VanMoof returns to basics for its new, cheaper S4 and X4 e-bikes

VanMoof’s latest e-bikes, the S4 and X4, are two makes an attempt at a mid-range e-bike. The corporate is attempting to ship its premium options and construct high quality, for considerably much less cash. At $2,498, that’s $1,000 lower than the corporate’s top-of-the-range S5 and X5 bikes, however they’re nonetheless not precisely low-cost.

VanMoof co-founder Ties Carlier mentioned in a press launch that this was an try at a “extra easy, extra accessible and extra dependable” e-bike. One main simplification is the transition to adaptive motor assist and a two-speed gear hub. The SX5 sequence had a three-speed gear system, and whereas it had a torque sensor to help, adaptive motor assist is new for these cheaper e-bikes. Whereas the gear system could also be totally different, the corporate expects the vary to be equal to each the SA5 and older SX3 e-bikes, 60-150 km, relying on using circumstances and rider. There’s nonetheless turbo-boost on board, with a button on all sides of the handlebars.

Safety-wise (and the place VanMoof has excelled up to now) there’s an built-in fourth-generation Kick Lock (SA5 e-bikes have Gen 5 lock), which locks the rear wheel with a faucet. It’s nonetheless full of anti-theft tech, together with onboard alarms and placement monitoring, though there’s no built-in assist for Apple’s Discover My merchandise monitoring.

The design hasn’t modified massively, however there are some variations price noting. The group has nixed the halo ring lighting and USB-C charging port for the SX4, whereas the body itself is nearer, each in seems to be and top, to the older SX3 e-bikes. Presumably the largest distinction is a punchier vary of colours: the SX4 will are available in Evergreen, Sunbeam Yellow, Purple Fog and Foam Inexperienced – a far cry from the principally monochrome of earlier rides – and demonstrating totally different tastes to rival Cowboy’s newest e-bike colorways.

Each the VanMoof S4 and X4 can be found to preorder now, at VanMoof’s official website. In Europe, the Evergreen mannequin is on sale beginning right this moment, whereas it should go on sale in late Could within the US, with different shade choices following after. Keep tuned for impressions as soon as we get to test-ride.

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