Meet BMW’s Latest Concept Electric Bikes

BMW Motorrad is surely ramping up its EV-focused efforts. A couple of weeks ago, it showcased the CE 02 concept, and now the Bavarians have taken the wraps off the Vision Amby and i Vision Amby e-bikes. 

Starting with the similarities. Both get three speed modes that restrict their top speeds to 25kmph,45kmph, and 60kmph. Logically, this makes it a high-speed EV, and so you will need to register and insure it, have a valid driving license, and gear up (like you usually do, we hope).

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The main difference is in their propulsion systems. While the Vision Amby is purely electric and offers a claimed range of 110km, the i Vision Amby is your typical e-bike with a 2kWh battery and pedals. It offers a range of 75km-300 km, depending on the speed mode. 

Design-wise, the Vision Amby looks sort of like a two-stroke trail bike, while the i Vision Amby has mountain bike aesthetics. Both look quite futuristic, get LED lights, geofencing, and smartphone connectivity. With geofencing and the Here Maps service, the e-bikes assess your surroundings and adjust speed mode automatically. BMW claims that further advancements can also equip the two with ABS, automatic high and low beam, DRLs, over-the-air updates, and a radar system to scan as far as 140m and warn the rider about any vehicle approaching from behind.

The Vision Amby and i Vision Amby roll on 26-inch front and 24-inch rear wheels. The former is meant for both on- and off-roading, whereas the latter is better suited to be driven on the road. 

The standard Vision Amby is on the heavier side, tipping the scales at 65kg. On the other hand, the i Vision Amby weighs in at approximately 30kg.

Even though these are concepts, it won’t be a huge surprise if the production-spec models end up looking similar. For context, take a look at the CE 04 electric maxi-scooter.