THE BMW MOTORRAD VISION CE IS THE REBIRTH OF THE HELMET-FREE SCOOTER. REMEMBER THE C1?
BMW has always loved throwing curveballs into the world of two wheels. And at the IAA Mobility 2025 motorshow, the Bavarians have done it again, pulling the covers off the BMW Motorrad Vision CE - a futuristic take on city commuting that lets you ditch the helmet and riding gear while still keeping it safe. Yep, you read that right. BMW is resurrecting the wild idea of an enclosed scooter with enough safety built in that head protection isn’t mandatory. If that sounds familiar, it should – because it’s a direct nod to one of the brand’s quirkiest machines, the BMW C1.
Launched in 2000, the C1 was unlike anything else on the road. It looked part scooter, part roll-cage experiment, with a roof and safety cell that allowed riders in certain markets to ride without a helmet. It had seatbelts, crumple zones, and more in common with a compact car than a Vespa, and while it gained a cult following, it never quite became mainstream. Production ended in 2003, but its influence stuck around as one of the boldest takes on urban mobility.
Fast-forward twenty-five years, and BMW Motorrad has dusted off that playbook for a new era. The Vision CE takes the philosophy of the C1 and reinterprets it for the electric age. At the heart of it is a metal tube safety cage paired with a specialised seat and belt system. The result? The same freedom to ride without bulky protective gear, but with the confidence that BMW has engineered safety into the frame itself.
This isn’t just a design gimmick either - BMW’s engineers talk about it as a genuine alternative to traditional scooters for the daily grind. It’s meant to feel casual and liberating, not like gearing up for a track day every time you head into the city. The Vision CE isn’t shy about looking futuristic. Its long wheelbase and low, stretched stance give it a sporty silhouette, while the airy open frame and exposed aluminium cage make it look light and purposeful. The design is stripped-back but bold – matte white bodywork contrasted with black sections, a clean sculptural finish, and sharp neon red highlights across the details. Even the seat gets the designer treatment, with elegant lettering stitched into the material. BMW, being BMW, it’s not just about looks. One of the party tricks here is a self-balancing function, which means the Vision CE can literally hold itself upright when stationary. That’s a pretty cool flex for a daily commuter - no more awkward foot shuffles at traffic lights.
The Vision CE builds on a steady run of BMW’s electric two-wheelers. The C evolution concept in 2014 was their first proper swing at electric scooters. That evolved into the production CE 04 in 2022 - a long, flat, sci-fi-looking scooter that’s been a sales hit and is now the global leader in its class. Then came the CE 02 in 2024, aimed at a younger audience with a compact, funky style. For now, the BMW Motorrad Vision CE is a concept. But BMW’s track record of turning its two-wheeled visions into production machines means this isn’t just a design study for Instagram likes. If the CE 04 and CE 02 are anything to go by, we could see something very close to this rolling down city streets in a few years. If that happens, it’ll mean the BMW C1’s spiritual successor is alive and well, this time powered by electrons instead of petrol, with a roof and roll cage that make it one of the most unique takes on urban mobility in decades.
Take a look at the YouTube video that gives you a quick glimpse at the new Vision CE, which is rather cool except for the fact that it will still cost more than the car I lust after: BMW Vision CE | gasogeno98
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