Latest news with #VanMoofS5
Stuff.tv
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
Back-to-back rides showed me how far the VanMoof S6 has been refined in a single e-bike generation
The S6 and S6 open aren't just VanMoof's latest fashion-forward, tech-infused e-bikes. They're a statement of intent from a brand that's been revitalised under new ownership – and which still isn't scared to do things a little differently from the rest of the electric bike world. Having weathered some stormy seas in recent years, the firm is returning stronger under the stewardship of Lavoie and McLaren Applied. The S6 and S6 Open promise a smoother ride, smarter security and styling guaranteed to draw attention wherever you ride it, but also greater reliability and the firm's biggest ever service network. Both are up for pre-order in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium today for €3298. With deliveries set to start from August, and the UK to follow later in the year, I headed to Amsterdam to get an early experience of the new e-bikes first-hand. Having previously tested the VanMoof S5 (and refreshed my memory of it on a VanMoof staff runabout the night before I headed to the R&D warehouse), it's clear the new model expertly refines and improves on what was already one of the most distinctive e-bikes around. How we test e-bikes Every e-bike and electric scooter reviewed on Stuff is used for a minimum of one week, across a range of distances and terrains. We use our own years of experience to judge general performance, battery life, companion apps, and overall value for money. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The new bike is instantly recognisable as a VanMoof, with sharp angles and a frame so slim you'll question whether there's actually a battery inside. Only this time around, everything is somehow even sleeker, with frame welds that are truly seamless. The smaller S6 Open arguably looks even more distinctive with its lower, slanted top tube. It rides on 24in wheels and weighs 22.5kg, while the S6 gets 27.5in wheels and tips the scales at 23.5kg. The new colour options are stunning, too. The Electric Blue in particular looks beautiful in the light, with pearlescent highlights that shine like a sports car. Drift Black is more incognito, while Pearl Mint sits somewhere in the middle. Extra layers of paint have been used this time around, so scratches shouldn't be as noticeable. All the firm's signature features are present and correct, from the integrated front and rear lights to the 'halo ring' LEDs built into the handlebars. Except pretty much all of 'em have been tweaked or retuned in one way or another. The kick lock is more weather resistant, faster to engage, and doesn't need to be lined up as precisely as it did on the S5; the brake light plays a funky animation when the bike powers up; and the halo ring LEDs are significantly brighter, so are far easier to see on the sunniest of days. That's handy, as they'll soon be able to double as directional indicators. VanMoof has teamed up with mapping experts Magic Lane to make its app-based navigation more bike-friendly; it'll be arriving as an update later this year. Once you've plumbed in a route, the bike will then use light and sound to direct you, without needing to stay glued to a smartphone mounted to your handlebars. That's still an option, of course – and now a much slicker one, as every S6 will ship with a Peak Design Slimlink phone mount. While it can't charge your device while you cycle like Cowboy's optional QuadLock mount, it's slim, subtle, and (importantly) secure. Your device is easily detached with a firm squeeze to either side. iPhone, Pixel and Galaxy owners are all catered for, and there's a universal adapter for everyone else. As with the S5, pairing your phone to the bike will let it unlock automatically as you approach. You'll be able to track its location (now with 2G cellular triangulation as well as GPS for greater accuracy) through the app, with one year of the company's 14-day bike tracking service thrown in with each bike sold. iPhone users will also soon be able to add the S6 to their Find My network, once it passes Apple's certification. VanMoof's sense of fun hasn't gone anywhere either. The startup sound doesn't give as strong a spaceship vibe as the S5 did when it powered on, but the bunch of new digital bell sounds have some gems in there. New is the second, softer bell, which raises in volume the longer you hold the button. It's a politer way of announcing your presence to unaware pedestrians than the main 'get out of the way!' bell. Arguably the biggest change is one even VanMoof die-hards might've struggled to spot from my photos. There's now a second saddle option, which has a suspension system built into the seat post. While the ultra-smooth cycle lanes of Amsterdam meant my posterior wasn't exactly crying out for relief during my test ride, the difference the 30mm of adjustable travel made going over kerbs and manhole covers was significant. The UK's rutted roads will be a tougher test for sure. VanMoof S5 owners with numb bums will also be happy to hear the optional upgrade will be backwards compatible with their bikes. The S6 keeps VanMoof's familiar layout: powerful 250W hub motor up front, electronically controlled three-speed chain drive at the rear, disc brakes all round for effective stopping. Rivals might argue belt drive systems are cleaner and require less maintenance, but the chain guard means dirt and grime aren't really a concern here either. One staffer told me that of all the S5 bikes brought in for servicing, very few had any issues with the chain. Pretty much all the internal components have been upgraded, with special attention paid to the transmission. The gearbox (custom-built, of course) is now way smoother and a whole lot quieter than before. On the S5, you could often feel the pedals go slack as the bike changed gear, but on the S6 the transition was a lot more subtle. I actively had to try and feel the changeover, no matter which power mode I was in. Existing VanMoofers will be instantly at home with the minimalist controls; two buttons on either handlebar, with the left side on digital bell duties and the right controlling power and boost. The firm is experimenting with letting users customise one of the left side buttons through the companion app, with functions like skipping Spotify tracks being kicked about – but there's no firm timeline just yet. The Halo rings will feel familiar, too, even if the colours have changed from soft purple to electric blue. The left side indicates remaining charge, while the right side shows which power level is active. Even with sunglasses on, I could always tell which mode I was in; a definite improvement from the S5, which I'd often have to shield with my hand to see clearly in bright light. The new bikes were still going through their final software tune before launch, so the torque curves and power delivery I experienced on my test ride weren't quite what customers will get in August when the first retail units start shipping. They felt pretty dialled in to me, though; the four different power levels gave progressive levels of assistance, and the boost button gets you up to top speed at a wicked pace. I wasn't about to wheelie when activating it at junctions or traffic lights, but it's so much more responsive than similar systems I've used on other e-bikes – and crucially kicks in from a standing start. My short demo didn't give any indication to range, so I'll have to go with VanMoof's estimates. The 487Wh battery hidden inside the frame provides enough juice for a rated 60km / 37 miles at full power or up to 150km / 93 miles in Economy. Once again it isn't user-removable, so you've got to be able to get the bike in range of a power socket. A full charge takes north of four hours. Talking to the VanMoof team, it was clear just as much effort has gone into reliability and serviceability as it has the on-bike tech. Every new component is more durable than the one it replaces, and the brand's service network has never been bigger. It spans 13 countries and some 250 bike shops; mechanics and technicians are visiting the warehouse every week for training, and now 95% of customer issues are solved within twenty four hours. Sensibly, the firm isn't rushing a return to America; instead the plan is to wait until it can establish a support base – most likely in a state with lots of e-bike fans. With off-the-shelf parts not able to be as tightly integrated as custom ones, VanMoof has also worked with its suppliers to ensure spare parts are much easier to get hold of. The wiring is modular, for simpler servicing, and each bike comes with a longer three-year warranty as standard. That'll hopefully put customers' minds at rest, given the issues the firm faced before McLaren Applied stepped in to steer the ship. I won't be ready to deliver a final verdict until I've ridden the finished product, but on these early impressions alone, the total package is arguably as compelling as a VanMoof bike has ever been. The VanMoof S6 and S6 Open will be on sale from August in Europe for €3298, and September in the UK
Stuff.tv
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
I like the Tenways CGO009's sleek e-bike styling – but riding one sold me on its clever tech
Stuff Verdict A tech-savvy urban commuter e-bike that looks the part and is comfortable to ride. The Tenways CGO009 doesn't go overboard on features, but that helps keep the price in check. Pros Characterful design and comfy ride Belt drive means less maintenance Removable battery for easy recharging Cons Rivals have more tightly integrated tech Boost mode doesn't work for standing starts Introduction Sure, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to electric bike brands – but what if you're after something stealthy? Anyone who balks at the idea of a giant battery sticking out of their bike's frame will find their options a bit more limited. Cowboy and VanMoof know a thing or two about minimalism, but so does Tenways. The Dutch firm has spit the difference with its new urban commuter, the CGO009. The name sounds like something you'd hear called out in an airport lounge, but the hardware is a lot more appealing. It has the slick looks and low-maintenance drivetrain to rival the Cowboy Cruiser, and just enough tech to take on the VanMoof S5, only at $2400/£2399/€2399 it's a fair bit cheaper than either. I've spent the past few weeks of riding through Wiltshire's towns and country lanes to see if it's a better ride, too. How we test e-bikes Every e-bike and electric scooter reviewed on Stuff is used for a minimum of one week, across a range of distances and terrains. We use our own years of experience to judge general performance, battery life, companion apps, and overall value for money. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. Design & build: dressed to impress I'm a big fan of electric bikes that don't look like electric bikes; it's a style Tenways has nailed with the CGO009. The rear-mounted hub motor is barely noticeable and the battery has been stealthily slotted inside the top tube – which hasn't expanded to cartoonish dimensions to accommodate it. The angular frame is then wonderfully minimal, with smoothly welded seams everywhere you look. The way the headlight has been integrated is pretty much perfect. Concealing the seat post clamp within the top tube is rather slick, too. My loaner bike arrived in Olive Green, which suited my mix of town and country routes perfectly. The black mudguards, rear pannier rack and angled handlebar make for a welcome contrast. There are also Ice Blue and Midnight Black frames on offer, but just in a single size, and with no drop frame version. You'll want to be 175cm or taller before breaking out the credit card. Two control modules on the handlebars – one on each side – don't really give the game away that this is an e-bike either. The left side adjusts the power level and activates the integrated lights; the right side lights up to show your remaining charge and how much juice the motor is providing. Tenways has cleverly picked the almost invisible Knog Oi bike bell to sit alongside them, which is the next best thing to a digital bell. The cables are internally routed from the frame headset. This makes maintenance a little easier, but I wish they were fully enclosed for an even cleaner appearance. One thing you won't find here is a screen. Some might see that as a plus, being able to hop on without quantifying your ride, but others will want navigation. Tenways will sell you an optional phone mount, but it's not nearly as slick as Cowboy's integrated QuadLock (which also has wireless charging). There's no built-in lock like you get on a VanMoof, either, so you've got to remember to bring your own. The integrated kickstand is convenient, though. Tenways scores points for how well the bike was packaged for delivery, with fabric protection over all the painted parts. Assembly took about 30 minutes and was pretty straightforward. You get a comprehensive set of tools, along with a hand pump for inflating the tyres. Features & range: keeping track This is Tenways' first e-bike with integrated front and rear lights, which draw power from the bike's battery and are controlled from the handlebars. Interestingly there's also a second rear light on the mudguard, which uses disposable batteries and has to be switched on manually; perhaps it's because the seat post-mounted one would be obscured when using the pannier rack, or because it isn't StVZO-approved for use in Germany. The lights themselves are bright enough to make you visible while on the road, but I'd still want a more powerful headlight for winter riding on roads without street lights. The CGO009 gets a big thumbs up for having a removable battery. This is practically an essential if you live in an apartment or can't lug the bike close enough to a charging point. It's a lot easier to carry, given the bike weighs a considerable 23kg with all the accessories equipped. A lock means no-one can pinch it while your bike is locked up, either. How many miles you'll eke from the 374Wh cell depends on how much time you spend in the higher power modes. I saw close to Tenways' 52 mile estimate with a mix of level one and two cycling, but fell closer to 40 miles when relying more on level three. That's a typical showing for an e-bike like this (ie one where the battery doesn't bulge out of the frame) and enough for most commutes without needing to recharge before the return leg. The charger itself is a proper brick, which is able to refuel the battery in around three or so hours. You'll need to refer to Tenways' smartphone companion app to get a more accurate estimate of how many miles you can cover with your remaining charge. It's pretty comprehensive, warning you when the bike is moved and when it leaves a user-defined 'safety zone' based on its built-in GPS transmitter. You can set the motor to only function when in range of your phone, too. It won't power up automatically as you approach like a VanMoof, though. Recording your rides through the app shows now much CO2 you've saved compared to taking a car, which is a nice touch. I just wish there was a way to integrate with fitness apps like Strava. Ride & performance: smooth running As a single-speed e-bike, the CGO009 is your typical urban commuter affair; the 250W hub motor provides a respectable 45nm of torque, and dishes it out in a controlled manner. Pedalling felt smooth and natural, not feeling like I was waiting for the power to arrive or that it was taking over from my legs entirely, even at the highest power level. Of the three to choose from, level one felt like it was merely making up for the bike's weight, and I was putting in as much effort as I might on my much lighter road bike. I largely stuck with level two, which made flat stretches very easy going. With level three I was able to tackle moderate inclines while staying seated, just at a sedate speed. The motor is subject to local speed restrictions, which meant 25km/h for me in the UK. There's a boost button, for maximum assistance when climbing slopes, but the increase is subtle; it builds up, rather than coming on instantly like a VanMoof. It also can't kick in until you're moving at over 6km/h, so is no good for standing starts at traffic lights. Despite the lack of suspension, the CGO009 rides well over rougher surfaces on account of its 28in wheels shod in 55mm wide tyres. I still learned to steer clear of more rutted roads, as stronger jolts still went straight through the frame and saddle to my posterior. The disc brakes didn't feel as instantaneous as I expected, either; they still stopped the bike, just a little slower than I'd like. Build quality was top-tier, at least, with no surprise noises coming from the drivetrain. Using a Gates carbon belt drive makes this a wonderfully quiet e-bike, so much so I surprised a few dog walkers with how silently I approached. As well as needing less maintenance than a chain, it's also cleaner, so I never worried about oil stains while cycling in trousers – despite there not being any sort of chain guard. Tenways CGO009 verdict The CGO009 strikes a great balance between function and features. The belt drive, integrated lighting and accessible controls make it an ideal commuter bike for the urban sprawl, while the styling is easily up there with the best modern e-bikes. Built-in GPS tracking gives added peace of mind, too. I'd have liked the boost mode to have a bit more instant impact, and the brakes to have a little extra bite. I also think it lacks just a little of the polish seen on the Cowboy Cruiser, and can't match the VanMoof S5 for sci-fi showiness. That said, it beats both on price. If you're after a minimal-looking e-bike that's full of features and don't mind having to add a phone mount yourself, it's a great choice that won't break the bank. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 A tech-savvy urban commuter e-bike that looks the part and is comfortable to ride. The Tenways CGO009 doesn't go overboard on features, but that helps keep the price in check. Pros Characterful design and comfy ride Belt drive means less maintenance Removable battery for easy recharging Cons Rivals have more tightly integrated tech Boost mode doesn't work for standing starts Tenways CGO009 technical specifications Motor TENWAYS C9 Hub Motor 250W Battery 374Whr Top speed (assisted) 15.5mph (UK) Range 52 miles / 85km Charge time 3.5hrs (estimated) Frame Aluminium Shifters N/A (fixed gear) Brakes Disc Weight 23kg
