VanMoof is back from the dead with two new electric bikes

The Dutch electric bike manufacturer, which was bought out of bankruptcy in 2024, is now launching the S6 and S6 Open. They look just like all the other VanMoof bikes from the past, but the brand's major issues regard consumer trust.

VanMoof has unveiled the S6 and S6 Open e-bikes, marking the company’s first major product launch since emerging from bankruptcy under new ownership last year. The Dutch manufacturer describes the new S6 models as its “most reliable, intuitive, and fun rides so far.” In terms of design, they retain VanMoof’s signature minimalist aesthetic while promising improved serviceability.

Both models follow the EU rules playbook with familiar specs: a 25 km/h top speed, 250W front hub motor, and 68 Nm of torque. The 23 kg frames feature a new three-speed AutoShift hub that uses mechanical shifting instead of the problematic electronic systems from previous models. VanMoof’s signature features return, including the Boost button, integrated Kick Lock, and frame-integrated lighting. A new Peak Design phone mount is included.

The company is sticking with its non-removable 487Wh battery approach, meaning users will have to haul their heavy bikes to an outlet to recharge. The battery takes 2.5 hours to reach a 50% charge, while a full charge takes 6.5 hours (mostly an overnight matter). On a full battery, the bikes have a range of between 60 and 150 km, depending on riding style. While competitors increasingly offer removable batteries for convenient indoor charging, VanMoof seems to still prioritise sleek design at the expense of practicality.

In fact, the real question isn’t whether VanMoof can still build an appealing and stylish e-bike (it clearly can). It’s whether customers will trust the brand again after the 2023 bankruptcy left many owners stranded without proper support. To regain user confidence, VanMoof is now offering a three-year warranty and has expanded to 250 service partners across 13 countries. Rebuilding trust after such a public failure will nonetheless be an uphill-with-no-pedal-assist battle.

VanMoof’s 2023 collapse followed years of ambitious promises that weren’t backed by solid execution. McLaren Applied’s acquisition and the ousting of the original founders brought new leadership and engineering expertise. Yet, at €3,300, the S6 still commands a premium price for what remains, essentially, a leap of faith in VanMoof’s renewed ability to deliver long-term reliability and support.

Read also: 15 post-lockdown days riding a VanMoof, the Tesla of e-bikes

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