You can call it a boost, a push from the bicycle gods, or a throttle, but its inclusion by Van Moof validates how useful it is. From avoiding pedal strikes to avoiding cars, a throttle is simply another tool to control the electric assist. Some mistakenly believe that the inclusion of a throttle means it's a motorcycle. *Power* is a much better metric to decide where the line between ebike and motorcycle lies.
You mentioned trying to decide which version of the bike to test, I've just made a video comparing the Vanmoof S3 and X3. I loved the Vanmoof so much I bought two of them!
Great review, Ryan. It's informative to see other options available in other countries and their use in a different community. That bike fits the needs of its lilely users very well. I agree that the comparison to an Apple product is a good analogy. Those bikes are beautiful in their simplicity. As you noted, they appear rich in engineering, which will likely trickle down to the rest of the industry. Although a little pricy, I would point out that other "non-direct-to-consumer" brands that offer full service locations here in the US also come with a somewhat substantial premium too; so, I don't think these bikes are out of line. Admittedly, I chose a Himiway Big Dog and an Aerial Rider for our ebikes based on their capabilities; but will be the first to admit neither have the aesthetic value of the ones you showed in the video. Maybe my next bikes can be powerfull AND pretty! ;).
I got into ebikes a few months ago and purchased a Velotric Discover 1. I honestly love it, but the slickness of the Vanmoof really really gets to me... I hope one day to try one, but the thing I feel it lacks is power. I've seen videos stating, "it's just like riding a bike except a bit easier". My Velotric has five speeds (I never use 4 or 5, it's just too fast) and only use the throttle here and there, but I do wish Vanmoof adds a throttle to some model some day.
Test ride centers in NY and SF??? Risky proposition if you ask me. Bike jacking, anyone? How refreshing to be able to live in a place where you don't need to fear for your life every freaking minute.
On a separate note have you seen in Amsterdam over 15,000 bikes are fished out of the canals yearly? That’s a ton but probably only one months worth of stolen bikes from NY and SF.
I've just made a video comparing the Vanmoof S3 and X3, the previous gen of this bike which is a bit more affordable. I loved the Vanmoof so much I bought two of them!
The big diff between the way the Dutch and Americans use bikes is the Dutch don't think of them as toys or sporting goods. The Dutch bikes I've seen are well made, but they seem to be designed for Dutch terrain which is completely flat - something to keep in mind if using it in an area that isn't flat.
Sure, the Netherlands are cool and very bike-friendly. This sparse but elegant bike might be just the thing for the Dutch. In America, though, most of us confront these things called hills. (I wonder why anyone in a country like the Netherlands would even want any E in their bikes.)
I think that's fair, I really want to test this bike on our hill climb. I see a huge use case for ebikes here, being able to travel to even further...might be the difference between needing a car for some. After being here I can tell you I would absolute not want to own a car here (though there are a lot of pretty electric cars to look at!)
"most of us confront these things called hills"- TOPKEK! That's the most "murican" thing I've heard in a long time. FYI, ebikes and regular bikes are everywhere in both Europe and Asia(including mountainous countries like Switzerland or the Philippines). It's only in the US that the whole damn country is too car-centric that ya need your damn truck to get to your fat asses to a nearest fast food chain less than a mile away.
Vanmoof S5 is a nice looking e-bike. I like the way the lights, battery and security is integrated into the frames design, unlike other manufacturers that make these parts as add ons that spoil the overall look of the bike. That being said, Vanmoof are extremely expensive to buy and expensive to maintain. No wonder the company went bankrupt. Other, cheaper brands of bikes should take inspiration from Vanmoof’s design but manufacture something similar but without the price tag. 🇳🇱
Ryan. Check out the Wing Freedom X .Very similar frame and features. Yes no torque motor or front motor. But frame and security features. Maybe you get one to review
Good question, I have to imagine there is a way for the user to do it...but what level of technical know-how is the question (and can you even buy it direct). I'm going to venture a guess that they'd want you to take it to a local service center. I did compare the company to Apple after all :)
World has gone mad. My ebike have hub BLDC 1,5KW motor kit from China , 1.2 KWh battery , throttle and i drive it up to 100km without pedalling on normal , not hilly terrain. Absolute beast that costed me less than 1500 euro 2 yrs ago. Now it have 8000 km on its counter and still runs as first day !!! Up to 60km/h of speed , full unlocked and illegal and LOVE IT ! When the people will realize that they are being robbed??? Hipsters and their bikes hahahahahha Stop wasting money !!!
We really are not sure. We speculate that Rad might have been purging its inventory for a new model. We do think this is going to be a great Black Friday to purchase an ebike, but not sure if the deals will be as awesome as the RadMission sale. -JT
While I know folks in Northern California (store in SF) that own a VanMoof, it's just too expensive of a price point based on what you get. It's pretty for sure but a thief magnet.
No one steals these bikes.. people leave them everywhere here in Amsterdam and they won’t get stolen. Mind you:stealing bikes in the Netherlands is a cultural hobby.
100%. Yes, it's about 2x pricier for 1/4 the power all for the sake of coolness. It's not going to sell well here in high quantities. Nice effort though.
You might want to take this video down inside reading Van Poof has gone bankrupt . aside from that , when it was available it was a disaster in terms of reliability and zero service . the bike was all hype and sold to those that favor style over function .
Wow 250w is such a baby. All the tech is cool, but seems so underpowered particularly for the price. Pay double and get 1/4 the power for the sake of tech and cool factor? Seems like a stretch. Cool bike, but I don't see this selling well beyond the original hype.
Yea that is one of the differences between the EU and US markets. Bigger Watts is what sells in the US, where in the EU wants something close to a bike then a motorcycle.
Vanmoof claims 37 miles on full power-mode and 93 miles on Eco. I assume those range estimates are without Ryan's intense use of the "Boost" button. -JT
Lost 2500£ Unreliable make - do not buy Moved to canondale and light and day difference Afraid manufacturing is moved from USA- but it’s a super bike - American technology and reliability
@@EbikeEscape 1. Mechanically the Sturmey Archer gears broke down however credit to van moof they replaced. 2. Then started having electric glitches and its extremely automated with no mechanical over-ride ability. Essentially the electronic system went off twice and basically gave up with repairing. Van moof coudnt fix either. The bike lasted 1200 miles and died. 3. Last front wheel motors make bikes unbalanced - so its very easy to skid in icy conditions. Google for van moof issues In comparison Canondale puts in Bosch or quality motors. The motor is in crankshaft making bike really well balanced. I have been riding this winter at -4C and its so stable. The electronics can be completely switched off to zero power and various stages of assist. Canondale is like light and day difference compared to Van Moof -
Oops. Did not age well. Sophisticated != viable. Proprietary components are not the way forward - everyman thinks they have a better way of doing things because they've never done them before; how did that work out.
This is the worst bike ever. Every day a different bug and customer support is not available. Now it is locked and I cannot move it anymore. Never VanMoof again. In my opinion this is a scam company!
At least the are doing something about theft. Not many US companies do that. As for bike theft. The Netherlands has a relatively high rate of bike theft. I’m sure not as high per bike owner, but it is relatively high. A lot of bikers in Amsterdam have Huge chain locks. Also a bike like that people usually take inside. When riding they tend to have them within hearing distances. Have taken several bike trips in the Netherlands (5 or so). They are always talking about the number of bikes in the Amsterdam canals. People in Amsterdam often have 2 bike, one is a junker and they ride it when they can not watch it. They may even leave the junker outside. The nice bike they take inside and in safe conditions. More bike than people in Amsterdam. Bike paths throughout the country. My big concern with this bike is power to climb hills. The Netherlands is totally flat. How will this thing handle hills.
Gone bankrupt due bad quality products used in bikes ,most bikes sold in the Netherlands were in the bike repair shop when they went bankrupt .rubbish product
Be careful! If you live in North America, Vanmoof is a scam!! I spent $3,900 $US on a fully decked-out S3 on August 15, 2022. I live in Windsor, Colorado. The bike did not arrive until February 2023, six months after my check was cashed. It came broken and missing parts. It does not shift gears and the motor does not work, never has. It is now April 7, 2023. They can take six months to ship the bike, but you only have two weeks to return it even if it arrives broken and you don’t figure it out because it is the middle of the Colorado winter. Customer service wants to know if I took it to an authorized bike doctor. There isn’t one in Colorado. This company is ill-equipped to sell to North America.
dON'T BUY VAN MOOF THEY LIE ABOUT DELIVERY. vERY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. also if something breaksdown you have to repair it at their shop with waitinglist for weeks. They sucks balls as a dutch would say.
Buying a VanMoof? Support Ebike Escape when making your purchase: vanmoof.sjv.io/jWvD45 (affiliate link)
You can call it a boost, a push from the bicycle gods, or a throttle, but its inclusion by Van Moof validates how useful it is. From avoiding pedal strikes to avoiding cars, a throttle is simply another tool to control the electric assist. Some mistakenly believe that the inclusion of a throttle means it's a motorcycle. *Power* is a much better metric to decide where the line between ebike and motorcycle lies.
You mentioned trying to decide which version of the bike to test, I've just made a video comparing the Vanmoof S3 and X3.
I loved the Vanmoof so much I bought two of them!
5:28 is when the review starts
Apologies, just added the chapters!
I really enjoyed the "vlog" style shooting in this one!
Great review, Ryan. It's informative to see other options available in other countries and their use in a different community. That bike fits the needs of its lilely users very well. I agree that the comparison to an Apple product is a good analogy. Those bikes are beautiful in their simplicity. As you noted, they appear rich in engineering, which will likely trickle down to the rest of the industry. Although a little pricy, I would point out that other "non-direct-to-consumer" brands that offer full service locations here in the US also come with a somewhat substantial premium too; so, I don't think these bikes are out of line. Admittedly, I chose a Himiway Big Dog and an Aerial Rider for our ebikes based on their capabilities; but will be the first to admit neither have the aesthetic value of the ones you showed in the video. Maybe my next bikes can be powerfull AND pretty! ;).
Thanks for your comment and watching Christopher!
Great first review. Thanks. Greetings from German
Ryan has gone international... I'm impressed! Would love to test ride one of these. Beautiful design but the color is really drab.
There is a test ride place in San Francisco.
What's the closest bike look you've in US market of a Van Moof S5? Are they available for European market?
I've just made a video comparing the Vanmoof S3 and X3, available in Europe.
I loved the Vanmoof so much I bought two of them!
I got into ebikes a few months ago and purchased a Velotric Discover 1. I honestly love it, but the slickness of the Vanmoof really really gets to me... I hope one day to try one, but the thing I feel it lacks is power. I've seen videos stating, "it's just like riding a bike except a bit easier". My Velotric has five speeds (I never use 4 or 5, it's just too fast) and only use the throttle here and there, but I do wish Vanmoof adds a throttle to some model some day.
The styling of the Vanmoof ebikes is hard to beat.
VANMOOF, LET'S GO!
Test ride centers in NY and SF??? Risky proposition if you ask me. Bike jacking, anyone? How refreshing to be able to live in a place where you don't need to fear for your life every freaking minute.
On a separate note have you seen in Amsterdam over 15,000 bikes are fished out of the canals yearly? That’s a ton but probably only one months worth of stolen bikes from NY and SF.
Live in nyc for 2 decades and never heard of bike jacking
You need to get out more. Brooklyn isn’t that scary, and neither is SF.
Go outside lol. Fear mongering anyone?
Interesting. I hadn’t heard of this ebike. Thanks for sharing
I've just made a video comparing the Vanmoof S3 and X3, the previous gen of this bike which is a bit more affordable.
I loved the Vanmoof so much I bought two of them!
I discovered them at an electric expo this past weekend and rode one.I was very impressed. They are amazing bikes.
The big diff between the way the Dutch and Americans use bikes is the Dutch don't think of them as toys or sporting goods.
The Dutch bikes I've seen are well made, but they seem to be designed for Dutch terrain which is completely flat - something to keep in mind if using it in an area that isn't flat.
Good point
Pretty cool looking bike
Did you get a chance to do a full review? I want to see a US version on the hill climb test!!
Not yet but thanks for the reminder. I want to see what it can do as well.
Still waiting on that US version review. I'd indeed be very curious about the hill test and the boost button's capabilities
Me too. Unfortunately, VanMoof isn't the easiest for us to work with. I tried...
Sure, the Netherlands are cool and very bike-friendly. This sparse but elegant bike might be just the thing for the Dutch. In America, though, most of us confront these things called hills. (I wonder why anyone in a country like the Netherlands would even want any E in their bikes.)
I think that's fair, I really want to test this bike on our hill climb. I see a huge use case for ebikes here, being able to travel to even further...might be the difference between needing a car for some. After being here I can tell you I would absolute not want to own a car here (though there are a lot of pretty electric cars to look at!)
In the Netherlands and all of Europe EBikes everywhere. I’m currently in Germany and seems like half are Ebikes maybe more.
Vanmoofs are weak
don’t think the fronthubs last long
You know there are E bikes for fat Americans that can climb steep mountains with just a throttle
"most of us confront these things called hills"- TOPKEK! That's the most "murican" thing I've heard in a long time. FYI, ebikes and regular bikes are everywhere in both Europe and Asia(including mountainous countries like Switzerland or the Philippines). It's only in the US that the whole damn country is too car-centric that ya need your damn truck to get to your fat asses to a nearest fast food chain less than a mile away.
Vanmoof S5 is a nice looking e-bike. I like the way the lights, battery and security is integrated into the frames design, unlike other manufacturers that make these parts as add ons that spoil the overall look of the bike. That being said, Vanmoof are extremely expensive to buy and expensive to maintain. No wonder the company went bankrupt. Other, cheaper brands of bikes should take inspiration from Vanmoof’s design but manufacture something similar but without the price tag. 🇳🇱
not the apple of ebikes by any means. its just a smooth looking low powered ebike.
What brand would you consider the Apple then?
@@Murillos1 riese and muller. More like they’re the rolls Royce of e-bikes
Ryan. Check out the Wing Freedom X .Very similar frame and features. Yes no torque motor or front motor. But frame and security features. Maybe you get one to review
Thanks, I've been in touch. Definitely a contender for a future review.
tbh what's the difference between s3 s4 and s5？
Ryan, how would you replace the battery if it failed?
You don't😉
Good question, I have to imagine there is a way for the user to do it...but what level of technical know-how is the question (and can you even buy it direct). I'm going to venture a guess that they'd want you to take it to a local service center. I did compare the company to Apple after all :)
World has gone mad. My ebike have hub BLDC 1,5KW motor kit from China , 1.2 KWh battery , throttle and i drive it up to 100km without pedalling on normal , not hilly terrain. Absolute beast that costed me less than 1500 euro 2 yrs ago. Now it have 8000 km on its counter and still runs as first day !!! Up to 60km/h of speed , full unlocked and illegal and LOVE IT ! When the people will realize that they are being robbed??? Hipsters and their bikes hahahahahha Stop wasting money !!!
Where could I get something like this? DM if possible, thanks!
How does this compare to the RAD Mission?
Do you think there will be another insane e-bike sale like the one Rad Power just did on their rad mission bikes?
We really are not sure. We speculate that Rad might have been purging its inventory for a new model. We do think this is going to be a great Black Friday to purchase an ebike, but not sure if the deals will be as awesome as the RadMission sale. -JT
@@EbikeEscape Thanks!
The next best thing to a $500 Radpower Mission is a $999 52v Juiced Rip Racer Class 2.
Sucks that they don’t ship to canada 🇨🇦
That is a bummer - maybe some day!
The best feature is, you don't need a battery.
I didn't talk about it much but this bike is very rideable without a battery.
@@EbikeEscape I'm sorry, I missed the part, where you mentioned the battery at all :) I say this, for the space looks small. Like max. 7.8 Ah. Or?
While I know folks in Northern California (store in SF) that own a VanMoof, it's just too expensive of a price point based on what you get. It's pretty for sure but a thief magnet.
No one steals these bikes.. people leave them everywhere here in Amsterdam and they won’t get stolen. Mind you:stealing bikes in the Netherlands is a cultural hobby.
100%. Yes, it's about 2x pricier for 1/4 the power all for the sake of coolness. It's not going to sell well here in high quantities. Nice effort though.
Well not all country ride a bike.. they already proven their sales
They filed for bankruptcy?
You might want to take this video down inside reading Van Poof has gone bankrupt . aside from that , when it was available it was a disaster in terms of reliability and zero service . the bike was all hype and sold to those that favor style over function .
Wow 250w is such a baby. All the tech is cool, but seems so underpowered particularly for the price. Pay double and get 1/4 the power for the sake of tech and cool factor? Seems like a stretch. Cool bike, but I don't see this selling well beyond the original hype.
Yea that is one of the differences between the EU and US markets. Bigger Watts is what sells in the US, where in the EU wants something close to a bike then a motorcycle.
Where can i get spare parts for this bike?
You'll have to contact Vanmoof
This is the iPhone of city ebikes
Seen quite a few VMs in NYC. The range must be mediocre though.
Vanmoof claims 37 miles on full power-mode and 93 miles on Eco. I assume those range estimates are without Ryan's intense use of the "Boost" button. -JT
This company is dead. Because of bad quality bikes...
End of NO funn..
"High Quality Stuff".
Lost 2500£
Unreliable make - do not buy
Moved to canondale and light and day difference
Afraid manufacturing is moved from USA- but it’s a super bike - American technology and reliability
What happened to your bike?
@@EbikeEscape
1. Mechanically the Sturmey Archer gears broke down however credit to van moof they replaced.
2. Then started having electric glitches and its extremely automated with no mechanical over-ride ability. Essentially the electronic system went off twice and basically gave up with repairing. Van moof coudnt fix either. The bike lasted 1200 miles and died.
3. Last front wheel motors make bikes unbalanced - so its very easy to skid in icy conditions.
Google for van moof issues
In comparison Canondale puts in Bosch or quality motors.
The motor is in crankshaft making bike really well balanced. I have been riding this winter at -4C and its so stable.
The electronics can be completely switched off to zero power and various stages of assist.
Canondale is like light and day difference compared to Van Moof -
Oops. Did not age well. Sophisticated != viable. Proprietary components are not the way forward - everyman thinks they have a better way of doing things because they've never done them before; how did that work out.
This is the worst bike ever. Every day a different bug and customer support is not available. Now it is locked and I cannot move it anymore. Never VanMoof again. In my opinion this is a scam company!
Vanmoof? Ha ha you are joking aren't you.
Is there even a company called Vanmoof?
Thanks Ryan awsome looking bike..Man in the states those bikes would all be stolen🤣
At least the are doing something about theft. Not many US companies do that.
As for bike theft. The Netherlands has a relatively high rate of bike theft. I’m sure not as high per bike owner, but it is relatively high. A lot of bikers in Amsterdam have Huge chain locks. Also a bike like that people usually take inside. When riding they tend to have them within hearing distances. Have taken several bike trips in the Netherlands (5 or so). They are always talking about the number of bikes in the Amsterdam canals.
People in Amsterdam often have 2 bike, one is a junker and they ride it when they can not watch it. They may even leave the junker outside. The nice bike they take inside and in safe conditions.
More bike than people in Amsterdam. Bike paths throughout the country.
My big concern with this bike is power to climb hills. The Netherlands is totally flat. How will this thing handle hills.
Yeah probably worth buying the theft insurance.
Review starts at 6 mins
Apologies, just added the chapters!
Gone bankrupt due bad quality products used in bikes ,most bikes sold in the Netherlands were in the bike repair shop when they went bankrupt .rubbish product
And it's gone! Haha
Be careful! If you live in North America, Vanmoof is a scam!! I spent $3,900 $US on a fully decked-out S3 on August 15, 2022. I live in Windsor, Colorado. The bike did not arrive until February 2023, six months after my check was cashed. It came broken and missing parts. It does not shift gears and the motor does not work, never has. It is now April 7, 2023. They can take six months to ship the bike, but you only have two weeks to return it even if it arrives broken and you don’t figure it out because it is the middle of the Colorado winter. Customer service wants to know if I took it to an authorized bike doctor. There isn’t one in Colorado. This company is ill-equipped to sell to North America.
I appreciate you sharing your experience. Sorry it's been frustrating
Another underpowered over priced bike for consumers!!! Not buying it !!
it's called safety regulations, something the US seems to be missing looking at the high mortality rate of that developing nation
Bird - A-Frame eBike 1k on bestbuy, thoughts 💭
Similarly styled Ebike. If a single speed ebike fits your needs, it looks like a solid and stylish option. -JT
dON'T BUY VAN MOOF THEY LIE ABOUT DELIVERY. vERY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. also if something breaksdown you have to repair it at their shop with waitinglist for weeks. They sucks balls as a dutch would say.
When was the last time you delt with them?