As a bike enthusiast living in Amsterdam, I’ve been using my VanMoof S3 electric bike for the past 10 months. While I’ve generally had a positive experience with the bike, there have been a few ups and downs along the way. Here’s a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of my VanMoof experience.

The Good

Despite a few hiccups, I’ve overall been happy with my VanMoof. Here are a few standout features that I really appreciated:

1. Great customer service: One thing that really impressed me about VanMoof was their customer service. Whenever I had an issue with my bike or needed help with something, the team was always quick to respond and very helpful. It was a refreshing change from some of the less reliable customer service experiences I’ve had with other companies.
2. Cool design: Another thing I really liked about my VanMoof was the overall design. The bike is sleek and modern, and it’s definitely a conversation starter when I’m out and about. I also appreciate the attention to detail in the design, which has made for a pleasant and enjoyable ride.
3. Powerful electric assist: Finally, the electric assist on my VanMoof is a standout feature. The motor is smooth and provides plenty of power, making it easy to tackle hills and longer rides without getting too tired. I also appreciate that the electric assist can be turned off if I want a more traditional cycling experience.

The Bad

While there have been many aspects of my VanMoof experience that I’ve enjoyed, there have also been a few negative points. Here are three key things that have been less appealing:

1. Frequent service visits: One of the main issues I’ve had with my VanMoof is the frequency of service visits. I’ve had to take the bike in for maintenance or repairs a total of seven times in the past 10 months, which has been frustrating. While I’ve generally been happy with the quality of the service I’ve received, it’s still a hassle to have to take the bike in so often.
2. Battery life: Another downside for me has been the battery life. While the company claims that the battery can last for up to 100 kilometers on a single charge, I’ve found that it drains much more quickly in real-world use. I often have to charge the battery after just a few days of moderate use, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, the charging process itself is somewhat slow, so it takes a while to get the battery back up to full capacity.
3. Stability issues: Finally, I’ve had a few issues with the stability of my VanMoof. While the bike is generally reliable, I’ve had a few instances where it has felt wobbly or unstable while riding. This has been a bit unsettling at times, and it’s something I hope VanMoof can address in future models.

The Ugly

Despite the good and the bad, there is one aspect of my VanMoof experience that I’ve found particularly frustrating: the inability to charge the bike at home. Because the battery is not removable, I have to take the bike to a charging station to get it topped up. While this is generally not a huge issue, it can be inconvenient at times, especially if I’m running low on battery and there isn’t a charging station nearby. Additionally, I’ve had trouble finding power banks that are compatible with the VanMoof battery, which can be frustrating when I’m on the go and need to charge up.

On the flip side, however, the fact that the battery is not removable does have one positive aspect: it makes it much harder for thieves to steal the battery. This is a common problem with e-bikes, so it’s nice to have an added level of security. However, the trade-off of not being able to charge the bike at home is definitely something to consider.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my experience with VanMoof has been a mix of good, bad, and ugly. While there have been some standout features that I’ve really enjoyed (like the customer service and electric assist), there have also been a few downsides (like the frequency of service visits and battery life). Despite these issues, I would still recommend VanMoof to other bike enthusiasts, especially if you’re looking for an electric option. Just be aware of the potential drawbacks and do your research before making a decision.

One final note: while I’ve had a few issues with my VanMoof, I have to say that I’m still a fan of the brand. The bike is cool and fun to ride, and I’ve never had any problems with it exceeding the allowed speed limit. The components that have failed on me (like the boost button, horn button, and e-gear system) have all been covered under the warranty, and the customer service team has always been quick to fix them. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that when I take my bike in for one specific issue, the service team often takes the opportunity to fix any other small issues they come across, even if I haven’t mentioned them. All in all, while my VanMoof experience hasn’t been perfect, I’m still a satisfied customer.