Van Moof Electric Bike Review:Van Moof Ebikes - Anyone Have One? If So, How Do You Like It?

A New Vision for Urban Mobility

A VanMoof electric bike has never really just been a bike—it’s a design statement, a technological marvel and, for many people, rather like a first glimpse of the future of urban cycling. When you spy one silently swooping down a city street, its minimalist frame and integrated lights casting a unique silhouette, it’s hard not to be intrigued. But behind the cool exterior is a more complex reality of technology and service competition not only from within the car industry but from outsized tech giants like Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google–and even Uber Technologies Inc.–with all battling to control vehicles and help people enjoy the ride. You're on the lookout for a “VanMoof e-bike review" because you are already well past the point where you're just curious. You are serious about whether this premium, high-performance machine is the right ride for your weekday hustle around town and your weekend racing up your friends' favorite canyon. You demand more than a list of specs; you need to know how the bike feels on the road, how it suits you when you live with it, and you’ll want an honest assessment of the bike’s strengths and any possible weaknesses. This complete review has been designed to answer exactly those questions, for the solid, real-life knowledge that you need to feel good about what you choose.

The VanMoof Product Lineup

The VanMoof brand has a dedicated line of products and is based around a central idea of integrated design. Instead of presenting dozens of widely differing models, they riff on core frame styles. Here’s a breakdown of their primary electric bike offerings:

S-Series (Straight-Frame)

The traditional, full-size frame for a more aggressive, sport-style riding position. Models in the series include the S5 and its predecessor, the S3.

A-Series (Angled-Frame)

A new take on a step-through frame–built for best accessibility and more upright and leisure riding. The primary model is the A5.

X-Series (X-Frame)

A compact unisex frame featuring a unique "X" structure at the center that can accommodate even more rider heights. The X3 is the most familiar model.

V-Series (Hyperbike Concept)

The VanMoof V is a high-speed e-bike concept designed for longer distances and higher speeds, as a statement of the brand’s ambitions rather than a mainstream product.

The Riding Experience: Generations and Alternatives

Since we're talking about VanMoof's top sellers, let's explore what it's like to ride them. The latest generation S5 and A5 is a major advance. Once you approach the bike, the new Halo Ring interface communicates information such as charging, unlocked, and ready to ride through an intuitive, visual language on the handlebars. The ride itself is one big upgrade: the torque sensor. This is a game-changer. The power transfer is now super smooth and links directly to your own pedaling. Want a jerky start? There isn’t one; no, but rather, it feels like your own strength has been somehow magically augmented. The motor, albeit still soft-spoken, does seem snappier and more refined. Hills that felt like a slog on a regular bike turn into nothing more than gentle slopes you triumphantly climb with a satisfyingly even push. The new, improved three-speed automatic e-shifter is also a clear upgrade on the last model. The tried and true straight-frame geometry of the S5 gets you into an efficient but not-too-aggressive position for you to cut through headwinds and traffic. With the A5's low step-through frame, you'll have a more comfortable ride in a more upright "Dutch" position, easy to mount and dismount, even dressed in a business suit. The whole thing is slick, flowing and futuristic. Riding the S3 and X3 of the previous generation, on the other hand, is an iconic experience. The most well-known of these is the Turbo Boost button. Press that small button on the right handlebar, and you get a nice rush of power that’s ideal for shooting forward at a green light, or conquering an unexpected hill. It's addictive and genuinely useful. The four-speed e-shifter on the S3/X3 was revolutionary, shifting up and down gears based on your speed. Clever though it was, this could result in the saddle performing an odd lurch on occasion, a trait some riders rhapsodized about and others learned to anticipate. To be clear, the ride is still ridiculously smooth, and the included lights, anti-theft bits, and unified design aesthetic that made this brand famous remain. The X3 isn’t so tight it is uncomfortable, but it is quite fun and zippy, perfect for small spaces in a city and smaller riders who think the S-series frame looks too big for them.

But aside from the instant satisfaction, there's a few things a new owner should know about the rest of the VanMoof ecosystem as that's where the company really sets itself apart from its competitors. It is not a bike in which you can trade parts easily at your local store. From the integrated battery to the custom handlebars and e-shifter, the proprietary design means you’re buying into a closed system. The first benefit is the seamless, unified look and user experience. The bike feels like an integrated product, just like high-end consumer electronics. But that obviously relies on VanMoof's service network. Be sure to verify the whereabouts of the closest VanMoof Service Hub or authorized workshop before you buy. They can be a significant logistical challenge to maintain and repair if you don’t live near one. A second consideration is the battery. Note that on iconic S3 and X3 models, the battery is entirely integrated, and it is not meant to be easily removed by the user. What this does mean, however, is the necessity that you take the entire bike to a power outlet to charge, which for apartment-dwelling individuals who lack access to ground-floor storage or charging facilities, can be a deal breaker. VanMoof solved for this with an external PowerBank accessory, but it’s an extra purchase. The new S5 and A5 models make the battery removable for certified service, but still not for daily charging swaps by the user. For the upside, the brand’s emphasis on security is an enormous selling point. The built-in Kick Lock, which locks the rear wheel and sets off a loud alarm if tampered with, is also genius. Combined with GPS tracking built in and the optional Peace of Mind service (where VanMoof’s “Bike Hunters” will track down and recover a stolen bike), it’s a level of security you’ll struggle to find from many other brands. This kind of peace of mind is an important part of what you're getting.

VanMoof's integrated ecosystem is ideal for some, but others prefer more flexibility, established component standards, and user-focused features such as a removable battery. For such an exacting city cyclist, there are brands such as ENGWE, which holds our attention with the P275 SE. This electric bike is made to solve the problems which custom-made systems might give you a hard time with. The ENGWE P275 SE is designed around an ultra-reliable torque sensor; the technology lets you power the bike. The more force you use, the more assistance the motor will give you. With E-SATS (Smart Axle Torque System) of ENGWE, the system is able to detect your operation and reacts in as fast as 50ms, which creates an immediate ”rider-bike connection”. For lots of city folk, that feature is, hands down, the 36V 13Ah removable lithium-ion battery, which means you can unclip it in seconds and charge it easily at your desk or apartment. This one characteristic adds a level of functionality that is necessary for modern urban life. What's more, the P275SE comes with dependable SHIMANO 7-speed gears and powerful 160mm hydraulic disc brakes, both standard components renowned for their reliability and ease of maintenance at any good bike shop. This transparent strategy on parts grants the owner independence and peace of mind. At distances up to 100 km, it is mounted in the comfortable Dutch-style upright riding position, with useful extras such as a front basket that’s included and full-fender protection, the ENGWE P275 SE now emerges as a smart engineered alternative for urban commuting, combining smart technology with real-world practicality and maintenance-free riding.

To better distinguish the variances among other electric VanMoof bikes, here is a detailed comparison of their main active models:

The VanMoof Ecosystem: Strengths and Weaknesses

But aside from the instant satisfaction, there are a few things a new owner should know about the rest of the VanMoof ecosystem, as that's where the company really sets itself apart from its competitors. It is not a bike in which you can trade parts easily at your local store. From the integrated battery to the custom handlebars and e-shifter, the proprietary design means you’re buying into a closed system. The first benefit is the seamless, unified look and user experience. The bike feels like an integrated product, just like high-end consumer electronics. But that obviously relies on VanMoof's service network. Be sure to verify the whereabouts of the closest VanMoof Service Hub or authorized workshop before you buy. They can be a significant logistical challenge to maintain and repair if you don’t live near one. A second consideration is the battery. Note that on iconic S3 and X3 models, the battery is entirely integrated, and it is not meant to be easily removed by the user. What this does mean, however, is the necessity that you take the entire bike to a power outlet to charge, which for apartment-dwelling individuals who lack access to ground-floor storage or charging facilities, can be a deal breaker. VanMoof solved for this with an external PowerBank accessory, but it’s an extra purchase. The new S5 and A5 models make the battery removable for certified service, but still not for daily charging swaps by the user. For the upside, the brand’s emphasis on security is an enormous selling point. The built-in Kick Lock, which locks the rear wheel and sets off a loud alarm if tampered with, is also genius. Combined with GPS tracking built-in and the optional Peace of Mind service (where VanMoof’s “Bike Hunters” will track down and recover a stolen bike), it’s a level of security you’ll struggle to find from many other brands. This kind of peace of mind is an important part of what you're getting.

5 Questions VanMoof Owners Get Asked the Most

Does the VanMoof justify its premium price tag?

With a VanMoof, it’s about the whole package, not just a spec. You’re paying for a high-concept design, heavy technological integration (like the anti-theft system and the automatic shifting) and a brand. If you care about a unified, elegant, future-ready product where every piece was all made to work together, the premium is worth it. If you need raw power or don’t mind dealing with components yourself or just want a machined computer at the lowest cost, there’s arguably better value elsewhere.

What if my VanMoof bike breaks, but I'm not close to a Service Hub?

This is probably the biggest risk of being a VanMoof owner. For everyday problems, VanMoof’s app can diagnose issues, and their support team might be able to walk you through a fix or send out a part. But for anything more complicated such as the built-in electronics, motor or battery, you’re probably going to need a certified technician. The company is growing its network of certified partner workshops, but you'll need to make sure there's a convenient service option where you live before you make that purchase. Without it, you could be looking at a lot of downtime and shipping bills for repairs.

How well does it actually catch the real-life bad guys?

It is one of the best systems ever available. The Kick Lock is appealing for first-tier defense; it’s fast, keyless, and physically grips the wheel. The onboard alarm is loud and sensitive, which is enough to scare off most petty thieves. The last tier, which is the GSM or Apple Find My based tracking mashed with the optional hail mary Peace of Mind warranty, provides an impressive support network. No system is 100% thief-proof, but the multi-layered approach makes any thief look elsewhere, and provides owners with true peace of mind.

The first-generation S3/X3 was rife with reliability issues. Are the new models S5/A5 any good?

This is an important consideration for savvy buyers. VanMoof admitted that the same electronic issues plagued the S3/X3, mostly pertaining to the finicky four-speed electronic shifter (code-named “Error 44”), and other electrical bits. The S5 and A5 were designed to have these addressed. These changes to a simpler, more robust hub and especially the addition of a torque sensor for a more natural power transfer which is gentler on the drivetrain are game changers in terms of reliability and ride quality. Preliminary indications are the new generation is much more reliable.

I mean, I actually can’t take out the battery to charge it? This seems like a major flaw.

This is also true for the S3 and X3 models as well; the battery is built-in. Otherwise your choices are to wheel the bike inside to charge, or buy the optional PowerBank accessory—which is essentially a giant battery that charges the bike's battery. The newer S5 and A5 do have a removable battery, but it’s meant to be removed by a tech for servicing, not by users for daily charging. A slinky, weatherproof, not-easily-tampered-with frame is more important here than the luxury of the swappable battery. You’ll need to evaluate your own living and charging circumstances to determine for yourself whether this is a manageable limitation.

Ultimately, buying a VanMoof isn’t so much about buying an electric bike as it is about investing in a particular, highly-designed vision of urban mobility.