BMW’s Electric Prototype
14-10-09 by Bracksy
In the first week of October, BMW released details of its latest concept vehicle, the C1-E featuring an electric motor.
Based on the C1 semi enclosed scooter that has been a success in Europe since its release four years ago, the BMW C1-E, incorporates similar safety features; a roll cage with an energy absorbing front end, combined with a seat belt – but now more refined and improved.
BMW claim the dynamics of the roll cage combined with a seat belt makes it ultra safe, the C1 the only bike to gain a helmet exclusion in most European countries.
It has been primarily designed for city commuting with power supplied by lithium-ion batteries although no claims on battery life, speed or distance have been stated, however the BMW PR blurb states mass production of the C1-E is currently not planned but nevertheless, findings from the project will no doubt find their way into other future developments.
Looking at pics of the project no matter how safe it may be touted with its roll cage and safety belt, there appears to be plenty of scope for a bout of gravel rash should it all go pear-shaped: after all it still has two wheels.
Since 2005, a series of active safety features have been developed to enhance all BMW motorcycles with RDC Tyre Pressure Control, ASC Anti-Slip Control, the new Race ABS and the DTC Traction Control incorporated in the new BMW S 1000 RR.
The C1-E has been constructed as part of BMW’s contribution to the European safety project; eSUM. eSUM stands for “European Safer Urban Motorcycling.” It is a cooperation project between major urban European motorcycling centres and motorcycle manufacturers. The cities currently involved in the project include Paris, Rome, Barcelona and London and the manufacturers are BMW and Piaggio.
BMW may state that it is only a project bike but with the success of the innovative C1 and the number of countries investing in the project, it is definitely a Work-In-Progress and only a short time before the bike will go into commercial production.
The question is how long before every manufacturer is supplying mass produced all-electric vehicles for the urban slog?
- Bracksy
