E-bikes are really having a moment.
But and Im just gonna put this straight out there the market has a new metallic daddy.
So, like, everyone slap your rumps in honor of the just-launched VanMoof S3.
Want to know exactly why the VanMoof S3 has become my favorite e-bike?
Thatll tell you everything you’re gonna wanna know.
But would you rathernotdo that?
Do you prefer having things written down?
Well, because were such lovely people, weve done that.
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So… VanMoof?
Its a Dutch company that has been described as the Apple or Tesla of the e-bike world.
Thing is, VanMoof actually made it work.
Its not just a gimmick.
Now, the last time we saw this in action was with their previous electric bike,the ES2.
Honestly, the damn thing was superb.
It was futuristic and a damn joy to ride.
But… it had one major drawback: the price.
During its heydey, the VanMoof ES2 sold for 3,400, or in the region of $3,800.
Well, VanMoof obviously realized this and addressed the issue of price head on with the S3.
The VanMoof S3 is cheap then?
The e-bike isntcheap, but it now sells for a price far closer to is contemporaries.
Specifically, you’re free to pick it up for just under 2,000 or $2,000.
The VanMoof S3 is about to give the whole e-bike market an almighty whipping.
How did the company manage to reduce the price so much?
Its hard to say for sure, but there are a few theories.
First off, the company has received a lot of investment recently.
This allowed it to have a dedicated factory line, rather than doing production in bursts.
What this equates to is more bikes they can sell for a lower cost.
This means the companyprobablydidnt have to spend as much on research and development.
But thats just a guess.
So, tell me a bit about the S3
Of course!
First off, the name.
If youre wondering what the difference between the S and X is, its all about frames.
For this review, we got our hands on the S3.
The new bike from the company has a lot of the features youd remember from previous models.
Praise be my bicycle daddy.
What about stuff thats totally new?
Im far more interested in how a bikefeels, rather than just rolling out technical specs.
So, without further ado, lets dive in and get into the experience of using the VanMoof S3.
Hows the e-bikes the design?
Apart from the price, the design is one of the bigger upgrades with the bike.
Its also more scratch resistant than the previous model.
And damn, its goddamn delicious.
The simplest way I can put it is the VanMoof S3 is just a joy to look at.
For a little while, it felt like other people using bikes envied me.
I mean, of course, they didnt, but thats what powers like, isnt it?
And what about the technological side of the VanMoof S3?
Using its a goddamn breeze.
The whole experience felt slick and professional.
Effectively, VanMoof has found a way to seamlessly integrate technology into the bike.
Using it feels like a natural extension of the experience, not just something jammed in for gimmicks.
Id take the trade-off for how badass it looks for that though.
Another upgrade that I really enjoyed was the speaker.
Oh, and itll probably help stop thieves too.
I was also impressed with the improvements on the app.
Last time I used it, it felt buggy and, well, a little shit.
Things have improved since then.
In my time with the app, it was more reliable and useful than before.
Its one of the smoothest biking experiences Ive had.
Basically, the VanMoof S3 moves through gears when it reaches a certain speed.
But yeah, I cant overstate just how great riding the S3 through Amsterdam was on a sunny day.
The e-bike felt powerful, controlled, and just a sheer joy to ride.
The new brakes were sharp and responsive, and the whole experience was phenomenal.
The majority of cycles, its like sliding through butter.
The battery range will get you anywhere between 60km and, on economy mode, 150km.
And I really dont need an electric bike.
What about the negatives?
Now, I love the S3, but itd be ridiculous if we didnt chat about the negatives.
The biggest downside is the battery.
You charge the VanMoof S3 with a mains adaptor.
And the bike is 19kg.
I did it once and never again.
It just wouldnt be worth it.
Another thing I feel I should mention is Ive heard anecdotal complaints about the build-quality of some VanMoof bikes.
Also, it goes without saying, but the VanMoof S3 is a city bike.
This is a two-wheeler built for zipping around cycle lanes and traffic.
So, what do you think of the VanMoof S3?
I fucking love it.
Hands-down, its the best e-bike Ive ever used.
No, but its the closest Ive seen an electric bike to being so.
This is made all the more remarkable by its current price.
And from that point on, Id love and cherish my metallic daddy with all my heart.
