While electric bicycles from the Dutch family-based startup VanMoof were previously considered a luxury product, the new pedelecs could enter the mainstream. In addition to small innovations, the prices of the upcoming Electrified S3 models and smaller Electrified X3 models were reduced by 70 percent, which for the first time led them to drop below the magic mark of $ 2000.
VanMoof wants to enter a large market. The Dutch bicycle manufacturer, founded in 2009 by the brothers Ties and Taco Carlier, is currently on its way to the mainstream. For the production of the new Electrified S3 and Electrified X3 series, the entire supply chain was bought without further ado. The elimination of intermediaries is a source of joy: the initial price of both models was reduced to 1 euros.
In addition to the iconic lightbar design, the S3 / X3 models include typical VanMoof features:
- Turbo button on the steering wheel
- Hydraulic brakes
- Front-wheel drive
- Tracking Theft Protection
- Automatic gear shift
- 166-pixel steering wheel display
If you look closely at Vanmood S3, then it will follow the same trend as smartphones: the components merge with each other more and more evenly. The saddle is firmly integrated into the seat support. The battery has always been firmly built into the frame (yes, the bike must be connected entirely for charging). The brakes are now fully hydraulic, and the cables lower into the frame when driving.
As part of the anti-theft protection, VanMoof secures all parts with proprietary screws, and suitable tools are included. So when you change tires on your VanMoof once, take this bag to the garage.
VanMoof S3: Specifications
| Performance | 250/350 W (EU / US version) |
|---|---|
| Battery | 504 Wh |
| To reach | 60-150 km |
| Battery Charger | 36V4A, full in four hours |
| Protection against theft | Alarm system, Kick-Lock, touch unlock, driver recognition, location GSM + Bluetooth |
| Тормоза | Hydraulic disc brakes v + h |
| Corridors | 4-speed electric automatic gearboxes |
| Tires | Schwalbe Big Ben |
| Accessories | foot pump, tools, chain oil, belt |
| Price | EUR 1 / GBP 998 / USD 1 |
| Insurance | € 290 / £ 255 / $ 290 (for three years) |
A bit cheaper with leasing
Even $ 1,998, of course, is not what most people would call cheap for a bike. However, there are many different support programs; partly state and local, partly private through electricity suppliers around the world. Employers can also receive subsidies and offer their employees leasing bicycles. VanMoof offers such programs and even paints bikes according to company colors and logos.
Preliminary conclusion
VanMoof reduces the price of the Electrified S3 compared to the VanMoof Electrified S2 by € 1400, or 70 percent. That sounds too good to be true. We tried and tested the models on Google+, starting with the improved first generation.
The upgrade from the first to the second generation was still rather timid. But now a major update is expected. When we do our in-depth review, we will find out whether we have to make concessions to lower the price or whether VanMoof can continue to achieve the wow factor.
