VanMoof returns to basics for its new, cheaper S4 and X4 e-bikes #GeekLeap

VanMoof’s latest e-bikes, the S4 and X4, are two makes an attempt at a mid-range e-bike. The corporate is making an attempt to ship its premium options and construct high quality, for considerably much less cash. At $2,498, that’s $1,000 lower than the corporate’s top-of-the-range S5 and X5 bikes, however they’re nonetheless not precisely low cost.

VanMoof co-founder Ties Carlier mentioned in a press launch that this was an try at a “extra easy, extra accessible and extra dependable” e-bike. One main simplification is the transition to adaptive motor help and a two-speed gear hub. The SX5 sequence had a three-speed gear system, and whereas it had a torque sensor to help, adaptive motor help is new for these cheaper e-bikes. Whereas the gear system could also be completely different, the corporate expects the vary to be equal to each the SA5 and older SX3 e-bikes, 60-150 km, relying on driving situations and rider. There’s nonetheless turbo-boost on board, with a button on all sides of the handlebars.

Safety-wise (and the place VanMoof has excelled up to now) there’s an built-in fourth-generation Kick Lock (SA5 e-bikes have Gen 5 lock), which locks the rear wheel with a faucet. It’s nonetheless filled with anti-theft tech, together with onboard alarms and placement monitoring, though there’s no built-in help for Apple’s Discover My merchandise monitoring.

The design hasn’t modified vastly, however there are some variations price noting. The group has nixed the halo ring lighting and USB-C charging port for the SX4, whereas the body itself is nearer, each in seems and peak, to the older SX3 e-bikes. Probably the largest distinction is a punchier vary of colours: the SX4 will are available in Evergreen, Sunbeam Yellow, Purple Fog and Foam Inexperienced – a far cry from the largely monochrome of earlier rides – and demonstrating completely different tastes to rival Cowboy’s newest e-bike colorways.

Each the VanMoof S4 and X4 can be found to preorder now, at VanMoof’s official website. In Europe, the Evergreen mannequin is on sale beginning at this time, whereas it would go on sale in late Might within the US, with different coloration choices following after. Keep tuned for impressions as soon as we get to test-ride.

All merchandise beneficial by Engadget are chosen by our editorial group, impartial of our mother or father firm. A few of our tales embody affiliate hyperlinks. Should you purchase one thing by one in every of these hyperlinks, we could earn an affiliate fee. All costs are appropriate on the time of publishing.