VanMoof S6 Launch – A Reset, Not Just a Refresh
VanMoof is back – properly.
The S6 is the first real release since the McLaren Applied reset. After a turbulent couple of years, this is a bike that needed to do more than look good – it had to work, day in, day out.
And from what we’ve seen so far, that’s exactly where the focus has gone.
What’s actually improved
One of the biggest changes is the move away from the electronic e-shifter to a mechanical automatic 3-speed hub. That might sound like a step back on paper, but in reality, it’s likely a step forward. Smoother, more predictable, and crucially – less to go wrong.
There’s also a completely reworked internal system – new ECU, motor controller, and power electronics – essentially the brain of the bike has been rebuilt from the ground up.
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Where the real value sits
The real value here is in the full eBike package. It’s an eBike that looks great, rides comfortably, and works day in, day out.
The features that made VanMoof stand out in the first place are all still here – the kick lock, the tracking, the boost button – but they’ve been refined. More responsive, more consistent, and (hopefully) without the bugs that held previous models back.
The halo display is brighter and easier to read at a glance, while the boost button feels sharper, with more immediate power off the line.
None of this is headline-grabbing. But it’s clear the focus has gone into building a more robust, more dependable bike.
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Smarter, but in a quieter way
The VanMoof S6 still has:
– Apple Find My integration
– Always-on tracking via GPS, WiFi and cellular
– App-based customisation and navigation
There aren't any fancy new features, it's more about them just… working.
The updated Control Core system sits behind all of this – essentially running everything from power delivery to security.
Security still leads the category
If there’s one area VanMoof has always stood apart, it’s security.
The S6 doubles down on that with:
– A refined Gen 6 Kick Lock (faster, more responsive)
– Integrated alarm and tracking
– Automatic rider recognition and unlock
In a city like London, it’s a core part of the ownership experience.
Very few brands have managed to integrate this level of security so cleanly into the bike itself.
The ride itself
On paper, the numbers are fairly familiar:
– 250W front hub motor
– Boost torque up to 68Nm
– 487Wh battery
– Range up to ~150km in economy mode
The VanMoof creates a very particular ride character – smooth, slightly gliding, and very “city-first”.
Add in the optional suspension seatpost, and it’s designed to take the edge off poor road surfaces without complicating the overall setup.
Worth reading: first ride impressions
For a deeper dive, this early ride review from Downtown is one of the more balanced takes we’ve seen:
https://downtown-mag.com/en/vanmoof-s6-2025-test/
Fully Charged verdict (early)
The S6 isn’t trying to reinvent the category.
It’s trying to make good on what VanMoof always promised.
If it delivers on reliability – which, from the changes, looks like the priority – then this could be a very compelling return.
It won’t be for everyone.
But for the right rider, it’s still one of the most distinctive eBike experiences out there.
