The models on offer are refreshed versions oftheS5 and A5, which were first released in 2022.
Before declaring bankruptcy, VanMoof had beenmaking major losseson its ebikes for years.
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Getting VanMoof back on track
Thankfully, for those (if any?)
still loyal to the VanMoof brand, the company was bought out of administration three months later.
LaVoie inherited the tough task of putting a cash-hungry brand with a load of angry customers back on track.
McLaren Applied has been directly involved in testing these new bikes.
VanMoofs new management chose to discontinue the3 and 4 series because of deep-rooted serviceability issues.
Aside from the bikes themselves, the new owners have revamped almost every aspect of the brands business model.
Owners of the 3 series and beyond can repair their bikes at these new centres.
Everyone else will have to hope a mechanic has the expertise to fix their bikes.
To this end, VanMoof has made servicing manuals for the 1 and 2 seriespublicly available.
The new S5 and A5 models retail for 3,298.
However, sales are expected to expand to more European countries over the next month or so.
Delivering a reliable service will be crucial to building back trust in the brand.
However, VanMoof is still a complex bike reliant on proprietary parts.
And competition from startups with similar offerings like BelgiumsCowboyor EstoniasAmpler Bikesis stiffer than ever.
Nevertheless,youve got to admire the progress VanMoofs owners have made so far.
Theres still a long way to go but I think we are definitely headed in the right direction.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
