It's been a couple of since Dutch high-end bicycle maker VanMoof launched its Electrified S e-bike, and 12 months since the visually arresting Electrified X made its debut in Tokyo. Though both had anti-theft technology built in, the company has now made the latest models even harder to steal.
Last month, Vanmoof issued a cheeky open letter thanking bike thieves everywhere for providing the motivation to continually improve the company's anti-theft measures, which include GPS tracking, smart locks and a team of "Bike Hunters" that locate any of the firm's e-bikes that do get lifted. Now its upcoming Electrified S2 and X2 models debut new thief-hating features.
VanMoof has reworked the frames of both e-bikes to integrate the lighting, while concealing all of the new electronics and battery. And the Stealth Lock, which immobilizes the ebike's wheels and activates the security system when a button pushed or kicked.
"We can build bigger and tougher locks, or we can truly solve the problem by making our bikes pointless to steal in the first place," said the company's co-founder Taco Carlier. "Using smart technology we've created a bike that can take perfect care of itself, leaving no more worries for the rider."
A companion app will remember where a rider has parked a VanMoof, and when the S2 or X2 detects a rider's Bluetooth-enabled smartphone nearby, the e-bike can automatically unlock and disarm the Theft Defense system. However, if someone does try to tamper with either model while the rider is elsewhere, a three-phase alarm will sound and lights will start flashing – drawing unwelcome attention to would-be thieves.
And, after all that, should a light-fingered opportunist actually succeed in making off with an S2 or X2, the rider can alert the company's opt-in Bike Hunters service via the app, and the company guarantees to find the missing ride within 2 weeks or replace it.
Other additions to the new e-bikes include a more efficient motor to assist riders up to 32 km/h (20 mph), with a handy turbo boost mode available for en-demand acceleration, 150 km (93 miles) of range from the 504 Wh battery, which can charge to full in four hours or be topped up to 50 percent in 80 minutes, and a matrix of 166 LEDs on the frame that display speed, remaining charge and power-assist level. Over-the-air updates mean the Electrified S2 and X2 ebikes get potentially smarter over time, too.
VanMoof will open reservations for the Electrified S2 and X2 ebikes on June 7, when 2,000 early birds will be able to shave US$1,000 off the retail price of $3,398. Shipping is expected to start in September. The video below has more.
Source: VanMoof
Update (July 20, 2023): VanMoof has been declared bankrupt in the Netherlands and trustees have been appointed. The company has posted details of its situation as of July 17, 2023, here.
