Easy Rider

Van Moof’s new electric bike gives you real va-va voom

Van Moof Electric Bike From €1,798, Vanmoof.com

This week we’ve seen some frontline health workers being loaned electric bikes to help them get to work. Motorised bikes have been around for years, but it’s the pedal-assisted type that is becoming increasingly popular.

Van Moof have been making electric bikes for some years, and their latest models are an eye-catching pair.

The X2 and S2 have the same specification but look slightly different as they are designed for riders of different heights, with the X2 designed for those under 5ft 6in.

The S2 I tried is available in two colours and the tubular aluminium frame is both sturdy and hi-tech looking. The motor, which is housed in the front wheel hub, has a power output of 250-500W and has four power levels available for the rider.

The battery, which can’t be seen, is stored in the frame and is removable for servicing. Using the included charger, it takes about four hours to achieve full charge, so that can be done at home or at the office during the day.

On a full charge, using Economy Mode, the S2 has a range of 150km, so you won’t need to charge every day for average commutes.

If you travel everywhere on full power, the range reduces to 60km, with a top speed of 25kph.

There’s a free app for iOS and Android, and this is one of the real selling points of this bike. Your smartphone connects to your bike and the Van Moof app lets you control a number of features.

The lights can be set to automatic or always on or off, and you can set the power level of the bike.

You also have the option to choose to enable sound-effects, and even set a speed limit for the bike.

However, the app also allows you to see the location of your Van Moof on a map, and lock or unlock it.

Should anyone tamper with your bike there is an ear-bending alarm. Additionally, should your bike ever be stolen, your app will advise the rest of the Van Moof community and activate the Bike Hunter recovery effort.

Riding it is a joy, and there are LEDs built in to the frame, like a dashboard read-out, to give you a real interactive ride. The power boost button is fun, but really useful in tricky traffic.

This isn’t a cheap electric bike, but it really is a game-changer.

The great range, clever app features for security and the quality manufacture set Van Moof aside from anything I’ve seen before.

THIS ISN’T A CHEAP ELECTRIC BIKE BUT IT IS A GAME-CHANGER