New e-bike: VanMoof "S6" to be unveiled on June 11

Is the VanMoof "S6" coming? Almost 2 years after the takeover of VanMoof by McLaren Applied subsidiary Lavoie, the company wants to present the first e-bike models. In a teaser entitled "Don't blink – there's something coming", the company reveals that the new model generation will be unveiled on June 11.

New VanMoof wants to retain its innovative spirit

The new management has promised a lot since the takeover. In August 2023, Lavoie took over the remains of the insolvent Dutch e-bike manufacturer. The new owners were convinced by VanMoof's innovative spirit and want to continue this, but with a new, more sustainable strategy, they announced.

The manufacturer took the first step with a revised S5; the software of the model first launched in 2023 has been revised, the waterproofness improved and the saddle and motor mounting optimized.

In an interview with c't, Lavoie's co-CEO Elliot Wertheimer said that VanMoof had skipped a few steps in the completion of the S5 and delivered an unfinished platform. The "refresh" would have completed the development.

What the new VanMoof wants to do differently with its first own e-bike generation

The S5 will apparently be replaced by a new generation in June 2025, which will differ from the previous VanMoof models. Wertheimer said in an interview with The Verge that the new owner wants to stay true to the familiar and striking design, as well as the boost button, the kick-lock anti-theft device and the integrated light. To a certain extent, this is what makes the manufacturer's bikes stand out. However, the company wants to move away from proprietary components that are not absolutely necessary.

For example, the new owner plans to continue using customized parts for the necessary areas such as the motor, frame or battery. VanMoof will also have to continue to develop the electronics itself. For the brakes or some mechanical components such as the cranks, they want to use off-the-shelf parts, Wertheimer explained to c't.

Even if VanMoof wants to retain the existing design and some characteristic functions of the previous models, it is not certain whether the naming scheme will be retained. It is also unclear whether there will still be two variants and whether the prices of the e-bikes will remain stable. The manufacturer currently charges over 3,000 euros each for the A5 and S5.

(afl)