VanMoof S5

65/100
BikeRide Score
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Scores
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Users (61 ratings)
46
Experts (3 reviews)
81
VanMoof S5
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Facts

Gender
Men, Women
Type
Commuter, Hybrid, Electric
Release Year
2022
Brand
VanMoof
Charge Time
6.5 Hours
Maximum Range
93 Miles
Top Speed
20 mph
Watts
250 W
Torque
68 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
48V 10.15Ah
Class
Class 1
Drive
Hub-Drive
Wheel Size
27.5”
Number of Gears
3 (1x3)
Gearing Type
Internal Hub
Weight
50.7 lb
Suspension
None
Brake Type
Disc: Hydraulic
Frame Material
Aluminum

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the VanMoof S5. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

11 reasons to buy

  • Experts say the S5 is comfortable thanks to its wide tires, relaxed geometry, and padded saddle.
  • The upright position ensures good visibility of the road or path ahead.
  • Built-in anti-theft features, including an alarm, kick-lock, and tracking, provide peace of mind for urban riders.
  • Experts relish the ‘Boost’ button, which provides an extra kick from the motor for overtaking, riding up a short hill, or starting from a stopped position.
  • Riders and reviewers compliment the sleek, fully integrated aesthetic.
  • The VanMoof mobile companion app allows owners to unlock the bike and track it with Apple’s Find My network if stolen.
  • Experts report that the front hub motor provides smooth assistance and is quiet, even at its top speed.
  • VanMoof chose a torque sensor for the S5, replacing the cadence sensor used on previous generations.
  • Multiple testers say the hydraulic disc brakes are effective.
  • The S5 has a rear wheel kick-lock that secures the wheel and activates the alarm by kicking a button on the non-drive side chainstay.
  • According to experts, the automatic Gen 5 E-shifter functions well and shifts seamlessly.

13 reasons not to buy

  • Many experts consider the VanMoof S5 to be expensive.
  • Riders must purchase a special phone case to use their smartphone as a display to monitor speed.
  • Several owners report electronic failure within days of receiving the S5.
  • One tester and several buyers complain about poor customer support and slow response times to address issues.
  • Experts complain that the ‘smart shifter’ changes slowly and inconsistently.
  • The ring displays are difficult to read in daylight.
  • Two reviewers are dissatisfied with the range, which falls short of VanMoof’s stated max range.
  • Multiple experts complain that the battery isn’t removable, so charging the bike is inconvenient.
  • Experts are disappointed with a front hub motor at this price point, resulting in slow steering.
  • One tester and various buyers report problems connecting the bike to the app via Bluetooth.
  • Reviewers say the S5 feels heavy, weighing over 50lb.
  • The 6.5-hour charge time is slower than average for a bike at this price.
  • Replacement parts are only available from specific service hubs.

Bottom line

The VanMoof S5 is an urban e-bike with a futuristic aesthetic and a fully integrated design. The bike wins praise from reviewers for its comfortable ride quality, valuable anti-theft features, smooth power, and braking performance. However, the negatives seem to outweigh the positives. The most common complaints are the non-removable battery, heavy front hub motor, inconvenient repairs, and lackluster ‘smart’ shifting. Additionally, many new buyers experience issues with failed electronics just hours or days after receiving the S5. Pair these problems with poor customer support and long delivery times, and the overall picture for the VanMoof S5 is disappointing.

Expert Reviews

81/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
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72
Quel Vélo
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 and A5 Test [French]

Level 1 expert

I think it’s a good bike, but at this price, it’s a bit expensive.

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90
nextpit
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 Review: How Good Is This Hipster E-Bike?

Level 1 expert

…you are buying a powerful and high-quality e-bike with the S5… As for its disadvantages, the VanMoof S5 is very heavy and steers rather sluggishly in the urban jungle.

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80
The Verge
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 E-Bike Review: Nice but Twice the Price

Level 1 expert

Is the S5 worth it? I’ll leave that for you to decide in this uncertain and inflationary world. While it’s definitely an improvement over the S3, it’s not twice the bike.

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TWO WHEELS GOOD Mobility
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 – The New Shooting Star?

Level 1 expert

In the past there were, again and again, some flaws, especially flaws that were caused by software, so this is always the thing when you choose a VanMoof…

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Nicolai Thomson
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 Test Ride

Level 1 expert

…a great ride that hopefully will be reliable, that’s quick, that you can be encouraged to ride at a leisurely pace…

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Bright
Level 1 expert

Review: VanMoof S5 [Dutch]

Level 1 expert

It’s a lot of money, but it’s very reasonable for such an extensive bike that rides so well. Anyway, I think this is the best VanMoof yet.              

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Eenrijkerleven
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 Review – This Is What I Think [Dutch]

Level 1 expert

If you don’t have the opportunity to charge it downstairs, it’s a lot of hassle…

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TommysTechReviews
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 Review – Everything Will Be Fine! [German]

Level 1 expert

There are problems with delivery postponements… and the long-term quality…

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TommysTechReviews
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 – Bad Surprise… Not Again! [German]

Level 1 expert

I wanted to test it really intensively and drive a lot with it before I told you what I think of it, but the joy didn’t last really long for me…

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KREATIVAGENTUR
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 – A Shot off the Post Isn’t a Goal [German]

Level 1 expert

I don’t have the feeling, as a consumer, that I’m finally getting a bike that works, that’s exactly why I wouldn’t pay this price for the S5…

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Andy
Level 1 expert

Review of VanMoof S5 [French]

Level 1 expert

I must admit that I don’t sweat when pedaling, and I do about 40 to 50km…

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EMOBILIST
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 – Everything You Need to Know [German]

Level 1 expert

…the sensor is actually now a torque sensor. It works wonderfully, it’s more pleasant, really a natural driving behavior…

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HennTech
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 / A5 in Test – What Can the E-Bike Do? | Accessories & Insurance (Review) [German]

Level 1 expert

The new models are anything but cheap, and it remains to be seen whether the higher price is also reflected in the longevity of the components…

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Business Insider Nederland
Level 1 expert

We Tried the VanMoof S5 – If You Want to Be Beautiful on This E-Bike, You Have to Suffer Financially [Dutch]

Level 1 expert

Despite the negatives, we are still charmed by the S5. Basically, it is simply a very pleasant cycling e-bike that you use more often than you would think due to its ease of use.

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Markus Görres
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 – My Experiences [German]

Level 1 expert

VanMoof support can only be reached by chat or email; unfortunately, there is no telephone contact. The response times and the quality of the answers are miserable… I am still waiting for a solution to my problem with the malfunctioning alarm. 

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BIKE Bild
Level 3 expert

Useful Upgrade: Checking Out the VanMoof S5 [German]

Level 3 expert

…we are certain that the new S5 should also be a success.

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heise online
Level 1 expert

Comfy E-Bike With App: VanMoof S5 in Test [German]

Level 1 expert

If you equip it with luggage racks, it is the perfect bike for relaxed commuting and for big weekly shopping.

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t3n
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 in Test: Smart City E-Bike With Turbo [German]

Level 1 expert

…before buying a VanMoof bike, you should make sure that you have a service hub of the manufacturer or a partner workshop nearby that can take care of any defects.

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Cleanrider
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 and A5 Test: Do the New Connected Electric Bikes Measure Up? [French]

Level 1 expert

In short, the A5 and S5 are more like an improved copy of the S3 and X3 than a real change of philosophy at VanMoof. A positioning that will delight the fans of the brand who have no difficulty in charging the bike directly…

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Hitech Glitz
Level 1 expert

VanMoof S5 Electric Bike Review: Nice, but Twice as Expensive [French]

Level 1 expert

Make no mistake, the VanMoof S5 is a very good electric bike with a longer list of functionality than any other electric bike I can name. 

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MT/Sprout
Level 1 expert

We Rode the New VanMoof S5 and A5: The Best VanMoofs Ever, When They Work [Dutch]

Level 1 expert

It’s every manufacturer’s nightmare: a test sample that breaks down while a journalist is out and about with it. It just happened to VanMoof, the e-bike maker that already has a reputation to restore when it comes to the reliability of its products.

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User Ratings

46/100 based on 61 ratings
  • 5 star
    21%
  • 4 star
    7%
  • 3 star
    7%
  • 2 star
    13%
  • 1 star
    52%

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