BMW revive their C1 scooter with 'C1-E' urban traffic concept

BMW Motorrad developed the 'C1-E' study for the European motorcycle safety project, eSUM. Based on the C1, (BMW's short-lived scooter that was scuppered in 2002 by legislative issues regarding helmet use in certain European countries), the C1-E is characterised by a very high level of active and passive safety and is driven by an electric motor.
The safety cell with the conspicuous roll-over bar is carried over from the C1, as is the energy-absorbing impact element at the nose end and the rider seat-belt. In the study, this latter safety feature is highlighted by red belts and belt buckles.

Visually, there are some changes from the C1 in the front end styling, headlight design, wheels and some other details, while the fully enclosed 'cabin' on the C1 has also been modified, to create open space above the rider. The electric motor employed in the study has been designed for city use and is based on components from the recently-bankrupt electric scooter company, Vectrix. The motor obtains its power from a lithium-ion battery. BMW says this study is to remain the only model of its kind and any series production is not currently planned. For more details on the eSUM project, go to www.esum.eu