Powered by 42 hp in our test ride

I never thought I’d be climbing the legendary Rohtang Pass on an electric scooter, but there I was, seated on the BMW CE 04, a machine that looks like it was teleported straight out of a science fiction movie. The morning chill at 3,978 meters above sea level didn’t bother me, but the anticipation of putting this futuristic scooter through its paces on one of India’s toughest roads had my adrenaline peaking. As I twisted the throttle, the CE 04 responded instantly with a clean, silent surge. No gear shifts, no engine grumble, just pure torque delivered directly to the wheel. The 42 hp peak output might not sound like much when compared to big adventure bikes, but the way the CE 04 delivers that power is something else. Twist and go. That’s it. The 230 kg weight felt far less intimidating than I expected. At low speeds, especially while negotiating tight hairpins and weaving through tourist traffic, the balance was excellent, thanks to the low center of gravity. Acceleration was astonishing. With a 0–50 km/h dash in just a few seconds, overtaking slow tourist buses or trucks lumbering up the pass felt effortless. Even at higher speeds, cruising near its 120 km/h max, the CE 04 was composed. It didn’t wobble or feel light like other scooters do at speed. It’s not just fast for an electric scooter, it’s fast, period. But what surprised me most wasn’t the speed, it was the control.

Battery technology and electric motor

Now, I’d read that the CE 04’s battery tech comes from the BMW iX SUV, and frankly, I didn’t expect much from a scooter battery. But the 8.9 kWh unit nestled under the floorboard changed my mind fast. Rohtang isn’t your average city ride, it’s a test of torque, battery endurance, and thermal management. And the CE 04 passed with flying colors. Despite constant elevation gains, switchbacks, and altitude-induced strain, the battery held its own. On a single charge, I covered just over 115 km before the indicator nudged into warning territory. Considering the elevation and frequent throttle bursts, that’s exceptional. The motor, derived from the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, was whisper-quiet. All I could hear was the wind and the crunch of gravel when I stopped to take in the views. It uses one-third of the full unit from the car, but that’s still more than enough. There was never a moment on the climb when it lacked grunt, even when overtaking at altitude. Plus, regenerative braking on downhill sections meant I was getting a bit of charge back as I descended, a feature that isn’t just smart, it’s necessary in terrains like this.

Cockpit and controls

If the CE 04’s drivetrain is all tech, the cockpit is where the future stares back at you. The 10.25-inch TFT display could give most premium cars a run for their money. Crisp, high contrast, and sunlight-readable, even under the harsh mountain sun, it was easy to glance down and check speed, battery, navigation, or incoming calls. BMW has nailed the user interface. Everything is controlled via a scroll wheel on the left handlebar, and within minutes, I was navigating through the menus with gloved hands like I’d been riding it for months. Want to take a call? Just tap. Need directions? Your paired smartphone streams the map straight to the screen. Music? Check. Battery health? Right there. The switches and controls are familiar if you’ve ever ridden a BMW bike before. There’s nothing alien here, just the next evolution of two-wheel control. The start-up sequence even feels like a ritual: unlock, arm, and silently glide forward. The future doesn’t roar, it hums. And comfort? Don’t let the slim seat fool you. I sat for hours, only stopping to hydrate or admire the panoramic Himalayan views. The windscreen offered more protection than I expected, and legroom was generous even for my 6-foot frame. The under-seat compartment is a clever bit of engineering too, opening sideways and swallowing a full-face helmet with ease.

Expensive assistance systems

You’re going to pay for all this brilliance. Let’s not pretend otherwise. The base CE 04 already starts at a premium €12,950, and once you tick a few boxes, heated grips and seats (a godsend at Rohtang), adaptive cornering headlights, full traction control, tire pressure monitoring, you’re looking at something easily crossing the €14,000 mark. But then again, this isn’t a regular scooter. The cornering ABS came into play more than once on those downhill hairpins with loose gravel. The CE 04 adjusted seamlessly, keeping me upright even when my inputs were a bit too optimistic. The dynamic traction control prevented any unintentional wheel spin when the rear tire caught slick patches of slush near the summit. It’s expensive, yes, but every euro feels accounted for. BMW didn’t build this for the bargain buyer, they built it to showcase what’s possible when the best minds in electric mobility put their heads together.

Technical data BMW CE 04

Manufacturer information	Specifications
Motor	– cylinder, electric motor, 0 cc displacement, 15.0 kW at /min, max. torque 62.0 at 4900 rpm, valves/cylinder, -, liquid cooling
Assistance systems	Manufacturer specifications: Maximum power 31 kW at 4,900 rpm, battery capacity 8.5 kWh; according to WMTC: consumption 7.7 kWh/100 km, range 130 km (according to manufacturer), charging time: 65 min for 80% charge
chassis	Double-cradle steel tube frame; mm telescopic fork, 100 mm travel; single-sided swing arm at the rear, 92 mm travel;
Mass	Empty weight approx. 230 kg, gross vehicle weight 410 kg; length/width/height 2285 / 855 / 1150 mm, seat height 780/800 mm; tank capacity l
Brakes	kA, front disc, 265 mm, rear disc, 265 mm
Performance / Consumption	Top speed approx. 120 km/h, 7.7 kWh/100 km l/100 km
Price	12,950 euros

Conclusion

Riding the BMW CE 04 up Rohtang was an experience unlike any other. It wasn’t just the novelty of an electric scooter climbing to nearly 4,000 meters. It was how it did it, with grace, power, silence, and zero emissions. It’s not just a scooter. It’s a revolution with two wheels and a TFT screen. It proves that electric isn’t a compromise anymore, it’s a choice, and in many ways, a better one. It made the climb not just easier, but cleaner, smoother, and more connected than I ever imagined. Sure, it’s pricey. Sure, it’s not for everyone. But if the future of urban commuting is this thrilling, count me in. Because when I turned around and looked down at the winding ribbon of road we’d just climbed, I didn’t hear the usual echo of revving engines. All I heard was the wind, and the soft crackle of electric victory.