Quick update on the 2021 model VanMoof S3 after 2 weeks of ownership

Vanmoofer
3 min readAug 4, 2021

Quick update on the #VanMoof #S3 Dark 2021 after 2 weeks of ownership. The bicycle came out of the box almost perfect (check the video as proof 😉), the front wheel and motor cable connection were again a bit of a struggle but I was the winner in the end.

🇩🇪 Deutsch?

🚲 If you consider buying an S3/X3, use the following discount code during checkout and get €100/$100/£95 off on VanMoof accessories & PoM services:
ADV-Y78Q-4S9G-HEM7

2021 model VanMoof S3 unboxing, assembly, ready to ride

Tip for the new owners; turn the bicycle upside down and apply some WD40 before pushing the cable into the frame. After the first full charge, I could ride more than 75 km. Great range when you consider a lot of boost and the hills of the town.

Sustainable top speeds of different modes are like: 🇪🇺 mode 27 km/h, 🇺🇸mode 34 km/h and 💨 mode 37 km/h. Maybe a bit slower than the 2020 model S3. However, I managed to ride with 43 km/h (insane) on a flat private road using the 💨 mode.

VanMoof S3 refresh 2021 💨 mode is insane

The odometer is currently at 160 km. The motor is quieter than any other S3 that I had. I hear almost no swoosh. E-shifter is alike, there is also no buzz except when it shifts from 4 to 1. However, from time to time I am experiencing a kinda cracky up or downshift between 2 and 3, sometimes between 3 and 4. I contacted VanMoof support via chat regarding this issue, took about 5–10 mins waiting and another 10 minutes to come up with a solution. Well done, VanMoof support.

Conversation with the VanMoof Support about Manual Shifting for all S3/X3

They decided to send me the new firmware v.1.7 for manual shifting then I got it installed. I need to wait a few weeks to get the VM App update for enabling the manual shifting. An upshift is a double tap on the boost button, a downshift is a hold bell button + double tap on the boost button. The bike also shifts down to 1 automatically when it comes to a full stop. I will give you another piece of feedback after I test it.

VanMoof S3/X3 — How to Manual Shift ?

The light sensor works like a charm. The matrix display is clear and sharp, visible at any time during any light condition. I know that VanMoof removed the word ‘premium’ for the tires under the bike specs on the website after they switched to Maxxis tires. However, I like the look more than the Schwalbe tires, not sure about the endurance yet. It was easy peasy to put more than 2000 km on Schwalbe tires without any problem.

VanMoof refresh 2021 with Moofer App

If there are any specifics you’d like to learn, feel free to comment below or reach out 👉 vanmoofer.com

Update 12.08.21
Manual Shifting is officially available with app v3.14 (iphone).

VanMoof App v3.14 with Firmware v1.7+ offers Manual Shifting and Motor Assistance Settings

About VanMoofer: Blending technology and design for e-mobility is the motivation of this blog. If you want to know more about new perspectives and ideas in this context, subscribe to VanMoofer on Medium, follow us on Instagram and Twitter. You can also check suitable VanMoof-Gear and if you like support us with a cup of coffee ☕️.

🚲 Last but not least, if you consider buying an S3/X3, use the following discount code during checkout and get €100/$100/£95 off on VanMoof accessories & PoM services: ADV-Y78Q-4S9G-HEM7

Visit our website: vanmoofer.com

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Vanmoofer

vanmoofer.com · The driving force behind this blog is the blending of technology and design in the realm of e-mobility.