Things have been pretty quiet around Vanmoof for a long time. It’s been more than a year and a half since the takeover by Lavoie. It’s even been three years since the cult brand unveiled its last model. But now Vanmoof is sending out a strong signal that it is still alive and kicking. With the new Vanmoof S6 and Vanmoof S6 Open, the manufacturer is saying: Hey, we’re still here!
To this statement, one could add: We look exactly the same as before. When casting an eye over the two new models, the S6 and S6 Open, it is the colours that are the most obvious indication that these are indeed new products.
The basic appearance seems almost unchanged. And the impression is not misleading. According to its own statement, Vanmoof has focused primarily on details for its comeback and worked on features such as reliability, practicality and intuitiveness. The manufacturer describes the result as ‘even cleaner, more minimalist and more iconic than ever’. Well, Vanmoof has never been shy about using big words.
1. Frame shapes and sizes
2. The e-drive for Vanmoof S6 and Vanmoof S6 Open
3. Advanced control centre
4. New hub gear for the S6 series
5. More brightness for the Halo display
6. New soundscapes
7. Improved Kicklock
8. New smartphone mount
9. More accessories for Vanmoof S6 and Vanmoof S6 Open
10. Longer warranty
11. Price and availability
1. Frame shapes and sizes
Before we get into what makes the S6 and S6 Open different from previous generations, let’s take a moment to look at the features that describe the core of these ebikes. Vanmoof is once again launching a duo with two different frame shapes. The S6 with its diamond frame is based on 27.5-inch wheels. It is designed to suit people with a body height of 165 centimetres to 210 centimetres.
Even if you are only 150 centimetres tall, you can ride an S6 Open with its significantly lowered top tube. The 24-inch wheels make it look much smaller than the S6. In this case, the recommended height is limited to 200 centimetres.
Neither frame appears to be a new development. Key details such as top tube length, seat tube length, standover height and overall length are identical to those of the 5 series. Aluminium continues to be used as the frame material. The manufacturer is clearly sticking with the tried and tested here.
2. The e-drive for Vanmoof S6 and Vanmoof S6 Open
The same obviously applies to the ebike system. A front wheel hub motor that supports you up to a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour. A torque of 68 Newton metres. A torque sensor that regulates the assistance across four riding modes depending on how hard you pedal at any given moment. All of these are key figures that we are familiar with from previous years.
As the battery capacity remains unchanged at 487 watt hours, you can expect ranges of between 60 kilometres and 150 kilometres from the Vanmoof S6 and Vanmoof S6 Open. As always, the specific values depend on your choice of riding mode, tyre pressure, climatic conditions, topography and a number of other factors.
3. Advanced control centre
The main innovations of the 6 series are hidden inside the ebikes. One of these is what VanMoof calls the Control Core, which it describes as the ‘brain of the ebike’ for better understanding. This refers to the electronic control unit, or ECU for short. It brings together numerous electronic processes, from the battery management system and motor assistance calibration to the individual components of the electronic anti-theft device.
Vanmoof says that this control centre has been fundamentally redesigned. One result of this is that the S6 and S6 Open can now be ridden for even longer. However, there is no evidence of this when comparing the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Also mentioned are more accurate, always-on tracking and the fact that the Kicklock, Vanmoof’s mechanical anti-theft device, can be activated even when the ebike system has already shut down due to an empty battery.
4. New hub gear for the S6 series
Simply too sluggish. This was a frequently heard criticism of the hub gears on Vanmoof ebikes in the past. It therefore seems understandable that the manufacturer is now coming up with a new solution. The new S6 features a gear system called Autohub. This system offers three gears and automatically switches between the different ratios. The shifting process is based on the determined riding speed. Autohub is designed to shift in real time based on this. According to the manufacturer, this should also be quieter than before. As we have not yet been able to test any of the new models, we cannot comment further at this stage.
5. More brightness for the Halo display
A test ride would be needed to also properly assess the new Halo display. One thing is certain: There was room for improvement here. The LEDs on the handlebars, which are supposed to provide information about the battery status and the selected assistance level, were sometimes a little dim. The improved Halo display should be brighter and therefore clearly visible even in difficult lighting conditions.
6. New soundscapes
Vanmoof clearly wanted to make a lasting change to the riding experience. This also applies to a detail that you may not have noticed in the past: The sounds these ebikes make. Not so much the sound of the motor, but rather the tones that are heard when changing riding modes or locking the ebike.
This completely revamped acoustic signature ranges from the start tone to the safety alarm. Vanmoof has worked on both the sounds and the volumes. For example, the bell rings louder the faster you press the corresponding button in succession. The system probably assumes that a first, more defensive ring was not heard and that more vehemence is now required. In contrast, changing the assistance levels on the S6 and S6 Open should sound more subtle and be less noticeable to the traffic around you.
7. Improved Kicklock
Other corrections are minor. There is now a mark that shows you when the Kicklock, a mechanical immobiliser, is in the correct position to be locked. A strip on the rear wheel hub serves as an alignment aid. When the Kicklock and strip are at the same height, simply tap as usual and the anti-theft device is activated, while the ebike system is switched off at the same time. To unlock, use the VanMoof app or press the ‘Touch Unlock’ button on the handlebars. The Kicklock will then unlock immediately.
8. New smartphone mount
To enable you to use your smartphone as a screen for the Vanmoof app while riding, Vanmoof has integrated a matching mount on the stem as standard. On earlier models, this was supplied by SP Connect. Vanmoof now cooperates with Peak Design for this purpose. The manufacturer supplies a magnetic-mechanical attachment similar to that of Fidlock. Again, this requires a suitable case for your smartphone. Peak Design offers cases for various smartphones from Apple, Samsung and Google. A universal adapter is also available. You can probably also retrofit a universal mount from Peak Design on older Vanmoof models.
9. More accessories for Vanmoof S6 and Vanmoof S6 Open
Vanmoof has been offering selected accessories for its ebikes for some time now, including bags and various luggage racks. With the launch of the S6 and S6 Open, the range has been expanded. New additions include a sturdy rear rack that can carry loads of up to 27 kilograms. As it is approved for mounting a child seat, you can also transport children on the ebike with both new models.
On the other hand, you are the only one who benefits from the suspension seat post. The same applies to the set of spacer rings that fit on the steerer tube. You can adjust the stem and handlebars to different heights in increments of 10 millimetres, 20 millimetres and 30 millimetres. Vanmoof considers the standard size of the S6 and S6 Open frames to be suitable for a wide range of body lengths. Other bicycle manufacturers offer three or four different frame sizes within this 45-centimetre or 50-centimetre range. Therefore, the spacers could be a worthwhile purchase for some of you to optimise your riding position.
A nice bonus: All accessories from the 5 series can be used with the new 6 series. This includes the luggage racks, among other things. So, if you are considering switching to an S6 or S6 Open, you can reuse certain items.
10. Longer warranty
Perhaps as an expression of confidence in its own measures, Vanmoof is offering a longer warranty on its new models. The original two years have now been extended to three years. If you have reached a mileage of 7,500 kilometres with your ebike before this point, the warranty will expire at that time. This rule already applied previously.
11. Price and availability
The manufacturer is asking 3,298 euros for each of the new Vanmoof S6 and Vanmoof S6 Open models. Anyone who wants to ride one of the new models as soon as possible can reserve one for a fee of 150 euros. Those who do so will be included in the very first deliveries, which are scheduled for August 2025.
However, only people in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium will be able to reserve and purchase the ebikes at the start. By the end of the year, the manufacturer plans to add the United Kingdom to this list. Based on the information available to us, it is not clear when sales in the USA might start.
Vanmoof S6 at a glance
- Variants: Vanmoof S6, Vanmoof S6 Open
- Frame: aluminium
- Frame size: one size
- Motor: front wheel hub motor, 250 W, 68 Nm
- Battery: 487 Wh
- Control unit: Vanmoof Halo
- Drivetrain: 3-speed AutoShift hub gear
- Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes
- Maximum permitted total weight: n/a
- Colours: Drift Black, Electric Blue, Pearl Mint
- Price: 3,298 euros
Pictures: Vanmoof B.V.