Concept BMW Scooter debuts

The C1-E concept vehicle, developed by BMW, will enjoy its first showing at this year's UK National BikeSafe Motorcycle Show. The BMW C1-E's concept boasts high level active and passive safety ensured by a roll-over bar spanning the rider combined with energy absorbing features at the nose end and a rider harness. Safety features taken from the former BMW C1 have been enhanced. Regarded as a milestone in safety on two wheels, it is the only motorised single-track vehicle to be exempt from mandatory helmet wearing in almost all European countries.

The difference between the former C1 and the new C1-E concept is its electric motor. Designed for city use, the motor gets its power from a lithium-ion battery, "providing enough power to master inner-city traffic with ease," say BMW. However, BMW added, "alternatively the vehicle can also be equipped with a low-emissions internal combustion engine."

Source: JUST BIKES, July 2010, Collectors Issue #253