VanMoof Rides Again: New S6 E-Bike and Revamped Repair Network Launch Post-Bankruptcy

Dutch e-bike startup VanMoof is making a comeback, two years after its bankruptcy, with the launch of its new S6 model. This marks the first model designed under new leadership after Lavoie’s acquisition of the company. Despite past criticisms about the company’s reliance on custom parts, which contributed to its downfall, the S6 retains VanMoof’s signature bespoke design.

The company is betting that improved quality custom parts and a stronger servicing network will enable it to maintain its focus on design and technology while avoiding previous repair and servicing issues.

According to co-CEO Elliot Wertheimer, VanMoof aims to push design boundaries and create an intuitive e-bike experience, much like using an iPhone. He emphasized that using off-the-shelf parts would defeat the purpose of VanMoof’s existence.

VanMoof had previously raised over $200 million in venture capital and developed a cult following for its minimalist e-bikes featuring integrated lights, batteries, and motors.

However, the company’s unique selling point, its custom parts, became its liability. The company grew too quickly, leading to an underdeveloped repair network and constrained supply. This resulted in customer dissatisfaction when bikes broke down.

After filing for bankruptcy in July 2023, VanMoof was acquired by e-scooter maker Lavoie, a division of McLaren Applied. With McLaren’s Formula 1 expertise, VanMoof redesigned components to improve reliability. These parts are co-designed with major manufacturers to ensure quality and availability.

In some areas, VanMoof has adopted industry-standard practices. For instance, Panasonic now co-designs and manufactures the batteries, with VanMoof focusing on mechanical and software integration.

A critical improvement is the enhanced support network. “We fixed the whole business, from unit economics, logistics, and after-sale service,” Wertheimer said. “We couldn’t go out with something new before we set up the infrastructure to do so.”

VanMoof has established a network of 250 repair centers and 130 sales partners, concentrating on markets such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The company has developed a tech suite for repair partners, including a component purchasing system, a diagnostics app, and a tracking system for warranty claims. An online training course is also available for mechanic partners, with plans to add 10 stores per week.

VanMoof intends to launch in the U.S. by the end of 2025, but plans are pending due to uncertainty regarding President Trump’s tariffs policy.

Reservations for the S6 are now open in active markets, with the first deliveries expected in early August.

The VanMoof S6: A new hope

The new S6 might help customers remember why they loved the brand. It features the iconic VanMoof frame with no visible welding and comes in various matte colors. Tech features include a redesigned electronic suite, Halo Ring, integrated navigation, and a new sound ecosystem. Anti-theft features have also been improved, with a more accurate tracking system.

The S6’s improved mechanical shifting system adjusts automatically based on speed, and the front-wheel motor contributes to a natural riding experience. The suspension seatpost handles bumps effectively, and the bike weighs 51 pounds.

“When we took over VanMoof, we inherited great design and an impressive product ecosystem,” Wertheimer said. “We spent two years rebuilding our company and brand to reach this launch…we are ready to show the world what we can do again. That’s what we see in the S6, our e-bike that can deliver on 11 years of promises.”