Test drive with the new VanMoof: city cruiser with power

VanMoof launches new e-bikes on the market for the first time since its bankruptcy. The two models in the S6 series are the first bikes to be created under the leadership of new owner McLaren Applied. Apart from the new colors, the S6 with 27.5-inch tires and the smaller S6 Open with 24-inch tires are hardly distinguishable from their predecessors. We have already had the opportunity to test ride the S6 briefly and the test ride confirmed that the S6 is more of a refined version of its predecessor than a completely new VanMoof. In August 2023, Lavoie took over the remains of the insolvent Dutch e-bike manufacturer.

The manufacturer has left the characteristic feature of a VanMoof – apart from the look – unchanged: the hub motor in the front wheel. As before, it has a rated continuous output of 250 watts and generates a maximum torque of 68 Nm. The motor delivers its power in four support levels. A small boost button on the handlebars provides maximum power for a short time, for example to briefly show cars the tail lights when starting at traffic lights. A three-speed automatic transmission in the rear wheel hub changes the gear ratio to match the speed.

VanMoof hides the 487 Wh battery in the frame. This keeps it nice and slim, but the battery cannot be removed for charging. According to VanMoof, the S6 should achieve a range of between 60 and 150 kilometers depending on the support, which is about the same as its predecessor. We were unable to verify this information during our half-hour test ride. This will be clarified in the following detailed test.

Refined interior

On paper, hardly anything has changed compared to its predecessor; the manufacturer claims to have made the innovations on the inside. For example, the new Kick Lock, which locks the bike to the rear wheel hub with a tap of the foot, is now more robust and waterproof, according to the manufacturer. VanMoof also claims to have further developed the bike tracking system. In addition to the integration of Apple Find My, it should now allow more precise location tracking. VanMoof plans to add navigation to the app in the course of the year. A solution from Peak Design now serves as a smartphone mount on the handlebars.

On our short test ride, the S6 behaved unmistakably like a VanMoof. In the city, it is easy to cruise on it, the offset handlebars ensure an upright riding position. The bike's boost button responds very directly, which now also makes intermediate sprints a touch more powerful. The automatic transmission – which used to be a weak point in earlier versions – changes gears smoothly and robustly. While the frame of the predecessor still had unsightly weld seams, the S6 no longer has any. Overall, the S6 looks a little more solid and lively than its predecessor. However, the differences are so subtle that we needed a direct comparison to determine them.

The VanMoof S6 and S6 Open are available to pre-order now for 3298 euros, with deliveries scheduled to start in August.

(rbr)