VanMoof Reviews

by The Scott

VanMoof is a disaster, and it has been for YEARS. Seriously, how Van Moof isn’t mortified that this is what their app looks like and this is how badly it operates, it’s beyond comprehension. And the fact that it’s *required* to operate a very expensive bike just makes it that much more infuriating.

No settings stick. VanMoof just reverts back immediately. I can’t turn off sounds. I can’t change speed. I can’t do anything. At all. It constantly says my bike is not connected and frequently fails to unlock—I usually have to restart the bike 5 or so times before it’ll work. Every. Time. I. Use. The. Bike. And now my bike’s display has stopped working, and the documentation on the Van Moof website and Van Moof’s customer service is an absolute insulting joke. “Have you tried restarting the bike?” That’s their only solution, and they need to shove it.

Don’t buy this bike. Don’t download VanMoof. Throw your thousands of dollars in a river and save yourself the frustration and knowledge you wasted a ton of money on a company that has so much disrespect for their customers.

by AOdgaard

I purchased a Smart Bike in hopes that the technology would be as advertised. This is my second this app as my other was stolen: same quality bike but not smart.

You cannot conveniently walk up to the bike with the phone in your pocket and tap to unlock. I have all settings for VanMoof turned on (background refresh, location tracking, etc) and I still have to take my phone out of my pocket and unlock it for my bike to recognize me and allow me to tap to unlock.

My second and biggest complaint is the headlight not working unless I “start my bike up” by opening the this app app so the “auto on” feature (not so auto on if I have to perform this much manual work) turns on and the taillight blinks. Only then will my headlight work. If you simply hop on the bike and begin peddling the headlight will not work!!! This is my biggest disappointment as my generation 1 this app’s Light would power up upon cycling. It would even slowly die out after riding as the power from the hub drained out. On this bike, you stop riding, the light turns off immediately. Lame.

I really hope they get this fixed via VanMoof because I want to like the convenience of this bike; however it does not perform as advertised.

by Daniel To

Just received my S2 and the experience of using VanMoof has been horrible. VanMoof has been extremely buggy and nearly unusable. Almost 90% of the time after opening VanMoof , the screen just keeps flashing and rending me unable to unlock my bike or update any of the settings from VanMoof . VanMoof consistently flashes a notification stating I'm disconnected to connected. It seems like this draining the bikes battery as well since it continually trying to connect. The bike is losing nearly 30-40% of battery during the week despite not being ridden at all! Please update the bike/app experience because based off the experience now I cannot recommend this bike to anyone.

by Elvin W. - Willamsburg

My bike got stolen, I couldn’t use VanMoof to report the theft, because they removed the button. Couldn’t upload the police report, because the link was broken. My bike was shown in a single location the entire time and there was zero communication from ‘Bike hunters’, so I just went and got the bike myself.

My bike’s mileage got zeroed out with the most recent update, I’ve emailed customer support three times and nobody answered me.

I’m really disappointed in this app and it’s a shame because I love the bike.

by Cross Allan

Great bike and experience until it stopped working during the middle of a long commute. Got a brand-new bike this month and got multiple errors within a few days and no longer works. Customer support said the battery needs to be replaced even though it’s a brand-new bike. The shop is unable to accept my bike for repairs until maybe the end of the month. Huge inconvenience.

by Juanjoduran

Now that issues like touch to unlock finally work. And you launch an Apple Watch companion app, it’s be great if this Apple Watch could work as a stand alone, without the need of an iPhone. Like Shazam app does. That’s the future! Especially useful for Apple Watch 3 users, since you can truly leave your phone, take your this app and unlock it, while taking calls from your watch or listening to music. Please! Also, last trip mileage would be great. Not just a total odometer.

by International Man Of Media

As a bicycle is the primary mode of transportation for many Dutch, I find it a bit (read: incredibly) surprising that VanMoof doesn’t have a link to apple’s Health app to track the cycling calories. It’s been years now since VanMoof debuted and Apple introduced their health app and opened it up for other apps to write to - what’s the hold up?

by Jalavela

First off, I love my Smart X bicycle. It's a thrill to ride and is compact enough for me to haul on the train/ferry if need be. The accompanying app, however, isn't on par with the riding experience.

VanMoof has a beautiful design, but I would appreciate a few more insights into my riding behavior. How many trips have I made? What is my average trip length? After how many kilometers should I consider getting a tune-up? Who else is riding Van Moof and how can I connect with them? These are just a few examples of what I believe would enhance the experience. Hoping for such features to be available in future updates.

by Biscontin

VanMoof is great. Cool UI. Works smoothly with the S3. The only missing feature is the option to unlock the bike via Apple Watch without using the iPhone app.
Love this bike!

by Deb And FC

Bought this bike just before shelter in place. It’s been the best thing for my body and mind. I’m 58, and now have no trouble keeping up with my 18 year old son, because the hills are so easy. The pedal assist, along with the boost button make hills like cake. At the top of twin peaks in SF, my son his huffing and puffing more than me! And the views from the top of every hill, which I’m now exploring all of, well that’s a sight to fill the heart. And I love the design of the basket attached to the frame rather than the handle bars. Takes a moment to get used to if you’ve ridden the other way all your life. But only a moment, and then it becomes clear how superior that design is because steering is easier this way. I was a little apprehensive thinking I might not be able to get service with shelter in place if anything were to happen with the bike. The bike has been absolutely perfect! And now I understand if I do need anything during this time I can make an appointment. But turns out, I don’t even need anything. This is the second best purchase of my life. Right behind my beautiful home. If you live in a place with hills, this is the bike for you. Truly!

by Oerlikon

I’ve had no issues with my electrified S2 or VanMoof . I did have to turn the proximity down all the way because I could hear the bike wake up in the garage when I was walking around the house. Works great with the Apple Watch as well.

by GetAlongPlease

The bike has been excellent and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting back in the saddle after thinking my riding days were mostly behind me due to age and bad knees - too much soccer and basketball when I was younger. For me, the bike provides the perfect amount of assist - still get exercise just not too much. I wasn’t sure about the auto-shifting but am used to it now and rather enjoy just taking in the scenery. I thought I would want to customize the shifting through VanMoof but just ended up using one of the pre-sets. Which brings me to VanMoof . Like the bike it performs perfectly over my first 100 miles or so. I am not one that pours over my trip data so the basics (time, distance, avg sped etc) are perfect. I forgot my phone on one ride so the total miles on the trip view doesn’t match the bike view - not a huge deal. For anyone on the fence I would say go for it and enjoy the joy of two-wheel travel (again, for many of us).

by Wesleypet

This is my second bike. The power is hands down more aggressive than the first version. The brakes are great and the new lock system is so cool. I can’t wait to buy my third bike. You’ve sent the bar really high for the S4. Great job Vannoof.

by FlatTrash

It’s a great app and bike that i wii ok I’ll suggest to anyone and everyone. I just hope that soon it could come in widget form so i can tap on the widget to unlock the bike just for a easier quality of life

by Pickle-Lickle

Version 2.0 is very well done. I like the map feature. Interface has high attention to detail, much like the bike itself.

It would be cool if there was a geofencing feature that would disable auto-wakeup. At work I like auto-wakeup and want it ON. At home I’d like if OFF because I do not want my bike turning on as I walk around the house. Probably not worth the development effort... but would be cool.

by Emma K Alexandra

The iOS app pretty much does everything I want it to do and is really intuitive. I use the Apple Watch app very often as well to toggle the lights. I would love it if it was possible to toggle the alarm in the Watch app. I often ride the metro and kick lock the bike while on the train, but I don’t want the alarm going off. A switch for the alarm on the watch would be great cause I’m already there toggling the lights.

by Vman Rodriguez

Soo I have an original this app , but recently decided to purchase an S3 .. Unfortunately upon receipt from UPS the box no longer had any containment properties except the frame and front wheel.. I was completely unaware of the contents I was missing ...

So some damage was made to the bicycle and some components , I am still in discussion and corresponding with customer service of this app s .. and my experience with the business is outstanding soo far ... Had to wait for a frame number and verification number since missing ... sooon I will be logging peddle assist miles ...

by Gin*Lieu.

This bike is pretty awesome. I’ve only put about 39 miles on it but it was pretty effortless. I’m planning on parking my car and commuting 10 miles to work 5 days a week. The only complaint that I have is that Houston Texas roads and sidewalks are terrible or nonexistent. On the trail is where this thing shines. It attracts a lot of attention. As I was saying. On the trail. This beauty just cruises. I can go 20mph with minimal effort. So if you are a seasoned cyclist. You will love to get this thing up to 30mph. You will want to invest in some googles/glasses. Bugs hurts when they go splat in your eye. 😔

I will update this review after I have had it for a longer period. So if you’re wondering if you should buy it. The answer is yes! You will love it!

by BikerHiker

Have had my electric S2 a few months now in San Francisco. I have never been happier with a bike and I’ve owned several - roadies, MTBs, tricked out Triathlon bikes. The S2 is a stunner to look at (OK, you gotta love bikes!). The ride is great. Handling superb. Theft protection lets me park it and feel comfortable that it’ll be there when I come back. When I do come back there is often someone, or three, admiring the bike.
This is my first ebike. I was worried I’d lose the workout and the workout is one of the main reasons I ride. The power train is interesting. I still get the same amount of exercise, but the S2 has extended my range to include the whole city, the headlands, and into the peninsula. I don’t hesitate to tackle the steepest sections with the power boost—I’m standing on the pedals and my heart is hammering in my ears, but I can pull anything in the city! I ride almost every day!

BTW I’m 71 and semi-retired.

by Den Kerlee

Ordered my S3 in late August, a 75th year birthday gift. I’ve kept my road bike, but with S3 I’ve found routes in Seattle area I’d never tackle before; I knew my way around the city and across both Lk Washington bridges for longer routes (~20+ miles). Now my S3 (“Vincent”) and I continue to find new routes, hilltop vistas and so much easier to climb! I’m still learning how to preset motor assist + boost button to climb up the hills! This bike is a perfect fit for my retiree bike outings!

by Samer_salem

I turned off the light while I kept my bike inside the house because it would stay on with auto wake turned on, now I can’t seem to turn the lights back on again, tried all possible remedies with VanMoof, restarted phone, deleted and reinstalled VanMoof , nothing worked.

by Charleston1830

Took me about 2 weeks to get accustomed to VanMoof for the bike. Still disappointed in the functionality, but I ignore it because the ride is super smooth. VanMoof simply doesn’t work like advertised. Features are wonky and not intuitive. But the bike looks good and rides great if you can get it to move/unlock and stop beeping.

by Carolina Larcon

Great when it works but it’s frustrating when it can’t connect and the key fob won’t function as a backup to unlock. This means I always have to have my USB cable with me to reset and solve the issue. Would love an app for the Apple Watch.

by Mdms1019

I love driving my new S2 and VanMoof is as sleek as the bike. I haven’t experienced the connectivity issues that others seem to support speak of. And I think VanMoof is great in its current state. To make it better, consider APIs to allow app developers to tap in to the data for trip tracking, health tracking and other cool stuff. Keep it up this app!

by Czech/Bloke

What a great company. The customer service that I have experienced just purchasing my bike has me excited to further the relationship. And the quality and innovations of this bike look awesome! Can’t wait for the snow to be gone to start racking up miles.

by Avsrock90

I love my bike but VanMoof logs me out every week or so, which seems to make touch-unlock on the bike stop working. If the team can fix this, rating would be higher.

by ToysBme

I have had s1 and s2. Both are awesome.
Hardly drive anymore. The stores are great but if you don’t live near one save the box.