The future in a retro look
In collaboration with BMW Motorrad Austria in Salzburg, the Design & Makers Studio VAGABUND in Graz created the BMW CE 02 x VAGABUND.
The multifaceted design of the eParkourer is driven by the themes of music, urban flexibility, and sustainability.
The curtain falls and there it is: Packaging that is reminiscent of high-end headphones, for example.
The kind that has a viewing window in the centre so you can see the product and is made from robust, transparent plastic. With the minor difference that his packaging is 3.6 metres tall and encased in a strong metal frame.
At the centre, we look for the headphones in vain, as this is where the BMW CE 02 x VAGABUND sits majestically.
Captivated at first glance, the eyes now slowly drift from detail to detail, bringing the eParkourer into focus. The colours of the CE 02 are somewhat muted. Elegant black and aluminium dominate the body, and the seat above it is in a warm beige colour. Small accents in bold red and yellow colours draw onlookers’ attention. This stylish, minimalist, and modern aesthetic is the perfect fit for the high-end packaging.
Just leave them to it: When Paul Brauchart and Philipp Rabl embark on a new project, they always do it right. With their Design & Makers Studio VAGABUND, they always strive to forge new paths and challenge the status quo. In this case, the element of surprise was certainly on their side.
The concept: Retro future
It was primarily the combination of the CE 02’s futuristic design and BMW Motorrad’s well-known commitment to quality that quickly convinced the duo from Graz to participate in a collaboration. “We were instantly enamoured when we saw the CE 02 for the first time at the BMW Days in Berlin”, they gushed. “For us, the concept was a perfect match, as we at VAGABUND are always trying to forge new paths”, said Brauchart and Rabl, with reference to the eParkourer’s progressive look.
They defined the design concept for the BMW CE 02 x VAGABUND as “retro future”. Although it may seem contradictory at first, the two Austrians managed to implement it with style. They used selected elements to give the futuristic design of the fully electric CE 02 a playful retro vibe. For example, what’s supposed to be an exhaust serves as an umbrella holder. And the prominent placement of the beautifully designed “OB-4 magic radio” from “teenage engineering” is a statement of conscious enjoyment of music in a retro look, which doesn’t hide behind tiny Bluetooth speakers.
The design of the eParkourer is primarily aimed at the younger generation, who are looking to explore the future of sustainable urban mobility today. The focus is on individuality, too. The riding experience is intended to bring joy, and is not only adapted for flexibility in everyday use, but also to match the values of the rider. A challenge that the versatile design of the BMW CE 02 x VAGABUND has met with aplomb.
Levity and flexibility
Levity and flexibility
This is how the BMW CE 02 x VAGABUND makes its way through the streets, keeping pace with modern urban life. Flowing, natural, and flexible; almost like a skateboard. For the boys at VAGABUND, this is now indispensable in urban spaces, which is why it was also incorporated into the design of the CE 02. “The skateboard is an eco-conscious and creative means of transport”, they believe, and they establish the link to the bike using a footboard finished with grip tape.
Flexibility is also the name of the game for the two Austrians, who focus on 3D printing to produce custom parts, such as the newly designed headlight or the front mudguard. The recurring combination of aluminium and 3D-printed elements emphasise the levity that the eParkourer offers.
This is evidenced by the hand-finished aluminium body and the innovative “exhaust”, a.k.a. umbrella holder, alike.
VAGABUND describes itself as a Design and Makers Studio, and with the BMW CE 02 x VAGABUND, they prove the accuracy of that claim. Brauchart and Rabl applied their expertise and craftsmanship to bring a design to life that tells the story of a new generation.
The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.
