Vanmoof X3

It’s an e-bike that’s also ready to help with a bit of light utility work

With the X3, Vanmoof has taken the essence of an electric-assist cargo bike and given ir a seriously stylish twist. The design was outstanding enough for it to receive a

Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2020, the competition’s jury enthusing that “the innovative language of form goes hand in hand with a sophisticated functionality that integrates all elements into the frame in a stylish yet unobtrusive manner”.

To keep the X3 as simple as possible the frame is very compact, making it suitable for a wide range of riders. The low- slung top tube projects past the front of the bike to create an integrated luggage rack and also houses the bike’s front light. Move around to the rear of the X3 and that same frame element holds the bike’s battery; once again the rear light is an integral part of the design.

To make that compact frame suit as many riders as possible, be they short or tall, Vanmoof rolls the X3 on 24in wheels that help to lower the standover height of the bike even further while avoiding the disadvantages associated with the smaller 20in wheels usually found on folding bikes.

In a further boost to simplicity, Vanmoof has not worried about internal hub gears or messy chain- driven derailleur gears; instead the X3 features an industry-first – an automatic, electric- shifting, four- speed transmission. Wherever you are you’ll be in the right gear without having to think about manual changes.

The rest of the drivetrain is fully enclosed, which means there’s no danger of ever getting a trouser leg caught up in the drive.

When you need the assistance of the motor, the 250W unit in the front wheel will take you up to a maximum speed of 25kmh, which is more than enough to get you and your cargo home.

► £1,998 vanmoof.com