VanMoof: Very poor prospects for buyers and owners of e-bikes, high financial losses almost certain

In earlier reports, we covered manufacturer VanMoof's financial problems and bankruptcy. It was already clear back then that prospects for customers who still had outstanding claims against the company were rather poor. The new owner of VanMoof has also indicated that he does not intend to take over previous liabilities, includng towards customers.

A report now reveals the claims that VanMoof was confronted with. Specifically, claims totaling EUR 29.8 million were registered. The Dutch state accounts for the largest share with a claim of an impressive EUR 12.5 million. Claims from the Dutch social security system, which has taken over the continued payment of wages for the company's employees, have not yet been brought forward.

It appears that creditors have priority in the Netherlands, meaning that customers will only receive payment of their claims after tax debts, for example, have been paid, which does not appear to be the case. The current owner, Lavoie, only paid EUR 900,000 for the company, and the sale of assets only generated proceeds of EUR 1.8 million.

All this affects buyers of an e-bike that was ultimately not delivered, as well as owners of a VanMoof bike who have other claims against the company. In particular, claims within the scope of statutory warranty rights or the handling of warranty cases are conceivable here. After all, repairs should be offered, albeit for a fee.