VanMoof S5 (24/25) review: comeback with a catch? What the e-bike is really like after the bankruptcy

VanMoof’s comeback after bankruptcy

VanMoof is back! After its high-profile bankruptcy in 2023 and relaunch under new management, the updated S5 and A5 e-bikes have been available again since April 2024. But is this comeback more than a fresh coat of paint? The iconic design remains, but VanMoof says it has made substantial improvements under the surface to increase reliability. A recent video review looks at the bike in detail, while other tests and user reports have already raised critical questions about the technology, the price of around €3,300 and its competitiveness. Is the updated VanMoof S5 really worth buying in 2024/2025?

The updated VanMoof S5 stays true to its iconic design, but its technology and service are under scrutiny.

Design & build: familiar elegance with small updates

The S5 is unmistakably a VanMoof. Its minimalist, elegant design language, with a continuous top tube and integrated lighting, remains—a timeless eye-catcher on city streets.

• Colour options & finish: Alongside light grey, there is now a glossy dark grey option. The video review notes that the welds are less noticeable on this darker version. Overall, the build gives a high-quality impression.
• Updated brake levers: A small update is the slimmer, more delicate brake levers, which are said to be sturdier. They worked flawlessly in the test ride, although they felt unfamiliar at first.

• Frame height: The S5 frame has been lowered by 5 cm to better suit riders from 165 cm tall (the A5 model, with its lower step-through, is intended for riders from 155 cm tall).

Technical updates: more than cosmetic?

After the bankruptcy, reliability is the key question. VanMoof says it has made improvements here, partly based on data from the failure-prone first generation:

Internal improvements (according to VanMoof and testers):

• New firmware release to fix connectivity issues.
• Improved water resistance.
• Screws (for example, on the brake lever) are said to be less likely to come loose.
• Reinforced motor mount and a longer connector for improved durability and maintenance.
• New saddle mounting, which is said to no longer sag.
• Improved E-Shifter calibration (now also adjustable by the user).
• Optimised energy efficiency (not confirmed in some tests).

Quality control:

An additional check in the Netherlands is intended to ensure delivery quality.

However: User reports and tests mention a possible software issue on newer test bikes—a mechanical “plop” sound that occasionally occurs when stationary, presumably from the KickLock. Although VanMoof classifies it as rare, this raises questions about quality control despite all the efforts. According to users, the annoying tune during the (often necessary) firmware updates remains, too.

Ride feel: smooth with a strong boost, but weaknesses in the details

The video describes the S5’s ride as familiar and pleasant. Other testers agree, but also have reservations:

• Motor & assistance: The Gen 5 front motor is extremely quiet and, thanks to its torque sensor, provides very natural assistance. The ride feels smooth and intuitive. The video test noted a slight whir when the motor assistance cuts out.
• Boost button: With 68 Nm of torque, the Boost now delivers a strong surge for climbs and pulling away from traffic lights. Take care on loose surfaces, though (the front wheel can lose traction).

• Automatic 3-speed electronic shifting: The electronic Sturmey-Archer gears work better than on the S3, but testers say they are not as smooth as those of competitors (e.g. Enviolo). Occasional jolts or clicking sounds when shifting can occur, especially when pedalling hard. Being able to adjust the shift points in the app is a plus. Critics question whether complex electronic shifting is needed on a city bike with a powerful Boost—“the world has moved on from E-Shifters”, as they put it.
• Comfort & handling: A comfortable saddle, upright riding position and wide tyres provide comfort on tarmac. The brakes are praised as very good. The bike weighs around 23 kg.
• Range: VanMoof claims up to 60 km in Power mode. Tests from the previous year (2023), however, often achieved a range of around 45–50 km in real-world conditions (full power, Boost, cool temperatures) with the 487 Wh battery—similar to the S3 with its larger battery. Whether the 2024 version is significantly more efficient remains to be seen.

Smart features & connectivity: lots included, but plenty of gimmicks too?

VanMoof has traditionally scored well here, but not everything is wholly convincing:

• Halo Rings: The new LED rings on the handlebars replace the matrix display. They show speed, battery level and more. They look stylish in the video, but users and testers say they are barely readable in sunlight and feel rather “gimmicky”.
• KickLock: The clever integrated rear-wheel lock with alarm remains a highlight.

• App & tracking: The app is clearly laid out and offers plenty of settings. Apple “Find My” is integrated.
• SP Connect mount & USB-C: The integrated phone mount and charging port are practical additions.

• Multifunction buttons: Newly added buttons below the bell and Boost allow you to change the assistance level, among other things, or activate the indicators (rather basic and sometimes accompanied by embarrassing sounds). Critics consider them of limited use (“features for the marketing checklist”).
• Peace of Mind service: A significant change: the former “Peace of Mind” theft protection and recovery service is no longer available for the new models. Standard insurance is of course still an option.

Video review: the new VanMoof S5 in detail

For a detailed visual impression and the full riding impressions from the original review, watch this video:

Price, service and the bigger picture: a riskier investment?

At just under €3,300, the S5 costs more than previous VanMoof generations and sits in the upper mid-range. Some reviews after the relaunch were correspondingly more critical, partly due to increased competition (e.g. the Cowboy Cruiser is cheaper, while the Veloretti Ace 2 costs a similar amount and is considered its equal or better).

• Charging: The battery is still permanently installed and must be charged on the bike (charging time approx. 6.5h). There are currently no plans for an external “Click-On” battery.
• Service network: VanMoof now relies on partner workshops instead of its own stores. This could be an improvement, but the network is new and has yet to prove itself.
• Proprietary parts: Many components are specific to VanMoof. This means a high level of dependence on the manufacturer and its newly rebuilt service network—a risk when buying from a company that has only just emerged from bankruptcy. Having a certified service partner nearby is essential.

Verdict: design icon with question marks—who should buy the S5 (2024)?

The VanMoof S5 remains a beautiful, smart e-bike with a distinctive ride feel and clever details such as the KickLock. The quiet motor and powerful Boost are fun to ride.

However, the criticisms carry more weight than before: the price is high and the competition is strong. Despite the improvements, reliability still needs to prove itself over the long term (see reports of software issues on test bikes). Some features, such as the Halo Rings and extra buttons, feel more like gimmicks. The electronic shifting is no longer state of the art, and dependence on proprietary parts and an unproven service network under new management poses a considerable risk. The removal of the “Peace of Mind” service is another drawback.

VanMoof S5 (2024/2025): pros & cons

• Pros:
• Iconic, minimalist design
• Very pleasant, natural ride feel & quiet motor
• Powerful Boost mode
• Clever KickLock & good app integration
• Practical phone mount with charging port

• Cons:
• High price in a competitive market
• Reliability still unproven despite improvements (new bugs?)
• Some features feel “gimmicky” (Halo Rings visibility, multifunction buttons)
• E-Shifter not as smooth as top competitors / questionable complexity
• Permanently installed battery
• Dependence on proprietary parts & a new, unproven service network
• “Peace of Mind” service discontinued

Verdict:

The VanMoof S5 (2024) is an e-bike for those who love its distinctive design and smart integration, and are willing to pay a premium price and accept a degree of risk around service and long-term durability. If you want maximum reliability, a replaceable battery or the smoothest shifting, you may find better (and/or cheaper) alternatives. The S5 has plenty of endearing features—whether they are worth the extra cost and potential drawbacks is for you to decide. It is a trade-off, with more question marks than earlier models.