Is this the future of the e-bike?: VanMoof

E-Performance: With VanMoof, another manufacturer presents itself in the shark tank of e-bikes. However, the Dutch start-up differentiates itself from the top dogs with its unique design and technical refinements. According to their own statement, the driving characteristics are not neglected. So is this what the future of e-bikes should look like?

VanMoof: The two models at a glance

The Dutch start-up currently has two very similar but different models in its portfolio. The difference lies in the area of ​​application, which is reflected in the frame construction.

The VanMoof S3 presents itself as a city bike suitable for everyday use. With its sporty geometry, it is the ideal e-bike for the daily commute, the trip to the ice cream parlor or the Sunday tour through town and country.

The VanMoof X3 is a bit more flexible. With an additional and very stylish front luggage rack, it can also be used quickly for shopping.

Both models are currently only available in one frame size. The S3 is suitable for people between 170cm and 200cm in height and the X3 for people between 155cm and 200cm. So there should be something suitable for almost every body size.

VanMoof: Technical refinements

Technically, the Amsterdam engineers have come up with a few ideas to create a "smart" bike. The display is integrated into the top tube and shows all important information via a dot matrix display. This includes battery status, speed and whether the bike is in a locked state.

The new e-bikes can be easily locked using the kick-lock system. There is a small button near the rear wheel hub for this purpose. With a simple click of your foot, the motor is locked and GPS tracking is activated. It can be parked easily, quickly and above all safely.

The system is easily unlocked with the smartphone. If you have the paired smartphone on your body, the lock mode is canceled fully automatically. Of course, the e-bike can also be unlocked with an emergency PIN via the display on the top tube.

The support modes can also be configured via the smartphone app and all system statuses can be viewed.

The TurboBoost button on the steering wheel provides the necessary boost. Additional power can be activated immediately. The drive, the electronic transmission and the battery are constantly monitored by smart sensors in order to constantly optimize the range.

VanMoof: Does the start-up even have a chance

From a financial point of view yes. The Amsterdam-based company started out with crowdfunding and a small venture capitalist, raising their first six million euros. This is how the success of the bike manufacturer began. They see themselves more as a tech company, with Tesla as a role model. This is also reflected in the workforce. Because half of the 180 employees who work in the Amsterdam headquarters are software developers.

Their success definitely proves them right. Sales quadrupled. Which was already around 2019 million euros in 40 and is already 2020 percent above plan in 20. In order to continue to be able to handle growth, further venture capital financing of 12 million euros was recently concluded.

So all the numbers speak for themselves, that VanMoof can establish itself among all the top dogs and thus enrich the e-bike market.

VanMoof specs and pricing

All information on: www.vanmoof.com