BMW C Evolution Scooter goes into production

[Richard230]

It looks like BMW has finally placed their C Evolution max-scooter into production.  Here is the detailed scoop.  Nothing about U.S availability or price, though.   

http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/bmw-c-evolution-scooter/

[kingcharles]

Click the below link if you like cool production video's German style!

 http://insideevs.com/bmw-c-evolution-assembly-videos/

[Richard230]

Thanks for the factory video.  That was really interesting.

I heard from my BMW dealer today that the scooter will not be imported into the U.S. for a variety of reasons - all having to do with money.

[Auslander]

Probably having to do with sales projections, similar to the way the old VW beetle was made in Mexico for years but never imported to the US: Getting a vehicle certified as road-worthy is an expensive process, if they don't see enough being sold to make up even that cost, it doesn't make it to our shores.

[Richard230]

The BMW C Evolution e-scooter has finally hit the roads of Europe.  Here is an interesting translated French motorcycle magazine review of the BMW scooter posted by Mike Werner. The claim of 0-62 mph in only 4 seconds seems suspect to me though, considering the scooter's almost 600 pound weight and 48 hp maximum power output.  I also find the French replacement of "internal combustion" with "thermal" to be kind of cute.

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/review-2014-bmw-c-evolution-electric---when-lightning-speaks.htm

[Gerhard]

Google translation: the price is 15.400, - EUR, but I get a real motorcycle, empulse!

Gerhard

[Richard230]

Here is a test ride report, including a short video, by Mike Werner (motorbiker.org) of the new BMW C Evolution Scooter (that thing sure is heavy):

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/review-electric-bmw-c-evolution-scooter---the-future-now.htm

[Richard230]

Mike Werner (motorbiker.org) just leased a new BMW C Evolution electric scooter in France.  Here is his first report:

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/bmw-c-evolution-electric-scooter---warm-welcome-to-my-family.htm

[Richard230]

Here is Mike's concluding comments about his new C Evolution scooter after riding it for 500 km:

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/review-bmw-c-evolution-electric-scooter---1st-500-kms.htm

[kingcharles]

That adjustable charger is a really nice feature!

[Gavin]

the 60 mile range is too bad...maybe that is what Harley thinks they are competing against and why they went with a 53-60 mile per charge battery?


other than that, sounds like a nice ride...and reverse gear!? crazy.

Dude needs to try sail mode...I loved sailing around on the Enertia...great for night rides...you glide alone in complete silence and feel like you are the wind...

G

[kingcharles]

the 60 mile range is too bad...maybe that is what Harley thinks they are competing against and why they went with a 53-60 mile per charge battery?

Somehow I think we consume a lot more energy in Europe on our rides than in the US.
The reason I have this feeling is that while following the forums on EV's and my own experience I noticed that in the US you guys manage to squeeze a lot more out of a battery.
Examples:
My Vectrix did 50 kilometers max. In the US most were claiming 45 - 50 miles!
Test riding the Zero S 11.4 for a whole day: 100 kilometers per charge. Over here many are saying 100 miles is possible.
With my new found love the Empulse E1: I can reach 100 kilometers if I control my right wrist...

[00049 (AKA SopFu)]

Range is very finicky. I don't get anywhere near the range that others on here estimate. So much depends on riding style and environmental considerations. 100km is about as far as I would trust mine in what I would consider regular riding.

[Gavin]

City driving I get 100 miles in summer...less in winter. Last summer we had a week of 100 plus temps and I got 120 miles that week! But over 100 is rare in Albuquerque. that is all commuter miles...I am not at all slow out of the lights, but I'm not a speed demon down the road...I quickly jump to about 5mph over the speed limit and then keep it there.

I can ride to Sandia Crest and back (60 miles of city and slow highway--60 mph--and the twisties up and down)...

I don't do much highway riding...I don't think I would plan a trip over 50 miles if I was going 75mph...

No doubt I would love another battery or two for the longer group rides and such, but for around town and for shorter rides, the Empulse is perfect...

Going for a group full moon ride tonight of about 30 miles or so of 60 mph and I won't even top off the battery before going as I have 90% right now...

G

[Richard230]

This is a great 3-minute video showing the C Evolution scooter being assembled at the BMW factory: