BMW C1-E: enclosed electricity

BMW is returning to the enclosed scooter concept, this time with an electric motor. Sold from 2000-2003, the original BMW C1 was a wonderful idea — a scooter that could protect its rider from impacts — executed poorly with odd engine choices, too high a price tag and a major misjudgment of European traffic laws. Equipped with seat belts, BMW hoped the C1 could legally be ridden in most markets without a helmet. Turns out it couldn’t and sales suffered as a result. Now, BMW has updated the styling, swapped in an emissions-free electric motor and added a whole raft of active safety technology. The BMW C1-E is currently just a concept, but could hint at BMW’s future scooter direction.
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