VanMoof S4 e-bike assessment: the one to purchase

Effectively, this can be a shock. Regardless of saying they’d be skipping straight from the 3-series to the 5-series of electrical bikes, VanMoof simply introduced two new e-bikes — the full-size S4 and smaller X4 — days after its $4,000 S5 and A5 e-bikes began delivery. At $2,498 / £2,198 / €2,198 the S4 and X4 fashions aren’t solely priced to compete, they need to additionally require fewer help calls since there’s loads much less that may go unsuitable.

The S5 and A5’s fancy Halo Ring shows are gone, as are the built-in Apple Discover My monitoring, difficult three-speed computerized e-shifter, and superfluous multifunction buttons that almost all common commuters don’t want.

VanMoof’s e-bikes have been infamous for preliminary high quality points and you’ll readily discover complaints about lengthy wait occasions for help on Reddit, the Vanmoof-ing Fb fanpage, and remark threads right here on The Verge.

In response to VanMoof’s co-founders (and brothers) Taco and Ties Carlier, the S4 and X4 are supposed to deal with considerations that VanMoof’s e-bikes have develop into too difficult for their very own good. 

Extra easy, extra accessible, and extra dependable

“We spend plenty of time listening to our potential rider. And what we heard clearly,” says Ties Carlier, “was the need for our key options and iconic VanMoof design — in an e-bike that was much more easy, extra accessible, and extra dependable. We designed the S4 & X4 with iconic VanMoof tech and design however a massively simplified person expertise particularly to fulfill their wants.”

We’ll see in regards to the reliability declare. However what I can say already after using an “evergreen” coloured S4 for the final 5 days is that this: If you happen to’re available in the market for a VanMoof, then the S4 and X4 are the e-bikes most individuals can buy — not the costlier S5 or A5.

The GoodPriced rightJust the options you want on a day by day commuterBeefier tiresThe BadVanMoof’s poor repute for supportNo belt-drive optionNon-removable battery (aside from service)How we fee and assessment merchandise

The S4 and X4 are primarily the identical bike with totally different body sorts and wheel sizes. Referred to collectively as SX4, they’re assembled from a mixture of tech inherited from VanMoof’s older e-bikes and new flagship SA5 fashions. Notably, the SX4 have the higher kick lock from the SA5 and use an improved two-speed inside gear hub such as you’d discover on the corporate’s e-bikes from earlier than 2020’s SX3 sequence. The S4 is predicated on the taller S3 body so select the X4 mannequin for those who’re not not less than 170cm (5 toes 7 inches).

Right here’s a full breakdown that compares the SX4 with the discontinued SX3 and new SA5 fashions:

VanMoof S4 and X4 in comparison with the earlier era S3 and X3 and new S5 and A5. Supply: VanMoof

There’s no show of any type on the SX4 fashions which is ok by me. However the SX4 ship with an SP Join telephone mount (you present the case) that permits you to fireplace up the superb VanMoof app to make use of as a dashboard if you need. Sadly, the SX4 fashions lack the SA5’s USB-C charging port, however you do get hydraulic disc brakes which is the norm for VanMoof.

Iconic entrance and taillights built-in into the prolonged prime tube.

The “evergreen” colorway and orange wordmark are new.

Cellphone mount as a substitute of any show in any respect.

Improved two-speed inside gear hub has its legacy in VanMoof’s pre-S3 e-bikes.

Driving the S4 is a deal with. I’m six toes tall (183cm) and like the S4 which stands a number of inches taller than the S5. And since I dwell in a metropolis that doesn’t require a automotive, I respect the brand new 27.5-inch wheels with broad 2.25-inch puncture resistant tires as somebody who, for twenty years, has bicycled day by day in all types of climate. I would like a powerful base to hold the youngsters to highschool, commute to an workplace, after which return residence with groceries, small home equipment, or the occasional Christmas tree. The broader tire width does, nonetheless, current a problem in some bicycle racks designed for traditional tires.

And regardless of missing a torque sensor discovered within the SA5, the S4’s 250W front-hub motor tied to the automated (mechanical) two-speed shifter and RPM sensor nonetheless supplied a moderately intuitive pedal-assisted experience, particularly when supplementing issues with the occasional press of the enhance button. The experience could possibly be improved, nonetheless.

The pedals might be slippery when it’s moist outdoors, and typically the S4’s pedal-assisted energy might be provided for a cut up second too lengthy after pedaling stops. And sometimes after coasting at medium-to-high speeds, stepping on the pedals will trigger them to spin freely for as much as a full revolution earlier than reengaging with the chain drive. You’ll know the sensation for those who ever rode a VanMoof S2 or X2.

Nonetheless, I’ll echo what I mentioned within the VanMoof S5 assessment, I want VanMoof supplied a single-speed belt-drive choice paired with that enhance button. That will be magical and additional cut back the possibilities of issues going unsuitable.

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The S4 (left) subsequent to the S5 (proper) and an S3 within the background standing in entrance of VanMoof’s Amsterdam West retailer and repair middle.

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The S4 (left) subsequent to the S5 (proper) and an S3 within the background standing in entrance of VanMoof’s Amsterdam West retailer and repair middle.

I don’t have sufficient knowledge for a spread take a look at, but — I’ll replace this assessment with real-world numbers as quickly as I’ve them. VanMoof says that the SX4 ought to get the identical 60km (37 miles) vary because the SX3 and SA5 in max energy mode and my testing on each of these e-bikes was between 47km / 29.2 miles (S3) and 48.6km / 30.2 miles (S5). I’d anticipate the identical from the S4 and its 478WH battery, perhaps extra because it’s not affected by the idle battery drain situation I found on the S5. Notably, the SX4’s batteries cost from 0 to one hundred pc in 4 hours and half-hour with the included charger — two hours sooner than the flagship SA5 sequence.

The SX4 fashions — like all VanMoofs — don’t have person detachable batteries which is an issue for anybody confronted with hoisting the 21.6kg (47.6 kilos) e-bike up stairs. VanMoof does provide a $348 / €348 378Wh PowerBank vary extender choice for the S4 that may be charged inside.

The S4 at residence in Amsterdam.

The S4 is outlined by what it isn’t. At $2,498 it’s not costly for a premium e-bike in 2023, a value that undercuts the Cowboy 4 sequence by $1,000. The S4 additionally isn’t overloaded with options most day by day commuters don’t want and that might create service complications down the street.

One factor the SX4 fashions do add is coloration. You may select a deep inexperienced like my assessment bike, a purple pastel, yellow, and a don’t name it white “foam inexperienced.” Colours that ought to assist brighten up essentially the most dour metropolis streets.

The VanMoof X4 displaying all 4 coloration choices for it and the S4. Picture: VanMoof (edited by The Verge)

The S4 I’ve been testing is a superb e-bike — top-of-the-line, and superior to the VanMoof S5 when it comes to worth for cash. Whether or not the S4 and X4 proceed to be nice e-bikes after months of wear and tear and tear is anybody’s guess.

I requested VanMoof to answer proprietor considerations about reliability and help. Right here’s the assertion I acquired from CEO and co-founder Taco Carlier:

Enhancing service is our precedence. Greater reliability sits on the core of the S4 and X4 design and improvement course of with tackling the highest 6 challenges of the S3 and X3 and incorporating learnings from the SA5. Our Service community technique has expanded in the direction of extra concentrate on bike servicing to get nearer to our riders, provide extra choices and extra capability. Extra information right here will observe within the subsequent few weeks.

Sure, I’m additionally curious to listen to what’s coming.

VanMoof at the moment presents one of the vital intensive networks of service hubs out there in cities round Europe, Japan, and the US. That’s vital as a result of most VanMoof e-bike elements are customized made and solely out there from VanMoof — so be sure to have a service middle close by for those who’re inquisitive about shopping for. You’re additionally coated by a two-year guarantee in Europe, one within the US, and free 14-day returns.

Gross sales start now on a staggered foundation earlier than they’re scheduled to ship in August. You may preorder the S4 and X4 in the identical “evergreen” coloration I reviewed beginning at the moment, purple in late Could, yellow in late June, and “foam inexperienced” in late July.

I’d suggesting ready a tick for those who’re tempted to purchase. Let the early adopters take a look at VanMoof’s claims of improved reliability and repair — you’ve bought higher issues to do along with your time.

All pictures by Thomas Ricker / The Verge