. The CE 04 has 42 horsepower, 46 lb-ft of torque, 75 mph top speed and 80 miles Eco mode range. The 8.9 kWh battery takes around 4 hours to fully charge with a standard charger and just over an hour with a fast charger. The Vision CE’s extra cage weight may reduce that range slightly but the common platform suggests similar performance – enough to carve through city streets. BMW hasn’t confirmed if these specs will carry over but the CE 04’s track record as an electric scooter leader sets the bar high.
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