The C-evo – A solution for gentler mobility, user feedback

“I will share with you my experience with the C-Evolution, a 100% electric scooter from BMW. We will review the C-evo from all its angles: Power, range, safety, handling and comfort.”

Electric & Power

“Electric and quite flashy* the product impresses. Accessible without a motorcycle licence for the 11 Kw version, you will however have to validate a 7 hours training to get on the handlebars. The power is equivalent to that of the legendary Yamaha TMAX, which requires a motorcycle licence. *(now available in more sober colours)

BMW has worked on the average power of the product so that its maxi scooter remains accessible to the greatest number of people and thus in the 125cc category. The task was rather simple because electricity makes it possible to regulate very precisely the power to be sent to the rear wheel. Some will talk about deception, others about trickery, whatever the case may be, the product is well homologated in 125cc!”

Safety and security

“Gloves and helmet are required. braking is safe and comforting. In some modes, energy recovery allows the scooter to slow down considerably only by releasing the acceleration handle, a kind of engine brake. There is also the abs which is a real advantage for a motorcycle. It is essential to keep in mind that riding a motorcycle is not without risk. It is important to choose a bike that you can easily ride and control. It must be appropriate for your experience and if you are not yet experienced, take motorcycle school training to get more experience.”

Look, handling and comfort?

“At first sight, the product can totally seduce you or completely repel you with its flashy design. Once installed, the weight of the machine is impressive. Indeed, its 275 kilos do not go unnoticed when you have to move this big baby when you are at a stop! On the practical side, BMW has fortunately provided a reverse gear that will facilitate small manœuvres.

The fairing protects the legs quite well, the bubble is short and does not sufficiently protect the face at high speed. A higher bubble is available as an option.”

Autonomy

“The 100 km range is respected. It is possible to travel 110 km in an urban cycle without having to recharge. On the other hand, with a more sporty driving in dynamic mode, the range is reduced to 65 km. However to consider the climatic conditions that reduce the battery life.

The few Metz Luxembourg round trips on the A31 (74 km) that I was able to make allow me to give my opinion on the road qualities of the product. The scooter is capable of impressive accelerations but has a top speed limit of 128 km/h, which can complicate some overtaking.

It is well known that we go up to Luxembourg and down to Metz. But even if the topography of the route has an impact on the autonomy of the electric scooter, it is also necessary to consider the climatic conditions, and the speed. The scooter allows you to visualize the power sent instantly to the engine. To drive at 110 km/h it requires about 9 kw of energy, which is equivalent to the power of a large induction table that runs at full capacity.”

My experience on the highway

“For my first trip from Metz to Strassen, I will not hide from you my concerns about the autonomy of my scooter, but also the behaviour of other drivers.

At 6:30 in the morning, I take the highway for the first time and quickly selected the eco pro mode to save the battery in order to get to the right place. According to my calculations, I needed 50% of the load in Thionville to get to Strassen. To my great surprise I still had 59% of battery left in Thionville so I was more serene to finish my journey.

After Thionville, traffic is at a complete stop. Following this a line of motorcycle is formed with the warning to go up the Traffic. The drivers are rather cooperative. Here I also understand that there is a disease on the roads… phonemania 1 out of 2 drivers is on their mobile phone… we must remain extremely vigilant. The outward journey went very well and I saved 25 minutes on a car trip at peak hours.

Battery level I am at 38% at the border…. to finally reach 10% at Strassen.

On the return in the evening, after having recharged at a charging station present at my workplace, I immediately engage in Bridel traffic jams in Thionville. In Thionville my autonomy is 72%……. because I drive slowly between the lines to finish at 25% in Metz.”

Mode of conduct

Modes of conduct are really essential. To describe them in a few words:

The dynamic mode is very impressive because the scooter accelerates very fast! And also brakes on the basis of an energy recovery system. It is even possible to stop using the brakes because the recovery system brakes the scooter when the throttle is released.

Sail mode is its opposite. This is the freewheel mode. The scooter no longer has any energy recovery and its weight makes it a real bobsleigh because the scooter keeps a nice inertia.

The road mode allows beautiful accelerations and small energy recovery.

Finally, the eco pro mode which significantly modifies the dynamism of the scooter. It is very useful on the fast track in cruising, but dangerous in town because the acceleration is very low… quite dangerous if you are at a traffic light.

“Dynamic and sail modes remain in my opinion the two most interesting modes of the scooter. Logically positioned in the menu, it is possible to drive in sail mode and switch to dynamic mode in two clicks to just use the energy recovery system and brake with it.”

To conclude

The Evo scooter is a great mobility product, which nevertheless requires a few good basics in 2 wheels and a constant vigilance.

The scooter is more suitable for urban traffic but has interesting extra-urban capacities. Only its top speed is missing because its acceleration is really impressive. Its range is sufficient in urban areas but would deserve 40 km more. Note that a version is available with 170 km range but it requires the appropriate driving licence.

The product really seduced me. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I would be happy to have a more detailed discussion on this subject.”

here is my email adress : etienne.piot@aldautomotive.com