BMW Motorrad has joined forces with the innovative design studio Vagabund to create the BMW CE 02 x Vagabund, an electric scooter that captures the essence of retrofuturism. This collaboration isn’t their first venture together; Vagabund previously enhanced the BMW CE 04 custom e-scooter with a surfboard rack and a playful smiley face. This time, they’ve added a unique twist with a speaker-like radio from Teenage Engineering and a stylish cylindrical container designed for a portable umbrella.
The design philosophy leans heavily into retro-futurism. Paul Brauchart and Philipp Rabl, the creative minds behind Vagabund Moto GmbH, express that the BMW CE 02 serves as the perfect canvas for their vision. “We aimed to blend the cutting-edge original design with nostalgic elements to evoke a sense of familiarity,” they explain. The result is a custom electric parkourer that glides through urban landscapes with undeniable flair.
The Vagabund team first encountered the BMW CE 02 during the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin, where they were immediately drawn to its modular design. Once they received the go-ahead from the manufacturer, they set to work making the electric parkourer uniquely theirs. “From start to finish, we handled everything in-house or through our partner companies,” the design studio shares. With a passion for music, the Vagabund family understands that many share this love.
This musical inspiration led them to incorporate elements from the golden age of audio design, drawing from the works of Dieter Rams. They sought a speaker that would resonate with their aesthetic and thought of Teenage Engineering. Their choice, the OB-4 Magic Radio, features a minimalist design with two speakers that perfectly encapsulate the retro vibe they were pursuing. Additionally, the ‘electric exhaust’ is punctuated with holes, not for smoke, but to cleverly house an umbrella for those unexpected rainy days.
The bespoke BMW CE 02 has reached completion, but Vagabund isn’t slowing down. “Naturally, such an impressive project deserves a fitting showcase,” the design studio remarks. To that end, they’ve crafted a striking presentation alongside BMW Motorrad, featuring a custom 3.6-meter tall display made from a steel-like material. This striking setup resembles a collectible item you might find in a store, and in essence, the custom electric parkourer is indeed a unique piece. “With our specially engineered and designed display, which can be easily disassembled and transported, you’ll always have the spotlight wherever you go, ensuring you won’t go unnoticed,” Vagabund adds. As it stands, the BMW CE 02 by Vagabund remains a unique custom creation that is not available for purchase.