The Dutch brand has earned a flattering reputation with its electric bike for the designer and connected city. Problem, it was expensive. VanMoff has found a way to seriously reduce the addition with a new model to 1.998 euros which does not sacrifice style or innovation.
In his initial roadmap, Tesla boss Elon Musk had outlined a relatively simple plan: to create a first electric car in small series sold at a high price (the Tesla Roadster ); use the money to develop a second model that is slightly cheaper and produced in larger quantities ( Tesla Model S ); use these additional funds to design an affordable mass-produced model ( Model 3 and Model Y). Without establishing a direct parallel, we can even note that VanMoof’s strategy follows a fairly similar trajectory. The Dutch manufacturer of electric bikes has just announced a brand new model in two frame sizes, the VanMoof S3 and X3 , whose price is 60% lower than the previous model.
While the VanMoof S2 and its X2 variant were priced at 3,300 euros, the new S3 and X3 unveiled today is offered at “only” 1,999 euros. A price that remains substantial but aligned with those of other brands such as Cowboy or Mustache which occupy this niche of designer and connected urban e-bikes. To achieve such a reduction in the selling price, VanMoof installed a factory and its engineering center in China and explains that it has designed all of the components of its new bicycle. Result, while 80% of the parts of the VanMoof S2 came from third-party suppliers, the manufacturer claims that it has internal control of its entire supply chain for the S3 and X3.
New engine, new transmission, new brakes
If the general design has not changed compared to the previous model, this new version brings several technical evolutions which improve performance, driving pleasure and correct some faults. Thus, the electric motor, housed in the front hub, is more compact and lighter while delivering twice as much torque at equal power: 59 Nm (turbo boost mode activated) for 250W. VanMoof has also completely redesigned the transmission which goes from two to four automatic reports managed electronically and customizable via the mobile application which centralizes all the information and possible settings. The latter is also used to receive software updates which VanMoof uses to add new functionalities, like Tesla …
Result, the S3 / X3 gains in liveliness and suppleness to offer pedaling that aims to be as “natural” as possible. And there is the famous button “Turbo Boost” on the handlebars which allows you to directly activate an electric assistance booster to swallow an uphill, for example. We also welcome the adoption of hydraulic disc brakes which guarantee more efficient and enduring braking than the mechanical disc brakes of the X2. The 504 W battery integrated in the upper tube offers 60 to 150 km of autonomy and recharges in 4 hours. It is not removable.
For the rest, we find all the high-tech ingredients that made the success of VanMoof, namely a matrix LED display integrated into the top tube which indicates the speed , locking and battery level as well as a connection to the smartphone by Bluetooth link which unlocks the bike when its owner approaches. To activate the anti-theft system, just press your toes on the button located just next to the rear wheel axle which will physically block the bike and activate an electronic lock and the alarm will activate if someone is trying to move it.