The Vanmoof Situation 🚲 The Sequel
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- Опубліковано 25 жов 2024
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My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa and hoping to make the city of light my home base - at least for the foreseeable future. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much.
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How long have you lived in France? Almost four years now, holy cow.
What do you miss most about ho- NACHOS
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Thanks for watching!
After a 5 month wait for delivery I am completely in love with my S3. 120-150 hrs of riding has taken me on trails I never considered. Recommended
Stop the grief. Demand a full refund.
Agreed. You need to be firm and ask for a full refund.
I always maintain two well running bikes, and a third and fourth as spares.
So. Much. Easier.
Living room is very crowded, though.
Jay, I understand you want to avoid conflict but you have been more than reasonable with the company and the local shop. You have every right to be upset and they should compensate for the subpar service and customer service. If Vanmoof doesn’t change their ways a forsee a short future for them as a company. Best of luck.
A friend of mine also had this bike. Broke after 3 weeks, got a new one. That one broke in a few days and he got another one. That one also broke after 1.5 week.
When he got the fourth, he sold it.
This is why I will buy a e-bike with no extra tech. Just a motor and a screen. That's enough for me :)
Hang in there. Thank you for sharing your life. I enjoy the tiny slices of Paris while unable to travel. Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Van Moof talk a lot about theft protection. After cancelling my order for two bikes becasue of appalling customer service, they just don't return the payment in the 14 days they promise. Far from it, and we all know how beyond dreadful communicating with them is.Tthey take all your money on order placement and then don't give firm delivery dates. Then they don't honour their refund terms for cancelled orders. I call that theft!. If you're thinking of buying, just read the reviews... or, try using their chat or calling them,... yeah... impossible. Btw, thanks so much for this video... it's what tipped the balance and made me cancel my order.
I know that you don't want to really get a refund, but if you do... there is an outstanding Ebike manufacture in France called Mustache bikes. They have an amazing range of bikes. I would get the original step through bike.. it isn't a girl's bike, it's a city bike. and you will find that if you put stuff on the back rack that you will wish you could just step through rather than have to kick your leg over a pile of stuff behind the seat with a heavier bike. just a thought.. I do hope that you get yours back and it never has a problem again, but it would be cool to get a local bike.
I like your Gorbachov
Vanmoof Story, Part 3: The Refund.
😂
Same story here. Got my bike and after a struggle to assemble it, I realized it wouldn’t charge. Repackaged and sent back to the Netherlands one month ago, where it has been ever since. When I email, Vanmoof tells me that it will take one more week, week after week...
Jerks. I want that bike so much. I don't even live in EU. I know it's big risk, but still getting tickled by the idea of cool e-bike.
It looks like they sent you your “original” but now “fixed” bike, a lemon is a lemon is a lemon....Yes I had the same issue with an American made e-bike ; the first bike was a big lemon that could not even be put together which they accepted it back, then the second bike was also had an issue , but they sent the correct wheel and it was ok. This experience was frustrating, was also traumatic enough that I sold it, and got another bike (less cool, but totally trust worthy). Sorry , but old girlfriends that ask for their plant back, when they used your garage storage space at no cost, ....are not worth thinking about, your lucky she is gone ( and I hope she reads this).
As one who likes VanMoof I'm appalled by their service and I will have a serious problem ordering one when my present E-bike will die. Seriously this is going to be a problem.
Sorry you're dealing with this crap. I have 3 bikes here in Paris and the one I ride the most is the Elops 500 Single Speed from Decathlon...€220! Yea, no fancy electric assist, but I also can lock it anywhere and not worry about it getting stolen like my other €1000+ bikes. May be worth looking into to have as a back-up. I personally think Vanmof is more of a tech company, than a bike company, which isn't always a good thing. You want your bike to be reliable...it is unbelievable that some electronic error would keep a bicycle from functioning.
I have a very nice Specialized mountain bike I used for commuting in Seattle for many years. After all the gear I added, it was about three grand rolling. A bike like that has a ton of things that need attention and a ton of things that can go wrong. The most reliable bike I ever owned was a bright green, nineteen seventies vintage, steel frame Peugeot I bought used from a roommate. I wish I still had it.
Super video, just the right amount of waffling😉. I feel a great affinity with you, from wanting a Vanmoof for ages to clanging my chrome dome on anything that doesn't move out of the way. The only difference is that my lovely gift giving relatives refused to pitch in for a bike that has no dealership near to where I live. I reckon your just unlucky living too close to a Vanmoof outlet😂. Looking forward to your next update.
Haha - perhaps that's the key drawback. Hopefully the third time will be the charm =)
Thanks for the video Jay. Very helpful. This has cured my desire for a Vanmoof. There are plenty of other e-bikes out on the market. You are being way too nice to the dealer. Demand a full refund and buy another brand. If they won't issue a full refund take them to small claims court if there is something like that in Paris.
If the third attempt doesn't come through, I think moving on will be the way to go
Was on the verge of ordering one. Thank goodness I saw your video first.
I would've asked for a refund already. Just for the customer experience alone. Good luck!
Merry Merry Christmas Jay! To you family, Paris family of friends! 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
I feel bad for your experience. I Just got my X3 today and it works beautifully, no problems. I did have an error, but it was gone after I reset it.
Wow, what an ordeal. I bought an ebike earlier this year. I fell in love with a bike an manufacturer from Vancouver Canada. I live in Arizona. When I called them, they said that there would be no sales tax. So... I bought it. They shipped it to a company called Velofix that put it together and delivered it to my house. Awesome, but. When I took out the battery I saw a sticker on the battery that said “failed shake test”. I called the shop in Canada and they apologized and said they would send me a new battery. (The battery costs $750!). And the battery was lost in transit by UPS! Seriously. So they sent me a third battery. The bike works great. The company is called OHM. I loved those vanmoofs too because they are so stealthy. Good luck. I hope that you get the bike and it works great for years.
Jay, just as you can't have a phobia of sharks (because fear of them is rational) you're not a complainer if you're being wronged. I've often said to providers "don't promise what you can't deliver - just tell me what to expect and then deliver on that" and then you know if you're dealing with fair people or you've been scammed. And if they're just going to scam you then you know to move on since you can't expect anything reasonable from them. That's just my five cents... (we ditched the penny in Canada so our opinions have suffered inflation) :)
“It sounds like a breakup video.” Just before you said it, I was thinking, “This sounds a lot like the story of my marriages.” 😬 One day, just one day, I hope you get a working bike. The part about building trust is very apt. I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed for you, Jay. 🤞🏼🤞🏼
I love your pragmatism! Thank you for the views of Paris during the holidays too! Reminds me of being there last year! Wishing you a Merry Christmas!!!! 🎄🎅🏻
Now I understand the song "Bicycle" by Queen.
I'm waiting mine, coming next week. I hope to don't have issues like you had. I'm sorry to hear about it.
Fingers crossed and I eventually let you know my experience. Thanks for this video, it's useful.
As an ex-courier, who bought as well an electric bike, there is only 1 PRO in an electric bike and countless CONS.
PROS: A really small assistance (UK limit 15mph and no throttle))
CONS: Find a charging port, heavy bike, nothing standard (pedal, seat, wheel, tyres), over reliance on phone, not enough authorized repair shop, no support for old models, not even a bottle holder. I bought 7 seaters Toyota Previa for the same price (I had few of them).
It's too bad that Vanmoof is doing so bad at the moment due to it's own succes. They can't get up. I'm from the netherlands and I've heard similair stories all around me.. :/
Hope it all works out eventually! Wishing everyone here a merry christmas!
I’m so bummed for you. I know how much you have wanted this bike, how extremely frustrating. I myself even looked into getting one. But, I think I’ll pass on that for now. Hope your Christmas gets a little brighter. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Thanks for the van moof videos-I’m in NYC and am going for a test ride next week.
The cranial bump is the perfect scar from your Vanmoof experience. I was really interested in these bikes until I saw your experience. I also admire your forgiveness for their services. I would not have been so to say the least. If a company brands itself as being a super chic techie brand and is constantly failing, it does not bode well. It also seems like they have a real issue with one of the most important aspects of business and that is NOT to over promise and under deliver. I get the sense that this is a bigger issue than 10% malfunctions. Anyway, here's hoping it works out... eventually.
So happy after a long back n forth I went with the Cowboy...now thére's a Fabulous Bike!
I feel your pain. At least you got your bike . I never got a bed I ordered. Took them a month to respond and almost two months for a refund.The frustration when they ignore you is horrible.And I never purchase anything online. Also don't want to. But I guess Ill go with Amazon. At least they seem to deliver always. We will see.♥️🤗
Third time lucky with the bike 🚴♂️ 🍀 Oh and I wince everytime I see you hitting the garage door 🤕
Jay, I just found your account when getting excited about my vanmoof arriving in two weeks (hopefully). I really hope I’m not also in this 10%, and I’m sorry you have been. You’ve been super reasonable with the company, and I hope it’s all okay now??
How disappointing this VanBetterWorkNotWorkingTerribleCustomerServiceButICan'tBreakUpWithYou situation is! Sending you lotsa patience!
Thanks Jay for your honesty. I too want a well designed EB but you have finally put me off dealing with van moof. I'll stick with my iPace which is difficult to get the car up the stairs for charging!
Good luck, Jay. Had a similar incident with my bike from Canyon - delayed 2-3 months. They gave me a new bike with a 30% discount from the original price & were very apologetic. Hope you get similar outcome.
Sorry you are going through this, Jay.
You didn't show us your new computer chair!!!! 😄
Happy I chose the X2
Definitely dodged some complication bullets there haha
Quick question... Does the bike still function as a bike when the electric feature aren’t working?
I'm wondering the same thing
Yeah, you just can't unlock the rear-wheel lock if there's no electricity so that could get you
thank you for that video, it definitely will make me choose a cowboy 4 ^^
Good luck with your bike! I had issue with my new bike when the old one got stole!
I want to enjoy this bike also, without these issues with customer service. I love it's minimalist design and attention to detail. I'm taking a test ride in London this week. Thankfully they have a showroom here, so cannot sherk communication with their customers. As the pandemic subsides, hopefully these issues will also. One concern of mine is the use of 95% custom parts, essentially meaning owners are bound to their customer service for repairs.
"I don't want conflict, I just wanna bike" hahaha, I can relate!!! this. is. me.
Been there . I’ve been told these kind of problems are referred to as “Early Adopter Blues” hope the bad experience is left behind with 2020 !!
I hope so too! Here's hoping round three works out much better =)
@@JaySwanson what’s the story a year later ?
I've had the S3 for 8 months now, only ride it for 15 miles (approx) at the weekend. So disappointed with the quality. If the bike worked it would be awesome but it really doesn't. I've had to replace the seat post bolt, the entire smart cartridge, the bell button doesn't work, the app doesn't track my activities and the lock has jammed on 2 while out riding, meaning I've had to carry it home.
Asked for a refund as i had lost trust in it but was told that as it is 8 months old they don't do refunds.
'The Vanmoof' - A love story.
I hope that you get a bike soon, Vanmoof or not.
How do you survive in Paris without complaining?
I certainly stand out ;D
so funny ;)
Hmmmmm. Sounds like the Vanmoof is a bit of a VanEdsel. Being a fellow early adaptor, these problems are part of the deal. It will work out fine.
Why do you like this bike? A bike is more than just the bike. A bike is the people who create it and get it to you and support you. I've had three electric bikes. Two were quite expensive. One relatively inexpensive. My experience with all three were phenomenal. I love my bikes and part of the love is based on the people behind the bikes regardless of their cost. And no, the adapter is not the common denominator. The common denominator is the company Vanmoof.
Sorry to hear about the bad Vanmoof 🚲 customer service experience. Here's to #happyvanmoofingin2021. Be sure to put some Neosporin on that head injury to keep you looking fly! Merry Xmas Eve Jay🎄🎅
After 5 Months and having the 2nd bike come 2 days ago which is also broken i’m calling it quits ..... i asked for a refund now....lets see what happens
There are hundreds of things that I do not like about U.S. or proud of but when it comes to customer services, I have to say that we do it right here.
you NEVER get the tracking number email for any item from any one!
Where are things at now? (Being at the END OF MARCH)
I am looking at purchasing one in Europe, and shipping it to Australia.
This video didn't fill me with confidence.
I'm still having headaches. I love the bike when it's working, but the ratio on that hasn't been good
It seems like im the only one who has a working S3 with 700km and counting without any problems
I'm hoping I can join that club in round three, haha. Glad yours is working great!
Wow what a bad experience after all the anticipation. Thanks for sharing your story, its definitely put me off buying one.
Jay l decided to with Swytch a kit that converts most bikes to electric,to date l have problems with the power pack and had to fork out £165 for another power pack others have had problems,however when it work right like now it’s brilliant,but l am with you we want reliability.
Maybe the forces that be are trying to literally knock some sense into you about getting another type of bike.
😆😆
Is the spot on your head something that you need to get looked at?
What happened about the bike ? I can't see any other videos with the outcome ?? 🤔🤔
"give me back my money",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, my husband sends me out to do battle with car dealers etc.
ah good to know I'm not alone in getting "things" done when the other half is fed up or too tired to battle. One car dealer simply said no to me so I contacted the state. Then it became a quick stream of Yes ma[am. we all have jobs we have to do in life and one of mine is to keep the other half sane.
You bonked your bean!
Boy did I!
I wanted to get one. But after so many negative reviews I’m giving it a miss for now
Belching directly at the camera ( us) without so much as a Öops I'm sorry! Jay you disappoint . Dont be so rude.
I must admit this doesn't fill you with confidence in electric bikes. If there are problems with the electronics then it's a return for refund. Alternatives?? Only desiknio but these are twice the price. Let's hope you get a brand new one
Yes, quite expensive, you deserve it. Hope you will get insurance for it!! Paris, although my favorite city in the world, does have issues with theft!
Demand as S2 replacement?
I did like the non-electric version I tried
Jay is singing the Broken Bike Blues. Fo'real tho, Vanmoof, this is getting so ridiculous 🙄 😒 😑 🤦. It's so ridiculous its almost humorous. But not quite. Though that slapstick comedy segment last night was funny. 😁 hope your noggin is ok.😊 🩹🤕
It's definitely a good mix of humor and =/ at this point haha
You are being too nice. They should compensate with euro's !
Well, I wanted one, now I don't.....
😬😬
Vanmoof have ramped up production without hiring enough QC and support staff because they lusted after that COVID sales high...
Cool bike but horrendous customer service.
Definitely hasn't been a good experience on that front
@@JaySwanson Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
In the 1970-ties my father was riding a long the harbor of and of the riversides and canal sides in Rouonge during loding/ un loading ships he was chief on. Yes he bougth a bike and it on the boat al the time, al for get a chanse to lose weigth! And to look at the country. The cathedral of Rouonge is famuse and sow is its organ! You will find anather bike that is functionable and fit YOU without headace of one or anther reson, firstadkit in the garage is good!
Vanmoof sucks. You have to connect to the app to ride, that sucks. No internet connection or low battery on your phone then you can't ride. All parts are custom so you can't get any parts easily for repairs.
It's just a pretty bike, get a good one that actually works that has good costumer support and works with standard parts.
A bike is not like a Mac or an iPhone, you have to be able to repair a car or bike, you can't just buy new cars n bikes when they break down. It's not a smart device it's a vehicle you have to be able to ride it and fix it.
I want my money back! Oh, I didn’t pay for it. I haven’t finished watching, but this isn’t working. Like a relationship, there’s other fish in the sea. It’s what you want to do with the bike that’s the important thing. The road trip on a bike sounds great! You’re worth a perfectly functioning bike, with excellent customer service! 🍻
This sounds a lot like the story of me and my Model three. Confirmation perhaps that Tesla should buy them.
I should get coffee too first
Coffee helps haha
Sounds like a classic story of style over ability - bad customer service, bad quality control at the factory. Its refund time, you've put so much time in already.
1:57 FOR THE BELCH
I'm definitely *not* buying a Vanmoof.
You had battery issues, when it shows err without any number, thats meaning multiple errors at once. The errors probably were two or more of these error 16-17-18-19-20-21. It doesnt help when its not kept charged, since the bike is always on, even when its off its using power to some degree. Im sorry for your disappointment. I have exp with bot side of the bikes: when they are broken, they are shit. When they are working, its cool and awesome.
And im even more sorry for the customer support experience. Its the hardest to nail it as i see, and experience it. So far its either over hte board and me as customer have all the right and they are fucked anyway, or companies just shit on me and something maybe gets solved. And for vanmoof add in this mix the "stellar" service of ups. It feels like UPS main gola is just to try to make sure very bike gets to meat a god level disaster.
Mitigate = communicate, yeah
:)
Vanmoof is the best electrical bike 🚲 out there, you just not lucky 🍀
Got myself a full refund after 4 months wait + 6 addtional months they wanted to impose!!!! got a Cowboy4 in 10 days and loving it
Customer service from Netherland companies is lousy :(
Should've bought a Moustache Lundi.
Your experience with VanMoof is my experience. VanMoof = poor quality/ terrible service/ great industrial design.
You just convinced me not to get a Vanmoof
birthday!? what are you 12?
anything that req an app????? great concept, but technology is fickle.....
Yes, I think return that, it seems of very poor quality and buy a French brand recommended by your bike shop friends.
vous prenez automatiquement part à un jeu avec 'vanmoof'
you got the bike for basically nothing, quit winning!
I can't stop winning - I win at all the things! 🥇😎🥇
Tell them to Moof Off🤣🚲🚴♀️🚴♂️
😂
To me it looks like a nerd thing and not to trust verdy ! Lookt on them......no modell with lower frame! Can't be a bike forevery man ( or woman) . Offcorse it looks cool but as a person that, cold need! A etikett that would not be the modell! And a weigth of 20 kg... LIGTH WEIGTH... would be a basic thing, and low instep.....?! Am I pick now i don't think sow! On your blog it hears like they had take the mouth to fullland can't handel the situation.....well Paris is full of rent bikes! Hope you get a peicefull Christmas
Vanmoof is a good bike 🚲 you just not lucky 🍀 Bro 😎