Where Design Meets the Joy of Riding
As a passionate fan of design bikes, I had been eagerly anticipating the release of the MOEVS First One, and after getting my hands on it for nearly a month, it’s time to share my thoughts. No paid promotion here. Just an honest, detailed review based on my experience.
MOEVS has two showrooms: one in Eindhoven (Netherlands) and one in Antwerp (Belgium). In addition, they have an online web shop that allows them to deliver the bikes worldwide. After seven years of experience in retail, they noticed a gap in the market and seized the opportunity with the MOEVS Bike.
This year, they started partnering with others to provide service to everyone and expand the reach of the MOEVS Bike — offering the most stylish, comfortable, and reliable city bike.
I’ll go into more detail below, but honestly, it’s no surprise that MOEVS Bike design is so attractive. They clearly have an excellent sense of style and have successfully harmonized the best aspects of design bikes while adding their own unique expression.
Unboxing and First Impressions
When I received the MOEVS First One, it came well-packed in a box featuring an adorable sketch of the bike (I’m pretty sure it was drawn by a :) little artist). The bike was securely protected during shipping, and other than a few minor things (likely from its status as a test bike), everything was in good condition. Check the youtube.com/@vanmoofer channel for a unpacking close up. The assembly was simple and intuitive, with instructions available through a QR code that links to a digital manual, making it easy to access from any device with internet connection.
One small note: If you’re used to bikes like the VanMoof or Cowboy, you might notice the saddle is a bit different. There’s a rubber piece covering the saddle tube and the tightener, but this is a one-time thing to get used to.
I have the beautiful dark blue (midnight) color, but they offer two other colors as well: Onyx (dark) and Rock (light). They also recently introduced a brushed aluminum version. Anyway, I can speak more about the midnight color since it’s the one I’ve had my hands on. It’s really nice, in my opinion. You can also check out more photos and videos of the bike on instagram.com/vanmoofer as well as youtube.com/@vanmoofer
Key Features of the MOEVS First One
The MOEVS First One is part of the brand’s growing lineup, with the First One, Second One (low frame), and the recently introduced Special One (aluminium) model. This e-bike is designed to free your cycling experience from your phone, as it doesn’t require an app. Instead, the bike features a small display with a simple interface controlled by four buttons. These buttons allow you to switch the bike on/off, set support levels, and monitor ride data such as speed, range, averages and set other settings. It’s minimal, yet practical.
The bike’s specifications are solid:
- Battery: 360 Wh, removable (you can charge it while in the bike or remove it and charge separately)
- Motor: 40Nm, providing smooth power delivery that’s natural and not abrupt (a contrast to the Cowboy Cruiser’s more instant push)
- Speed: Limited to 26–27 km/h, perfect for city cruising
- Tires: 29'’ big, wide, comfortable tires that enhance ride comfort and make the bike an eye-catcher
One of my favorite design elements is how the “be seen” lights are integrated into the frame and mudguards. The lights are visible and functional, while the mudguards themselves are made of metal (not plastic), which gives the bike a more premium, stable feel. The belt drive is a nice touch too — quiet, clean, and hassle-free.
I also appreciate the additional security feature: you can set a password using the display to prevent unauthorized access. However, unlike VanMoof’s kicklock, Cowboy’s accurate GPS tracking, you’ll need to bring your own lock for real security in busy cities.
Test Ride: How Does the Bike Perform?
The real test is how the bike handles in everyday situations, and I’ve been riding it for almost a month now. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Motor Performance: The 40Nm Mivice rear hub motor is quite powerful, it’s noticeable but still relatively quiet, though you can definitely hear it when it supports you up hill. It climbs steep hills effortlessly, even in a hilly area where I live. The acceleration is smooth, and the motor delivers power in a way that feels natural rather than jolted.
- Range: The bike’s estimated range is on the conservative side. Even though I mostly rode in MAX mode. For example, the display initially showed a range of 27 km, but after riding 4 km, it dropped only to 25 km. That said, I expect the range estimations to become more accurate as I continue to ride it.
- Ride Experience: With its wide tires, the ride is incredibly smooth. Handling is sharp, and the bike is equipped with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, which provide solid stopping power and excellent responsiveness. The bike also has a Push mode for walking, which is helpful when you’re climbing steep hills or need to move the bike slowly. The front light is bright enough for city commuting, though for areas like Germany, you might need a regular certified front light for legal reasons.
Comfort and Design
The design of the MOEVS First One is clean and functional. The bike feels well-built, with a nice ratio between the frame, size, and geometry. While it’s a little larger than the VanMoof S5, the proportions still work well. I really like how the rear light is integrated into the mudguard and how the bike’s frame has a minimalist yet clever design. Plus, the belt drive makes the ride silent and easy to maintain.
However, the battery slot case and its gaps could be improved. While it’s already minimalist and neat, a more seamless design could give it a sleeker look.
Comparing the MOEVS First One to Other Design E-bikes
It’s difficult to compare the MOEVS First One to bikes like VanMoof or Cowboy directly, as each bike has its unique design. In many ways, the MOEVS feels like a blend of VanMoof’s S4 and Cowboy’s Cruiser, redefined through MOEVS’ unique perspective (in my opinion). It combines the best aspects of design bikes and offers a hassle-free, phone-free riding experience. The minimalistic display interface keeps everything simple and intuitive.
For those who value design over speed, the MOEVS First One is a great choice for city commuters or casual riders. While it’s not built for speed enthusiasts, its smooth ride and thoughtful design make it perfect for everyday use. The Mivice motor provides a smooth yet sufficient boost, and the bike feels perfectly suited for urban environments in the Netherlands, Belgium, and most German cities. It also includes a feature in the Mivice interface where you can view the speed limit and wheel diameter, which could potentially be used to hack and increase the speed limits, although this would void your warranty and can only be adjusted by technicians.
Verdict
The MOEVS First One is a stylish, reliable, and practical e-bike that stands out with its minimalist design, intuitive controls, and smooth ride. It’s ideal for city commuters and design-loving cyclists. While it lacks a built-in lock like the VanMoof, the bike’s security features and overall design make it a worthy competitor in the e-bike market.
Priced at €2699, the MOEVS First One is a reasonable option, €300 more than the matching Lemmo Bike, €300 less than the matching Cowboy, and €600 less than the matching VanMoof. It strikes a nice balance between premium design and functionality without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
The MOEVS First One is definitely a bike that I’d recommend for those who want a seamless, stylish, and hassle-free riding experience. While there are a few areas for improvement — like the potential for an app and a built-in lock — it’s still an excellent choice for anyone who values design and performance in an e-bike.
If you want to see more photos and videos, check out instagram.com/vanmoofer as well as youtube.com/@vanmoofer.
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vanmoofer. The driving force behind this blog is the blending of technology and design in the realm of e-mobility.
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