Dutch e-bike startup VanMoof is back 2 years after insolvency with its first design developed under brand-new management.
And in spite of past criticism that VanMoofs over-reliance on custom parts resulted in the business failure, the S6 adheres to the brands signature bespoke design.Today, VanMoof is betting that higher-quality custom-made parts, alongside a more robust maintenance network, will permit it to remain true to its design-forward, tech-heavy core, while avoiding the repair and maintenance risks that came out of scaling a specialized item too quickly.I do not think theres a factor for VanMoof to exist if were going to use off-the-shelf parts like everyone else, co-CEO Elliot Wertheimer informed A Technology NewsRoom backstage at Micromobility Europe in Brussels this week.
Were here to press design, to have a bike that, if youve never ever ridden an e-bike in your life, you get on it and its instinctive.
Easy, like an iPhone.VanMoof previously raised more than $200 million in venture capital and got a cult following for its premium, minimalist-designed e-bikes equipped with integrated lights, batteries, and motors.
VanMoofs special selling point became its most significant liability.
Like numerous venture-backed hardware services, the business grew too rapidly to operate sustainably.
When bikes broke down, customers were left stranded by an underdeveloped repair work network and constrained supply a consequence of the business decision to use custom parts instead of off-the-shelf components.The startup filed for insolvency in July 2023.
A month later on it was scooped up by e-scooter maker Lavoie, a company department of McLaren Applied, which itself was previously a part of McLaren Group that constructs parts for the McLaren F1.Wertheimer said with support from McLaren Applieds Formula 1 competence, VanMoof had the ability to revamp every part that had actually caused concerns in past designs, utilizing performance information to produce more trustworthy custom parts.
A lot of those parts are co-designed with large makers, which not just assures quality, but likewise availability of parts ought to anything occur to VanMoof once again, according to Wertheimer.In specific areas of business, VanMoof relented to a more industry-standard approach.
The business batteries, for example, are now co-designed and produced by Panasonic; VanMoof just supplies the mechanical and software application combination.
Formerly, VanMoof had actually led on battery design.The genuine important piece, however, is an enhanced support network, according to Wertheimer.We fixed the entire organization, from unit economics, logistics, and after-sale service, Wertheimer said.
We couldnt go out with something brand-new before we established the infrastructure to do so.VanMoof has actually developed a network of 250 repair centers and 130 sales partners, and is focusing sales on markets like Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.We have developed a tech suite for [our repair work partners] in terms of where they can buy components, a diagnostics app, a correct tracking system that tracks which parts went where, et cetera, to make service warranty claims easier for them, Wertheimer stated, including that VanMoof has actually established an online training course for mechanic partners.
Thats extremely well set up and were growing the network quick.
Were adding 10 stores a week.VanMoof likewise intends to introduce in the U.S.
by the end of 2025.
However, Wertheimer said those plans have actually stalled as the company waits to see how President Trumps tariffs policy shakes out.The business has actually currently begun taking appointments for the S6 in its current active markets, and anticipates to deliver the first few thousand automobiles in the start of August.The new VanMoof S6 city e-bike in electrical blueImage Credits: VanMoofCustomers were already complaining about sluggish repair times before VanMoofs short shutdown in 2023.
When it went bankrupt, some clients were stranded with damaged bikes; others who had put down deposits for brand-new bikes were out hundreds of dollars.
Trust in the brand name plummeted.While some may never ever forgive VanMoof for its failures, the new S6 might just help consumers keep in mind why they loved the brand in the first place.I provided the S6 a fast spin today in Brussels and was thrilled to lastly understand why many riders had actually when gone gaga for VanMoof.Its a sexy-looking bike.
The S6 has the renowned VanMoof frame, made sleeker without any noticeable welding.
It likewise comes in numerous matte colors, including an electric blue that looked more like lilac to me, and a pearl mint that Wertheimer states modifications in the light from white to green.We spent a great deal of time on the colors, he said.The tech features are likewise remarkable.
Wertheimer stated the company redesigned the electronic suite with aid from McLaren Applied to guarantee longevity even after the bike has been through its paces in rain, cold, heat, and other conditions.The S6 platform provides other functions that VanMoof fans will recognize, like the Halo Ring which replaces a traditional display and shines various colors to keep riders notified about battery life and speed.
The Halo on the S6 is much brighter, resolving grievances from previous designs of it being too dim in direct sunlight.New tech features consist of an integrated navigation that sets the bike to an accompanying mobile app, supplying turn-by-turn directions via the Halo lights and noises.
Theres also a new sound ecosystem, that includes a soft, but company, cricket-like noise that a rider can use in location of a bell to notify other roadway users to their presence.Anti-theft features have actually come standard on almost all VanMoof e-bike designs, but Wertheimer states the S6 is even better.We have a brand-new tracking system thats much more accurate, he said, keeping in mind the system counts on cellular tower triangulation, GPS signal, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to determine place of the lorry within 2 meters.Wertheimer likewise said VanMoof will quickly present crash detection and other safety features.As for the ride itself, the S6s enhanced mechanical moving system comes pre-tuned from the factory and automatically changes based upon speed, enabling smoother momentum.
It likewise works in tandem with the bikes 4 pedal-assist levels.
The front-wheel motor, co-developed with a major Japanese manufacturer, contributes to a more natural, user-friendly riding experience.
And the new suspension seatpost manages bumps in the road well.
For a bike that just weighs 51 pounds, its surprisingly sturdy.And, obviously, the iconic boost button includes that additional bit of zest, making riders feel like theyve just ridden over a mushroom in Mario Kart.When we took over VanMoof, we acquired great style, and an impressive product ecosystem, Wertheimer stated.
We invested two years restoring our business and brand to reach this launchwe are ready to show the world what we can do once again.
Thats what we see in the S6, our e-bike that can provide on 11 years of pledges.