Now in dark gray
The VanMoof S5 and A5 are high-tech, sleek-looking electric bicycles designed for urban commuting. Both models come in a stylish dark gray color and are equipped with a range of features that make them stand out from other electric bikes on the market.
The VanMoof S5 is the brand's flagship model, with a powerful electric motor and a range of up to 93 miles on a single charge. It has a top speed of 20mph and is designed to handle steep hills and rough terrain with ease. The S5 also features a smart lighting system that automatically adjusts to the ambient light levels, ensuring maximum visibility and safety while riding.
The VanMoof A5 is a more compact and affordable version of the S5, but still boasts many of the same features. It has a range of up to 37 miles on a single charge and a top speed of 15mph. The A5 also has a smart lighting system, but with slightly fewer LEDs than the S5.
Both the S5 and A5 are equipped with advanced anti-theft features, including an integrated lock that can be controlled using the VanMoof app, a loud alarm system that can be activated remotely, and a GPS tracking system that can help locate a stolen bike.
Other notable features of the VanMoof S5 and A5 include:
- Automatic Transmission – The bikes have an automatic transmission system that adjusts to the rider's speed and cadence, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Integrated Display – The bikes have a built-in display that shows key information such as speed, battery life, and distance traveled.
- Lightweight Design – The bikes are made of lightweight aluminum and weigh only around 50 pounds, making them easy to handle and transport.
- Comfortable Ride – The bikes have a comfortable saddle and ergonomic handlebars that reduce strain on the wrists and shoulders during long rides.
- Environmentally Friendly – The bikes have zero emissions and use a rechargeable battery that can be charged using a standard power outlet.
Overall, the VanMoof S5 and A5 are premium electric bicycles that are perfect for urban commuters who want a fast, stylish, and convenient way to get around the city. Their advanced features and sleek design make them stand out from other electric bikes on the market, and their anti-theft measures provide peace of mind for riders.
Vanmoof has declared bankruptcy:
The curtain's come down on VanMoof, once hailed as the Tesla of e-bikes. Our slick Dutch friend has folded, beleaguered by an overwhelming tide of quality control issues and design misjudgments that ultimately led to its downfall. It's the sort of calamity that strikes when a company's ambition outpaces its ability to deliver.
At the heart of the matter, VanMoof's €2,000 bikes, visually appealing as they were, often hid their Achilles' heels beneath the sheen: faulty brakes, error codes that put a halt to rides, and wobbly wheels that could have been extras on a slapstick comedy. When sales soared during the pandemic, the company was swamped by a tsunami of repair requests. It's like throwing a party and realizing halfway through that you don't have enough chairs, drinks, or, heaven forbid, snacks.
But it wasn't just the technical issues. The company chose to walk an eco-friendly path, which in itself is admirable, but their new packaging proved to be less protective than the old one. This seemingly small misstep led to countless bikes being delivered in less-than-perfect condition, which in turn meant more repair orders. It's akin to delivering a fragile piece of artwork in a paper bag – the intent might be pure, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
VanMoof owners currently waiting for their rides to get fixed are left in a lurch, with stores closed and spare parts in short supply. There's a promise that bikes will be returned even if they aren't repaired, but one has to wonder if that's a silver lining or just another storm cloud.
Then there's the big question: what happens when a company that connects its products to the internet shuts its doors? For the moment, your VanMoof bike will remain functional, as the company's working to keep the servers and app online. They've even advised you to create a backup unlock code. It's a lifeboat, sure, but it's the kind that's more of a rubber dinghy than a sturdy rescue vessel.
To those who placed orders and are now left wondering about refunds, I'd say navigate to VanMoof's support page, which has information on how to possibly recoup your losses.
In the end, VanMoof's story is a cautionary tale of a soaring vision grounded by the weight of practical realities. But even in the fallout, there's a lesson to be learned, for both the makers and the riders. Because, after all, life is more about the journey than the destination.
