- Following its bankruptcy sale in 2023, VanMoof is back with two new models of its high-tech electric bikes: the VanMoof S6 and S6 Open.
- Both e-bike models boast design improvements and servicing ease in hopes of greater adoption by the public.
- But will this be enough to win back customers? And will they run into the previous issue of being โtoo high-tech to succeedโ?
VanMoofโs new electric bicycles are being referred to as the McLaren of e-bikes. Not only because of their new owners in Lavoie (a subsidiary of McLaren Applied), but also because the developments echo an ambition to become the market-leading brand they once were.
Hailed as the โultimate bikeโ by early reviews, the VanMoof S6 and S6 Openโs frames maintain a sleek and minimal design while introducing brighter colours of pearl mint, electric blue, alongside drift black. The smart lights and the battery remain integrated within said frame.
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Although a full charge requires six hours and 30 minutes (two hours and 30 minutes for 50%), the 487 Wh battery offers a decent max range of 60-150 kilometres depending on the terrain and riding style; displayed with the charge level on a Halo Light Display, enhancing visibility in all conditions.
In terms of performance, weโre looking at a top speed of 25 km/h and a claimed 250W of power from the front hub motor, with 68 Nm worth of torque. Youโll also enjoy a more responsive instant Boost Button, hydraulic disc brakes to counter that 25km/h top speed (and sustained by the AutoShift Hub), with gears that automatically change.
The S6 weighs 23.5kg while the S6 Open comes in at 22.5kg.
As previously mentioned, this time around, VanMoof has prioritised convenience: keeping the S6 very much on the grid through bike-first navigation within their app, for one. Additionally, the bikeโs connection to Appleโs Find My network, rear wheel locking system, and offered year of theft-proof insurance with the purchase of new models, makes it โsecure like no other.โ
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The latest design has considerably reduced the need for servicing, but VanMoof now boasts a partnership with around 250 bike shops (mainly in Europe) to address past maintenance issues.
VanMoof plans to unleash โthe culmination of five generations and 11 years of e-bike innovationโ in August. You can now reserve a unit for a fully refundable deposit of โฌ150 (AU$266), while the final cost with a three-year warranty will set you back โฌ3,298 (just over AU$5,800).
In the meantime, weโll just have to wait and see whether the S6 and S6 open truly operates like โthe McLaren of e-bikesโ should.
