VanMoof is back with the S6, its first e-bike after bankruptcy. The Dutch startup sticks to custom parts despite past problems that helped sink it.
The company bets higher-quality bespoke parts and a stronger repair network will avoid old pitfalls. Co-CEO Elliot Wertheimer told TechCrunch in Brussels:
“I don’t think there’s a reason for VanMoof to exist if we’re going to use off-the-shelf parts like everyone else,”
“We’re here to push design, to have a bike that, if you’ve never ridden an e-bike in your life, you get on it and it’s intuitive. Easy, like an iPhone.”
VanMoof raised over $200M, gained cult status for minimal, tech-heavy e-bikes with integrated components. But its custom parts led to poor repair service, broken bikes, and supply issues as it scaled too fast. The company filed bankruptcy in July 2023.
A month later, e-scooter maker Lavoie (under McLaren Applied) bought it. McLaren Applied brings F1 tech expertise to the rebuild.
Wertheimer says every fault component was redesigned with bigger manufacturers to ensure quality and parts availability. Batteries are now co-designed with Panasonic, handing off full battery manufacturing.
The big fix is support. VanMoof rebuilt unit economics, logistics, and after-sale service first. It now has 250 repair centers and 130 sales partners, focusing on Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
“We fixed the whole business, from unit economics, logistics, and after-sale service,” Wertheimer said.
“We couldn’t go out with something new before we set up the infrastructure to do so.”
A tech suite helps repair partners order parts, diagnose issues, track warranties, and an online training course launched too. The network grows fast — adding 10 stores a week.
US launch is expected by end of 2025 but stalled amid uncertainty over Trump-era tariffs.
The S6 is taking reservations now, with deliveries starting early August.
The VanMoof S6: A new hope
The S6 keeps VanMoof’s sleek frame with no welding in sight. Comes in matte colors, including “electric blue” (which looks lilac) and a color-shifting pearl mint.
Wertheimer said the electronics suite was rebuilt with McLaren Applied to last through weather and wear.
The Halo Ring replaces a display, glowing to show battery life and speed — now brighter to solve past complaints.
New tricks include integrated navigation with turn-by-turn directions through the Halo and sound alerts. The bike uses a soft cricket-like sound to warn others instead of a traditional bell.
Anti-theft tracking is sharper, pinpointing location within two meters using cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Crash detection and more safety features are coming soon.
The S6’s mechanical shifting auto-tunes based on speed, syncing with four pedal-assist modes. Its front-wheel motor is built with a major Japanese partner for a natural feel. The suspension seatpost smooths bumps. At 51 pounds, it rides solid.
And yes, the iconic boost button gives it extra punch, like a Mario Kart power-up.
“When we took over VanMoof, we inherited great design, and an impressive product ecosystem,” Wertheimer said.
“We spent two years rebuilding our company and brand to reach this launch…we are ready to show the world what we can do again. That’s what we see in the S6, our e-bike that can deliver on 11 years of promises.”
The S6 might finally restore faith in VanMoof after years of customer frustrations and stalled service. It arrives as the company rebuilds from the ashes with McLaren muscle behind it.
Image Credits: VanMoof
