Vanmoof S4 and X4: New Colours Mask Lack of Innovation

“One of the hardest things in life is to make things more simple. With the S4 & X4, we’ve mastered the art of simplification to make our e-bikes more accessible and reliable than ever.” With the VanMoof S4 and X4, we’ve mastered the art of simplification to make our ebikes more accessible and reliable than ever.” Big words from Taco Carlier, co-founder of VanMoof, with which he announced the newcomers to the range of the iconic ebike manufacturer from the Netherlands a few days ago. Viewed somewhat more soberly, the new introduction is merely an update for the entry-level model in the world of Vanmoof.

It is as understandable as usual that a company puts its new products in a particularly positive light in its own press release. And so words and pictures suggest that something is to be presented to you that has not yet existed in this form. If you compare the new S4 and X4 models with the current S5 and A5, you can certainly get this impression. If you have been following Vanmoof for a while and therefore remember the S3 and X3 models quite well, you will search in vain for crucial differences.

Familiar characteristics

Both in terms of appearance and technical details, the S4 and X4 are very similar to the S3 and X3. The hardware of the front hub motor remains largely unchanged. With a continuous rated power of 250 watts, it generates a torque that increases to 59 Newton metres for a few seconds when the boost button on the handlebar is pressed. With 478 watt hours, the capacity of the permanently installed battery is slightly below the value of the predecessors. These had 504 watt-hours. Since the total weights of the bikes with the respective frames are the same except for a few hundred grams, the range for the S4 and X4 is the same as that for the S3 and X3. It settles somewhere between 60 kilometres and 150 kilometres in everyday use. In most cases, rather at the lower of the two limits.

In terms of frame shapes, the S4 and X4 continue the story of the S3 and X3. Behind the model with the S is a classic diamond frame whose top tube protrudes beyond the seat tube and the head tube, giving the Vanmoof its striking appearance. In the model with the X, the significantly lower top tube crosses the down tube and forms the letter in a characteristic way.

Same concept at almost the same price

The list of similarities between the two generations can easily be continued. A 40 lux light system is still integrated into the frame, the shapes of which have long been part of Vanmoof’s DNA. Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, the kick-lock immobiliser, the automatic recognition of the owner with simultaneous unlocking, the tracking function in case of theft – all these are just a few examples.

In view of this, it seems logical that the price for the 4-series models is also based on that of the 3-series. Vanmoof charges 2,198 euros for the new models. At their launch almost exactly three years ago, the S3 and X3 cost only 200 euros less. Considering the price development of the past years, the ratio seems quite reasonable. At one point, the price even reached 2,498 euros. Most recently, however, it was significantly lower. The reason for this was a sales campaign launched in April 2023. It gave a hint that the time for the S3 and X3 could soon be running out. Suddenly, the manufacturer granted a discount of 700 euros. That already had the character of a final sale.

Mechanical lock on rear dropout called Kick Lock

Simple and sturdy

So now the era of the S4 and X4 begins. Let’s take another look at the direction Vanmoof is setting for it. “What we heard clearly was the desire for our key features and iconic VanMoof design – in an e-bike that was even more simple, more accessible, and more reliable,” says Ties Carlier. In the end, “more simple, more accessible and more reliable” turned out to be a completely revised motor firmware and new colours. The manufacturer does not specify what the new firmware does. What is certain is that the gearing offers less differentiation than before. In the A5 and S5 it has three gears, in the X3 and S3 it was four. Now we are talking about an automatic 2-speed gearing system in the rear hub. Surely, this is supposed to pay off on the point of improved reliability.

Minimalist cockpit with the boost button on the right side

You can check all information about the ebike system on the S4 and X4 exclusively via the Vanmoof app. The Halo Ring interface is reserved for the more expensive 5 Series models. The matrix display integrated into the top tube of the S3 and X3 has disappeared. The manufacturer has at least integrated a mount for SP-Connect on the stem. With the appropriate cover, you can securely attach your smartphone there and keep an eye on your riding data and navigation.

New look instead of new functions

The bottom line from our point of view is rather sobering. The display has been rationalised away. The gearing reduced to a minimum. No more Apple find-me functionality. And the attempt to add an alternative riding characteristic to the range, for example with a rear wheel hub motor, has been omitted. Some of you may consider this less tragic and instead be happy about the new colour variety. Somewhere between the rich yellow of the Sunbeam Yellow, the pastel-coloured light green of the Foam Green, its purple counterpart, the Purple Fog or the dark Evergreen, quite a few of you should find something suitable who could do little with the previous colour concept, which ranged between black, grey and matt light blue.

In principle, you could get your hands on a brand-new S4 or X4 right now. However, not every colour is available at the beginning. However, Vanmoof mentions a waiting list for the respective colour in which you can register. The manufacturer is currently communicating these dates:

• Evergreen – since 9th May 2023
• Purple Fog – end of May 2023
• Sunbeam Yellow – end of June 2023
• Foam Green – end of July 2023

Vanmoof accessories available for S4 and X4

Vanmoof S4 and Vanmoof X4 at a glance

• Frame: Aluminium
• Recommended height – X4: 155 cm to 190 cm
• Recommended height – S4: 170 cm to 210 cm
• Motor: Front hub motor, 250 W
• Battery: 478 Wh
• Drivetrain: automatic 2-speed hub, mechanical automatic shifting, intelligent speed sensor, turbo boost
• Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes
• Maximum permitted total weight: not announced
• Weight: 20.3 kg (X4), 21.3 (S4)
• Colours: Evergreen, Foam Green, Pruple Fog, Sunbeam Yellow
• Price: 2.198 Euro

Pictures: Vanmoof B.V.