VANMOOF X3
£1998 Designer Dutch tech-laden urban ebike
We were impressed with VanMoof’s S3 in issue 385, and the X3 is based around the same well-considered technology but in a more compact design. The X3’s X-shaped frame sets it apart and the attention to detail on the frame adds to its air of quality.
A signature design seen on every VanMoof since 2009 is the top-tube that extends beyond the head tube and the seat tube junction and holds an integrated light at each end. A new feature for the X3 is that the bike forgoes a traditional computertype display in favour of a matrix of 166 LEDs in the top tube, which shows current speed and a remarkably accurate battery level indicator.
When the bike is dormant but unlocked, the LEDs form a ‘V’ logo. When you lock or unlock the bike, it shows an animated padlock, and it turns into an animated skull if the bike is disturbed when it’s locked. It also emits an audible alarm that’s accompanied by a built-in immobiliser.
If you align the mark on the frame with one on the rear hub and tap the button on the rear dropout with your foot, it locks the bike and rear wheel. This also arms the alarm that works in conjunction with the VanMoof app. Security is boosted further still by a built-in tracker that works over GSM and close-range Bluetooth. You can also add a VanMoof to Apple’s ‘find my’ app. You unlock the bike by your phone being in proximity to it or by inputting a three-digit code.
The one-piece bar and stem is neatly designed with grips the same diameter as the bar. The electronic bell’s three options include a klaxon like a clown’s car, but we’d stick to the classic bell sound. A ‘turbo’ boost button gives you the full 59Nm of torque, which gives a real kick speeding off from lights or starting a climb.
The range is impressive for a small-wheeled compact bike.
I managed 39.47m/63.5km with 1690ft/515m of elevation. VanMoof claims a 37-93m/59.5150km range for the X3, and I can only imagine the top range is achieved with the 378Wh rangeextending battery added to the internal 504Wh battery, and even then on a flat route. The X3’s charger gets the battery to 50 per cent from empty in 80 minutes and to fully charged in four hours. And at just 80x180x70mm and weighing 867g it’s compact enough to carry.
The bike only comes in one size and VanMoof claims it will fit riders between 5ft and 6ft 5in tall. If you are taller than this VanMoof recommends the larger S3. I’m 6ft 2in tall and my partner’s 5ft tall and we both felt at home on the bike, so it looks like VanMoof is accurate in this.
The X3 is a real treat to ride. The riding position is quite upright, the steering light and fast, both of which make it a great around-town runabout. I found it easy to manoeuvre through traffic and the two-inch wide Innova tyres provide plenty of cushioning for dropping off the occasional kerb or hitting aggressively profiled speed bumps. Its ride quality and the all-round experience put VanMoof’s X3 up among the best ebikes I’ve tried – and I’ve ridden a vast number over the years. Power delivery is smooth and matches your input well, and about the only thing I didn’t like are the X3’s plastic-bodied pedals, which are slippery in the wet.
Even aspects like the front carrier are well considered. It’s compact but its bungees held my backpack securely. VanMoof also offers a host of accessories to expand its capabilities further, making busy lives a little easier. You could add on a rear rack, a front basket, a child seat and more.
Overall, the X3 is brilliant at what it does. Its integrated approach and VanMoof’s superb app make it much more than a bike with a motor added.
Its great ride makes it a fine urban machine, the range is good and VanMoof’s designers have made sure that, even though it’s the least expensive machine here, it certainly doesn’t look it. Design-conscious urbanites should be able to speed confidently around town in comfort on this one, but it’s certainly not just about looks.
Its ride quality and the all-round experience put VanMoof’s X3 up among the best ebikes I’ve tried