One of the most appealing aspects of the $2,298 VanMoof S3 is it doesn't look like a traditional e-bike. The wires and battery are housed inside the frame with integrated lights to give it a sleek, immaculate look. Even the shipping package is an experience, with a pull-tab to open the box and the tools necessary to put it together. The overall experience gave me the same feeling as opening an Apple product.
But the appeal doesn't stop at the packaging nor how it looks. The VanMoof continues its premium experience with a slew of features, starting with its antitheft capabilities. A button located on the frame by the back wheel locks it to prevent it from being rolled away. If the bike is lifted, it triggers an alarm and starts its lights flashing. Should someone still get away with your S3, the bike also has GSM and Bluetooth theft tracking so you can locate it.
At an additional cost, VanMoof also provides a service to locate your bicycle if it does indeed go missing. If you can't locate it on your own, Vanmoof has a team of bike hunters -- again, there's a small fee at purchase for the service -- and if the team is unable to find your bike, VanMoof will replace it with one of equal value.
A subtle matrix display is integrated into the top tube that shows your current speed, whether the bike is locked, the battery level and warning messages. It can be hard to see in direct sunlight, but you can also keep an eye on your battery level via the bike's mobile app if you plan to travel long distances.
Available for iOS and Android, the app allows you to do everything from locking and unlocking the bike to changing horn sounds and at what speeds the gears change and controlling the lights, as well as tracking your rides. Yes, the S3 is an automatic, switching the gears for you with its fully enclosed drive chain. It can take a while to get used to (it did for me), but a boost button on the right side of the handlebar helped with the adjustment period.
For example, I would be on an incline and pedaling aggressively and then the gear would change. But with the boost -- made possible by a 350-watt front-hub motor -- the bike quickly gets up to 20 mph (32 kmh), making it easy to get up any hill or pass any obstacle. The S3 is powered by a 504-Wh-capacity integrated LG battery and has hydraulic brakes, and weighs 46 pounds. It can support riders from 5 feet, 8 inches to 6 feet, 9 inches tall and up to 264 pounds. It can travel approximately 60 miles on a full charge, which takes about 4 hours; a 50% charge takes approximately 80 minutes.
Overall, the S3 itself is a smooth and comfortable ride and a great city bike. You won't have to worry about losing it or people trying to steal parts of it, and the 28-inch wheels come with a proprietary wheel lock. I'm definitely a fan of its single, solid color (black or sky blue) -- especially for a city bike where the more low-key you are, the better.
If you're on the fence, VanMoof has actual retail stores and allows test rides before purchasing.
We’ve compiled 10 quick tips to help you make an informed choice when buying your next e-bike — whether you’re looking for a smooth ride to get around town or something more powerful for off-road adventures on the weekend.
The three electric bike classes are defined by their maximum assisted speed and whether or not they have a throttle.
The class of e-bike you choose will depend upon your needs and preferences.
If you want to go fast, then consider a Class 3 e-bike. If you want the added benefit of pedal assist and don’t mind putting in some of the hard work yourself, then a Class 1 will be your best bet.
If you’re looking for a purely recreational e-bike, or you just something that will allow you to get around town without breaking a sweat, then a Class 2 might be what you need.
E-bikes come in a variety of types, each designed for various riding styles. For those wanting an electric bike for short city commutes or urban riding, a commuter or folding e-bike is ideal.
If you’re looking for something with the ability to handle varied terrain, a fat tire or hybrid e-bike is recommended. For something that can handle heavy-duty off-roading, such as rocky trails with sharp inclines or declines, a mountain e-bike is a must.
For cyclists wanting a sportier ride, city/street e-bikes are light and fast. Alternatively, cargo e-bikes feature a heavier and thicker frame, allowing the rider to cart heavier loads as needed.
The style of electric bike you choose should reflect how you’ll be using it. For example, if you want to use your e-bike to go grocery shopping, you’ll want to get a cargo e-bike with a heavier frame and plenty of storage capacity.
Pedal assist and throttle are two different ways of controlling the amount of power you send to the e-bike’s motor. The pedal assist operates by detecting when you’re pedaling and then automatically increasing the motor’s power to help you along. The throttle works by allowing you to push a button directly on your handlebars (or simply twist them) to control the speed.
The main difference between these two types of electric bike features is that with a throttle, you can ride without pedaling at all. With a pedal assist e-bike, however, you must still pedal for the motor to kick in and help you along.
The main difference between the two types of electric bike motor is that a hub motor is located in the rear wheel, while a mid-drive system is placed inside the frame.
Hub motors are cheaper and easier to maintain, but they’re not as efficient as mid-drive systems. Mid-drive bikes are more expensive, but they also offer more torque and power than hub motor models, as well as longer range.
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each motor when choosing the ideal model for you.
Torque-sensing and cadence-sensing are the two primary forms of pedal assist systems (PAS). Cadence sensors measure the number of times that you pedal per minute, while torque sensors measure how hard you are pushing.
While torque sensors are more expensive than cadence sensors, they use less battery and offer a more realistic riding experience that’s in sync with your movements. Cadence sensors are easier to install and therefore come at a cheaper price tag than e-bikes with torque sensing. They’re less efficient when climbing hills, however, so are better suited for casual, flat-terrain riders who don’t need the extra power that torque sensing offers.
The battery range and power of an electric bike are two of the most important factors to consider when buying. If you intend to ride your e-bike on long trips, you’ll need a model that has a long battery life.
The battery range is affected by how much weight your bike is carrying, as well as the terrain and your riding style. The more you rely on your e-bike’s motor for propulsion, the more you’ll drain the battery.
But the larger your battery capacity, the more distance you can travel between charges.
A good rule of thumb for determining how much power you need is to consider what kind of riding you plan to do. If you’re planning on taking long rides through mountainous areas, then go for a bike with more power.
On the other hand, if you’re just going to use your e-bike around town or on flat terrain, then less power will suffice.
The weight of your electric bike is an important factor in determining how much work you’ll have to do while riding it. A heavier bike will require more effort from your muscles and tendons, while a lighter one will allow you to pedal with less exertion. That said, a heavier e-bike may have a more powerful motor and battery.
E-bikes can range in weight from 18 pounds to upwards of 70 pounds, however, the most common weight for a standard electric bike (including motor and battery) is around 45-55 pounds. This can vary depending on what type of motor is used, but if you’re looking for something sturdy yet easy to maneuver, keep this number in mind when shopping around.
Service and maintenance are important for the long-term health of your electric bike. All e-bikes need regular service, but the frequency will vary by manufacturer.
Most manufacturers recommend servicing your bike every 500 to 1,000 miles, with some requiring more frequent visits depending on the type of riding you do (for example, if you commute in heavy traffic or ride off-road).
If you’re unsure whether your model requires servicing, check out its user manual or contact the manufacturer directly before taking it to an authorized dealer for a tuneup.
Electric bikes come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. While some high-end e-bikes out there cost several thousand dollars, many budget electric bikes cost less than $1,000.
Generally, the more money you spend, the better quality bike you’ll get. More expensive models tend to be lighter, have better battery life, and offer more features than the cheaper ones.
The key to finding a good electric bike is doing your research and making sure that you’re buying from a reputable manufacturer. It also comes down to what features and specifications you’re looking for in an e-bike and how much money you’re willing to spend on them.
The length of a warranty is an important consideration when buying an electric bike. Most manufacturers offer a 1-year or 2-year warranty on their products, but it’s important to note that this doesn’t always cover wear and tear or mechanical failures.
Be sure to read through the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before riding your new bike for the first time so you know how to operate it safely and securely. Additionally, keep track of all maintenance records as well as any parts replaced during repairs, as this will help make for easier claims down the road.
Warranties vary widely from one manufacturer to another in terms of what they cover, so be sure you understand exactly what kind of protection comes with yours before purchasing an electric bike.
When you know what to look for, buying an electric bike is a lot easier. By following our top ten tips above, you can find one that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle with ease.
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