VanMoof S5 & A5 Test Ride: First Impressions and Insider Look
The VanMoof S5 and A5 e-bikes have recently been released and I had the opportunity to test ride them. From the welds to the buttons, I have some first impressions to share.
The welds on the S5 may not be the best job from VanMoof, but they seem to be strong. Insider information reveals that the production S5 and A5 will have their welds done by robots, so there may be an improvement in that aspect. The buttons on the S5, however, didn’t feel as nice as the buttons on the S2 and S3. But, they do come with additional functionality, including 2 additional buttons that can be customized with software updates.
One of the most striking features of the S5 and A5 is the halo rings. At first, I missed the matrix display but the halo rings bring a new dimension with color. Different colors indicate different things, such as blue for motor support level and red for speed. Over time, I believe the halo rings will become more intuitive to use.
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The brakes on the S5 and A5 are different from the S3/X3, which had squeaky brakes that I personally liked because it warned pedestrians with just a soft touch. The new brake calipers and pads are the same, but the new disks have air channels that remove dust. The brake levers are thinner, but they may still be replaced with thicker ones.
Another major update on the S5 and A5 is the kick-lock. It is more accurate and secure, thanks to the bigger kick lock button. It also unlocks without having to roll the bike. The e-shifter also shifts seamlessly, with no weird cracks or pedaling in the air. The torque sensor is also a game changer, as it analyzes the pressure on the pedals to determine how much power is needed. This also helps the e-shifter to smoothly change gears.
The S5 and A5 are also quieter, thanks to the new tensioner system. The motor sounds are similar to the latest generation S3s, but I did hear a sinus wave-like sound coming from under the bottom bracket during a ride in a quiet neighborhood.
The custom app for the S5 and A5 is still a work in progress, with limitations and notifications. I couldn’t switch to the US mode and the speedometer showed miles instead of kilometers.
The engine and boost on the S5 and A5 have stronger acceleration and the torque sensor works well. The smart cartridge also comes with 8GB storage, compared to the S3’s 1GB. Apparently, there are big plans for data on ride and environment (air quality, temperature, etc.). Accessories will also be available by the end of 2022.
Overall, the VanMoof A5 and S5 are easy to service and have been re-engineered for easy accessibility and replaceability. The parts are also cost-effective, less complex, and more reliable for the rider. The bikes may also be geofenced, meaning goodbye to US mode for riders in the EU.
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