New VanMoof V e-bike can hit 30 mph and is the company's attempt at redefining the category

If there has been one major positive to come out of the global pandemic it has been a significant shift away from cars in many of the world’s major cities. Urban designers are focusing more than ever before on giving city streets back to pedestrians and cyclists while de-emphasising cars as the main way of commuting in central business districts. This has also seen the rise of e-bikes as a popular mode of transport with improved battery technology and more modern designs making them increasingly popular.

VanMoof is a Dutch-based maker of high-end e-bikes that use state-of-the-art technology and the company has just revealed its latest design, the VanMoof V. The company hopes to get governments and people more generally to rethink the e-bike category and update what it calls outdated legislation. The V is capable of speeds up to 30 mph/50 km/h, which is higher than many jurisdictions currently allow with caps of 25 mph/40 km/h. VanMoof believes increasing the speeds allowable for e-bikes will only increase their uptake and further reduce reliance on cars in cities.

The VanMoof V is fitted with a 700 Wh batter powering twin electric motors, with one driving each wheel at up to 1 kW, depending on configuration. It features full front and rear suspension attached to  an angular aluminum frame design with a number of high-tech features including LED front headlights and LED rear tailights. Thick tires have been included to help boost rider comfort and improve resilience to road detritus. Other features include VanMoof’s signature Turbo Boost function, Kick Lock and Theft Defense. 

The VanMoof V is currently open for invite-only pre-orders, with a waiting list open to members of the general public. It will only be sold in the Netherlands, Germany, France, the UK, the US and Japan. The expected launch price is around US$3,500 with deliveries starting in late 2022.

Purchase the Opeak foldable e-bike from Amazon for US$1,899.