essence a BMX on steroids - with high bars giving superb vision , and delivering immediate , smooth , twist-and-go performance up to 95km / h . Some clever energy scavenging modes , means a distance between charges of about 78km - depending on how hard you want to fang it . And fang it you will ! Surprisingly excellent suspension takes care of those bloody speed humps , common in every city , and smooth the way excellently . The brakes are simply sensational and would be happy gracing a bike twice the weight . Stopping will never be a problem . There ’ s ABS at the front only though . Twin lithium batteries are removable for in-apartment storage and charging , or you can ferry an extension lead out to the charger unit , which plugs directly into the charge port under a round cover . I had the pleasure of riding the Highline model which has the three ride modes previously mentioned , and which sported a Cosmic Black 2 colour livery , with a tricoloured seat of white , black , and ‘ petrol ’ ( bluish grey ). It has granite grey , black and silver contrasts and comes with gold forks and more decals than standard models . The motor is 11kW ( 15hp ) and drives a two-belt system - the first on the right via a toothed belt to an intermediate shaft , and a corresponding shaft on the left drives a belt to the rear wheel . It ’ s very smooth and imparts fairly minimal whining . In terms of performance , BMW likens it to a 125 , but it felt more like 200cc in practical use . The frame is steel with a single sided swing arm , ASC is noticeable on corrugations , and surprisingly , it has a reverse button , which , held down , makes manoeuvring back and forth simplicity itself . Its keyless , with a smart fob that has security features built in , switching off when not in proximity , and reducing the chance that a repeater could be used to start the bike and move it away .
WHO ’ S IT FOR ? Naturally enough , the CE02 is likely to really appeal to the young , and the young-at-heart skater / surfer crowd . In fact , one of the three ride modes is called Surf , with a long roll-on and little scavenging taking place . Flow mode is with reduced scavenging but some engine braking , and Flash is hard out , in both go and scavenge , with strong engine braking feeding electrons back to the lithium banks more vigorously . With large diameter 14-inch wheels this tracks less like a scooter and more like a motard . With a really low overall weight at 119kg the eParkourer is very flickable indeed , and one can see what the thinking was behind the name . BMW say in the press material that “ the focus is not on utility but on emotional appeal , riding pleasure and
KIWI RIDER 73