VanMoof Unveils Custom E-Bike and Enhanced Repair Network

Dutch e-bike startup VanMoof is making a comeback two years after its bankruptcy with a new model developed under fresh leadership. The S6, despite past critiques of its reliance on custom components leading to its downfall, showcases the brand’s distinctive design ethos.

Currently, VanMoof is focusing on higher-quality custom parts and a more dependable service network to maintain its design-centric, tech-rich identity while avoiding the repair challenges experienced during its rapid growth and specialization.

“If we’re just using off-the-shelf components like everyone else, I don’t see a reason for VanMoof’s existence,” co-CEO Elliot Wertheimer stated to TechCrunch at Micromobility Europe in Brussels this week. “We want to elevate design and create an intuitive bike for everyone; it should feel as easy to use as an iPhone, even for first-time e-bike riders.”

Previously, VanMoof garnered over $200 million in venture capital while cultivating a loyal customer base for its premium minimalist e-bikes, featuring integrated lights, batteries, and motors.

However, the company’s unique selling point became its biggest drawback. Similar to other venture-backed hardware startups, VanMoof expanded too quickly to operate sustainably. When bikes broke down, customers often faced long wait times and a lack of repair options—issues stemming from the focus on custom components.

The startup filed for bankruptcy in July 2023 and was later acquired by Lavoie, an e-scooter manufacturer under McLaren Applied, which was previously part of McLaren Group known for its F1 components.

With McLaren Applied’s Formula 1 insights, Wertheimer noted that VanMoof can redesign problematic components from previous models, using performance data to create more reliable custom parts. Many of these parts are co-designed with key manufacturers to ensure both quality and availability for future challenges.

In some respects, VanMoof has shifted to a more conventional industry strategy. For instance, Panasonic is now co-designing and manufacturing the company’s batteries, allowing VanMoof to concentrate on mechanical and software integration, moving away from being battery developers.

Significant attention has also been given to enhancing the support network, according to Wertheimer.

“We’ve overhauled the entire business to address unit economics, logistics, and after-sale service,” Wertheimer remarked. “We had to establish the right infrastructure before launching new products.”

VanMoof has built a network of 250 repair centers and 130 sales partners, focusing on markets like Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

“We’ve created a tech suite for our repair partners, including component sourcing, a diagnostics app, and an efficient warranty claims tracking system,” Wertheimer elaborated, noting the introduction of an online training course for mechanics. “Our framework is solid, and we’re quickly expanding, adding 10 stores weekly.”

Additionally, VanMoof plans a U.S. launch by the end of 2025, although Wertheimer indicated that these plans are currently paused while evaluating the effects of President Trump’s tariff policies.

The company has started taking reservations for the S6 in active markets, expecting to deliver the first batch of bikes by early August.

The VanMoof S6: A Fresh Promise

Before its brief hiatus in 2023, VanMoof customers had already voiced frustrations about long repair wait times. The bankruptcy left some clients stranded with malfunctioning bikes, while others with deposits for new models suffered significant losses. Brand confidence dropped steeply.

Although some may struggle to overlook VanMoof’s past failures, the new S6 has the potential to rekindle fond memories among former customers.

I took the S6 for a quick ride in Brussels and was pleasantly reminded of why so many riders previously loved VanMoof.

It’s a visually appealing bike. The S6 features the recognizable VanMoof frame, now enhanced with seamless aesthetics and no visible welds. It comes in a range of matte colors, including an “electric blue,” which appeared more lilac to me, and a pearl mint shade that Wertheimer described as changing from white to green under different lighting.

“We spent considerable time perfecting the colors,” he noted.

The technological enhancements are also impressive. Wertheimer mentioned that the electronic system was overhauled with help from McLaren Applied to ensure durability, even in harsh weather conditions.

The S6 platform includes familiar features for longtime VanMoof fans, like the Halo Ring, which replaces a traditional display and lights up in various colors to show battery level and speed. The Halo on the S6 is significantly brighter, addressing past complaints about visibility in sunlight.

New tech features include integrated navigation linked to a mobile app, providing turn-by-turn directions via the Halo lights and audio prompts. A reimagined sound system introduces a gentle, cricket-like sound to replace the traditional bell for alerting other road users.

While anti-theft features have been standard on many VanMoof models, Wertheimer asserts that the S6 improves upon them.

“We’ve introduced a new tracking system that is much more accurate,” he explained, highlighting that it utilizes cellular tower triangulation, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to locate the bike within two meters.

Wertheimer also indicated that VanMoof plans to introduce crash detection and additional safety features in the near future.

In terms of riding experience, the S6 boasts an advanced mechanical shifting system that arrives pre-tuned from the factory and adjusts automatically based on speed, ensuring smooth transitions. This complements the bike’s four pedal-assist levels. Developed in collaboration with a “major Japanese manufacturer,” the front-wheel motor enhances the intuitive riding experience, while the upgraded suspension seatpost absorbs road bumps, making the bike feel surprisingly sturdy at just 51 pounds.

The iconic boost button also remains, offering an extra kick akin to finding a power-up in Mario Kart.

“Upon taking over VanMoof, we inherited exceptional design and a solid product ecosystem,” Wertheimer concluded. “We invested two years in rebuilding our company and brand for this launch…we’re eager to showcase what we can deliver again. We believe the S6 fulfills 11 years of promises.”