Earlier this week, Dutch manufacturer Vanmoof drew attention to itself with pithy words. It announced its intention to launch its first S-pedelec on the market next year. However, the Vanmoof V is not to be an ordinary S-pedelec, but a “hyper bike”. In a statement, the company speaks of a “revolution in the high-speed bike category”. It will “completely redefine mobility in cities”. Well, at least it’s supposed to support you up to a speed of 50 km/h.
Hyper Bike Vanmoof V
Hyper bike, S-pedelec or what?
This fact alone illustrates the dimensions on which the company founders Taco and Ties Carlier are planning. After all, there is currently no country in Europe where the motor support of an S-pedelec is allowed to exceed 45 km/h at all. Not without violating current law. Perhaps that is why the manufacturer is deliberately setting itself apart in terms of language and bringing the designation “Hyper Bike” into play. It is also conceivable that anyone who really wants to be propelled that fast by the motor with the Vanmoof V should register the vehicle in a completely different vehicle class. In Germany, S-pedelecs belong to the L1-eB class. This does not cover the motor power intended by Vanmoof.
The small word “up to” is likely to be of decisive importance at this point. The speed limit on the “V” model is to be regulated via an integrated speed adjustment. The decisive factors are local regulations and the registration of the ebike? But who sets the maximum support in accordance with the law? In what way? Protected from any attempts of manipulation? The manufacturer does not go into these points in detail at the moment.
Aimed at a manageable market segment
From an economic point of view, Vanmoof’s move is also surprising. After all, S-pedelecs represent an absolute niche among pedelecs. Not even one percent of the ebikes sold in Germany in 2020 were S-pedelecs. Other European countries can come up with higher figures. Belgium recorded about 12,000 new registrations last year. In Switzerland, 3.9 percent of all 2020 bikes sold were S-pedelecs, according to the VeloSuisse association. Both countries are considered pioneers in terms of S-pedelec use and, compared to Germany, have much more user-friendly framework conditions in terms of using cycle paths or reimbursing commuting to work with regard to this type of bike.
Caution with change requests
Motor assistance up to speeds close to 50 km/h may sound very tempting to some people. However, according to current legislation, this decision needs to be carefully considered. The Vanmoof V is announced with only one frame size. This should guarantee a suitable sitting position for people with a body height of 165 centimetres to 205 centimetres. Other bicycle manufacturers cover this range with three, four or even five different frame sizes. Knowing perfectly well that each one-size-fits-all size demands compromises from the rider.
There is also the special regulation for an S-pedelec. If you want to exchange standard parts such as handlebars, grips or saddle for more comfortable versions, this is all subject to approval. The components must be technically approved and noted as a modification in the vehicle registration document. You are responsible for the administrative work and costs. After all, a hyper bike will no longer be considered a bicycle.
Mighty powerhouse
From a technical point of view, however, the announcement impresses with some remarkable details. Many of them have never been seen before in a bike from this manufacturer. A completely new frame with rectangular tubes gives an extremely robust impression. The massive spring of a shock peeks out of the rear end of the top tube, which further enhances this. The suspension fork and enormously wide tyres also speak the same language. There is definitely a vehicle coming our way that will not be easily thrown off track.
-
- It is not yet clear what travel the damper will allow.
-
- The same applies to the suspension fork. There is also a question mark behind the manufacturer.
-
- Similar to the X3 and S3, Vanmoof also opts for a front light integrated into the head tube on the “V”.
-
- It looks really stylish at the back. Let’s see if that’s how it’s going to be implemented later.
However, there is also a lot to withstand. After all, the new flagship comes with two motors. That’s right: with TWO motors. They are installed in the front and rear wheel hubs. Together they are supposed to produce a maximum of one kilowatt. The necessary energy is supplied by a battery with 700 watt hours of capacity. That is about 200 watt-hours more than the current S3 and X3 pedelecs offer. Previous illustrations suggest that a fixed solution built into the frame will be used in the end. On top of that, there is an automatic gearshift. Let’s just wait whether Vanmoof will integrate some of this into the next versions of the pedelecs.
Interested parties must be patient
In regard to the announced equipment, the price of around 3,500 euros seems relatively fair. The final verdict on this will certainly only come from the riding experience. Officially, the Vanmoof V is still in the development phase.
It is therefore hardly surprising that the manufacturer is not planning the actual market launch until the end of 2022. To already start advertising it so aggressively can definitely be called courageous. In fact, you can reserve the bike right now. Presuming you already ride a Vanmoof model. Access is first granted to those who are customers. All others will have to check the manufacturer’s website from now on. There, publicly accessible reservation codes will be published regularly. For a fee of 20 euros. Considering that at the moment it is not even certain where and under what conditions you will be allowed to ride the bike, this decision also seems a little strange.
Pictures: Vanmoof
