For those accustomed to four-wheeled vehicles, what is the biggest barrier to entry for motorized two-wheel transport? BMW Motorrad, the carmaker's motorcycle division, reckons it's the hassle of safety gear. They've thus unveiled this Vision CE concept, an electric scooter designed for "the elimination of the need for a helmet as well as protective clothing, offering riders an increased sense of freedom and a casual, carefree riding experience."

"The centrepiece of the BMW Motorrad Vision CE is its safety concept: a metal tube composite known as the 'cage'. Together with an appropriate seat construction with seat belt, it ensures a safe and emotional riding experience without the need for a helmet or the usual protective clothing."

"The cage's reduced overall height and open, airy design, combined with a long wheelbase, give the Vision CE a stretched, dynamic and visually light appearance."

The futuristic-looking ride can also self-balance when stationary, so riders don't need to put their foot down at a red light.

There is, however, a kickstand for parking.

The project's presentation makes me wonder if the designers and marketing folk weren't quite on the same page. While the concept description reads "the Vision CE offers an emotional, creative and fresh take on commuting, describing the future of urban two-wheel mobility," the imagery seems like it's targeted more at Instagram influencers than people who commute to jobs:

I will say that the translation from rendering to model looks pretty seamless:

At press time no production plans were announced.