BMW unveils Vision CE, a self-balancing electric scooter with protective cage

[midian182]

In brief: BMW is known for the expensive, luxury cars it makes, but the company also builds some popular electric scooters. At the IAA Mobility 2025 show, it unveiled the Vision CE, which is essentially an electric self-balancing model with an enclosure.

The Vision CE owes a lot of its design language to the old BMW C1, a scooter from 2000 that also featured an enclosure. The idea was to combine the convenience of a scooter with the safety of car, but it never sold well and was discontinued in 2002.

The German automotive giant has since made several popular electric scooters, including the CE 02 and CE 04, both of which began life as concepts before their launch.

Thanks to its cage and four-point seatbelt, Vision CE drivers don't have to worry about wearing a helmet or other safety gear – probably.

The enclosure frame is made of lightweight metal tubes that act as a protective roll cage while also allowing the high-backed seat and belt.

The most interesting feature is the Vision CE's self-balancing technology. Not only does this keep the scooter stable while moving at slow speeds through traffic – something many new riders struggle with – but BMW claims it will completely self-balance while stationary, which should make stopping at traffic lights more akin to being in a car than a scooter or motorbike.

The Vision CE is expected to be similar in performance to the CE 04, which can reach 75 mph using its 42-horsepower engine. The CE 04 also has an 80-mile range, 8.9 kWh battery, 62Nm of peak torque, and a $12,195 price tag for the base model. The Vision CE's cage will likely impact the its max speed and range, of course.

Assuming it makes it beyond the concept stage, buyers will be able to make the Vision CE even more car-like by adding optional extras like a full windshield, roof and wind-deflecting panels to keep their legs warm. There are also accessories like luggage racks and auxiliary lights.

No word on a potential price for the Vision CE, though it will likely cost a lot more than the CE 04. With its enclosure and self-balancing abilities, it could appeal to those who've always wanted a scooter but aren't keen on sacrificing car convenience and safety.

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BMW unveils Vision CE, a self-balancing electric scooter with protective cage

 

[Lowhangingfruit]

Is it just for 1 person? That's not very practical. I think ubereats delivery drivers might be the best audience for this.

Also, you should definitely wear a helmet.

 

[Steveb8189]

I would say it was far from "combining the best elements of a car and scooter" - sorry, but this seems to do exactly the opposite.

I've never had to consider it before but I'd suggest doors are one of the best elements of a car, along with 5 + seats

 

[yRaz]

The cage will require a subscription or it will fall apart in an accident

 

[NumberNine]

Driving something like this in the rain without a helmet is the kind of thing even a moderately intelligent person would try one time at the most. From there on you have insects, birds, gravel, and more... any of which would be more than sufficient to correct your sensibilities upon impact.

 

[mbk34]

There were a few scooters out there with "cages" but none were very popular. I suppose they kept the rain off but they were difficult to thread through traffic (in countries where that's allowed) due to the height of the cage. There's also a couple of 3 wheel scooters where you don't need to put your foot down and don't need to use energy to stay upright. Anyway, being stable at slow speeds is easy on any bike with just a little practice and $12K just to avoid putting your foot down at the lights is never going to work.

 

[disinfect8280]

The cage will require a subscription or it will fall apart in an accident

Well played.

 

[ScottSoapbox]

A 2 wheeled golf cart for the man that wants a motorcycle but is terrified of it.

 

[Underdog]

What a totally absurd idea. What sort of training/licensing/insurance/periodic technical inspection will be compulsory for this thing? Simple electric scooters are unregulated where I live and the antics their ***** riders get away with is criminal and seriously dangerous. 75mph performance makes this about as dangerous as ................................

 

[VitalyT]

Special seat + enhaler are subscription-only...

 

[Steveb8189]

What a totally absurd idea. What sort of training/licensing/insurance/periodic technical inspection will be compulsory for this thing? Simple electric scooters are unregulated where I live and the antics their ***** riders get away with is criminal and seriously dangerous. 75mph performance makes this about as dangerous as ................................

Don't be absured. Most countries have electric motorbikes and mopeds now, including France.

 

[Che Cazzo]

Driving something like this in the rain without a helmet is the kind of thing even a moderately intelligent person would try one time at the most. From there on you have insects, birds, gravel, and more... any of which would be more than sufficient to correct your sensibilities upon impact.

Rain, insects, birds, gravel etc.... Yeah, all those insane people driving........convertibles!! I am sure they share your absurd opinion!!

Strange how car companies managed to sell millions of them......despite such amazingly intelligent but negative opinions on them. Really weird.

 

[Steveb8189]

Rain, insects, birds, gravel etc.... Yeah, all those insane people driving........convertibles!! I am sure they share your absurd opinion!!

Strange how car companies managed to sell millions of them......despite such amazingly intelligent but negative opinions on them. Really weird.

Have you ever driven a convertible. I accept rain can be an issue but none of the others you mention are a problem at all.

 

[Rudyduu]

Is it just for 1 person? That's not very practical. I think ubereats delivery drivers might be the best audience for this.

Also, you should definitely wear a helmet.

It's a scooter that's modular so it's more practical than a non-modular scooter. It has a cage and seatbelt meaning in some countries protective equipment isn't required which is great for delivery drivers.

What a totally absurd idea. What sort of training/licensing/insurance/periodic technical inspection will be compulsory for this thing? Simple electric scooters are unregulated where I live and the antics their ***** riders get away with is criminal and seriously dangerous. 75mph performance makes this about as dangerous as ................................

It's got the same requirements as a motorcycle. Thinking it's unregulated just because it's electric means you likely don't know the regulations.

 

[Rudyduu]

Driving something like this in the rain without a helmet is the kind of thing even a moderately intelligent person would try one time at the most. From there on you have insects, birds, gravel, and more... any of which would be more than sufficient to correct your sensibilities upon impact.

If a person wants to ride without a helmet, but wants protection they can install the windshield.

 

[Che Cazzo]

Have you ever driven a convertible. I accept rain can be an issue but none of the others you mention are a problem at all.

If you have the vaguest idea what a convertible or even a motorcycle is, you wouldn't be posting such embarrassing nuggets of wisdom!!

Some village is missing their stationary training tricycle, I bet you know where it is.

 

[Stiqy]

The people who can afford this will never buy this.
This is like marketing a $2500 version of a chromebook.

E-scooters are not the transportation answer of people who have what this costs.

 

[TempleOrion]

If you have the vaguest idea what a convertible or even a motorcycle is, you wouldn't be posting such embarrassing nuggets of wisdom!!

Some village is missing their stationary training tricycle, I bet you know where it is.

The one that should be embarrassed is you, posting textual diarrhoea PMSL

 

[Q Wales]

Loved the video, looks good, not as good as that car and buggy at the beginning but definitely better than the ridiculously heavy C1 I have in my garage.