Smart. Secure. Fast. Urban-Ready
In 2023 the lights went out at VanMoof’s Amsterdam HQ, the once-unstoppable e-bike darling collapsing under its own meteoric rise. Most brands would have faded into a footnote, but McLaren Applied—yes, the same engineering juggernaut that squeezes every millisecond out of Formula 1—saw a phoenix buried in the ashes. Twelve months later the VanMoof S6 rolls onto damp cobbles with the swagger of a comeback tour, carrying five generations of tinkering and a hard-earned lesson in humility.
Power & Range: Muscle Where It Matters
A 250-watt front-hub motor shoves out 68 Nm of torque—plenty to snap you through snarled traffic without breaking cadence. Four assist levels are your soundtrack, with that now-legendary Boost Button acting like a slingshot at every green light. Under the downtube, a 487 Wh Panasonic battery promises up to 150 km in eco mode (or roughly 60 km when you pin the throttle). Charging from flat to halfway takes about the length of a long lunch meeting; a full tank, six-and-a-half hours.
Control Core & Halo Light: A Brain in the Frame
Hidden in the top tube, the new Control Core is the silicon puppeteer coordinating torque sensor, AutoShift hub, and an always-on GPS/4G antenna. Think of it as mission control that never sleeps—diagnostics run through a USB-C port, while the brighter Halo Light ring flashes battery levels and assist mode without dragging your eyes off the road. The VanMoof app layers on “bike-first” navigation plus Apple Find My integration, so your ride checks in even when you forget to.
Anti-Theft: Paranoia Made Practical
VanMoof has always talked a big game on security; now it backs the bravado with hardware. Tap the Gen 6 Kick Lock and the rear wheel freezes, the frame growls a synthesized alarm, and satellites triangulate its every hiccup. Spring for the subscription tier—first year is free—and VanMoof’s recovery team will hunt the bike down or hand you a replacement if the thief is Houdini on wheels.
Ride Feel: Seamless Momentum
The three-speed AutoShift hub reads cadence and speed in real time, swapping ratios so smoothly it feels psychic. Pair that with the optional suspension seatpost and proprietary Gen 6 tires, and potholes turn into mere rumor. Hydraulic discs on 27.5-inch (or 24-inch on the S6 Open) rims scrub speed with surgical precision, while integrated Hi-Vis lights carve a clear path long after sunset.
Specs Snapshot
| Spec | VanMoof S6 / S6 Open |
|---|---|
| Motor | 250 W front-hub |
| Torque | 68 Nm |
| Battery | 487 Wh (Panasonic) |
| Range | 60–150 km |
| Gearing | 3-speed AutoShift |
| Weight | 23.5 kg / 22.5 kg |
| Top Speed (EU) | 25 km/h |
| Price | €3,298 + €150 deposit |
Price, Trust, and the Road Ahead
€3,298 isn’t pocket change, especially for riders burned when the brand went dark. VanMoof counters with a three-year warranty, an expanding 13-country service web, and open repair manuals—signals that the new custodians understand credibility is earned mile by mile. Deliveries begin this August for mainland Europe, with the UK and U.S. waiting in the wings. If you crave an e-bike that feels more spacecraft than bicycle, the VanMoof S6 is ready to rewrite your commute—no apologies, no half measures, just raw forward momentum.
Pros
- Cutting-Edge Design & McLaren Engineering – The VanMoof S6 benefits from a complete reengineering in collaboration with McLaren Applied, making it a sophisticated fusion of urban aesthetics and motorsport-grade precision.
- High Torque & Smooth Acceleration – With 68 Nm of torque from its 250-W front hub motor and a responsive Boost Button, the S6 delivers spirited starts and confident hill climbs without sacrificing control.
- Smart Auto-Shifting – The 3-speed AutoShift hub dynamically adjusts to your pace and cadence, offering a near-seamless riding experience that removes the need for manual gear shifting.
- Impressive Battery Life – The 487 Wh battery, co-designed with Panasonic, offers a generous range of up to 150 km in eco mode, catering to long urban commutes without frequent charging.
- Robust Anti-Theft System – Features like the Gen 6 Kick Lock, GPS tracking, an audible alarm, and FindMy integration set a new standard in e-bike security. The optional theft-proof subscription (with first year free) further sweetens the deal.
- Enhanced Ride Comfort – The optional suspension seatpost, hydraulic disc brakes, and proprietary Gen 6 tires with puncture protection ensure a smooth, safe ride across varied city terrain.
- Always-On Connectivity & Navigation – The revamped Control Core enables real-time tracking, diagnostics, and navigation through a dedicated app, essentially turning the S6 into a smart, connected mobility platform.
- Premium Build Quality & Components – Frame-integrated lighting, aluminum rims, and high-visibility smart lights reflect meticulous attention to durability and functionality.
- Aesthetic Versatility – Available in three new colorways with a minimalist matte finish, the S6 maintains the brand’s signature clean look while adapting to urban visual trends.
- Extended Warranty & Service Network – A 3-year warranty, improved service accessibility in 13 countries, and open repair manuals help rebuild trust in the brand post-bankruptcy.
Cons
- High Price Tag – At €3,298 (plus a €150 reservation fee), the VanMoof S6 sits firmly in the premium tier, which may deter cost-conscious buyers.
- Non-Removable Battery – While well-integrated, the battery cannot be removed for charging, which limits flexibility for apartment dwellers or riders without convenient charging access.
- Heavy Frame Weight – Weighing 23.5 kg for the S6 and 22.5 kg for the S6 Open, these bikes are heavier than some competitors, making them less ideal for carrying up stairs or transporting without assistance.
- Limited U.S. Availability – As of now, the S6 is not yet available for U.S. riders, and when it does arrive, the pedal-assist speed will likely be capped at 20 mph due to regulations.
- Subscription-Dependent Features – Core features like theft recovery require an ongoing subscription after the first free year, which could be viewed as a hidden long-term cost.
- Chain-Drive Only – Despite its premium positioning, belt-drive options are unavailable, which could impact long-term maintenance and ride feel compared to quieter alternatives.
- Legacy Trust Issues – The brand’s 2023 bankruptcy and history of service delays still cast a shadow, and skeptical customers may be hesitant to invest despite McLaren’s involvement.
Verdict
The VanMoof S6 is a comeback story dressed in matte perfection—an electric commuter bike built not just for the daily grind but for those who demand seamless integration of design, technology, and performance. It’s powerful, intelligent, and fiercely secure, with the fingerprints of McLaren Applied engineering all over its frame and firmware. That said, the weight, price, and subscription model will give pause to practical-minded buyers. But if you’re after a machine that doesn’t just navigate the city—it dominates it—the S6 is more than a bike. It’s a statement. A recalibrated promise. And this time, VanMoof seems ready to deliver.
€3,298
If the VanMoof S6 is a sleek, connected city cruiser reborn from the ashes, then the Cannondale Tesoro Neo Carbon 2 is its refined, road-tested counterpart built for those who value endurance, agility, and a more traditional ride feel. Designed around a carbon frame inspired by Cannondale’s Synapse road bike, this machine marries commuter practicality with high-performance DNA. It’s lighter, thanks to that carbon architecture, and powered by a mid-drive Bosch Performance Line SX motor that climbs like a dream and cruises with controlled efficiency. With 12-speed SRAM gearing, hydraulic disc brakes, and the option for a 250-Wh range extender, it gives riders more dynamic control than the automatic setup on the S6. Add ergonomic grips, integrated lighting, pannier-ready mounts, and stealthy cabling, and you've got a commuter e-bike that’s equal parts muscle and grace. For those who crave rider-first performance wrapped in minimalist elegance, the Tesoro Neo Carbon 2 isn’t just a substitute for the S6—it’s a legitimate upgrade for the serious urban cyclist.
