“When we started thinking about the Electrified S2, founder Ties Carlier and I tried to understand car users in a city context. We talked a lot about something that is as easy to leave on the streets as a car without needing a big lock. Something that makes you not worry about it at all,” says Job Stehman, VanMoof’s head of R&D. The result is a bike that requires no external lock—just gently kick a button on the rear hub and a flood of technology secures it. Would-be thieves are met with an immovable bike and an ear-piercing audio alarm. VanMoof is so confident in the solution it offers a full replacement guarantee if the bike is stolen and not recovered.
Three Design Details
1. Turbo Boost
Push the active on-demand acceleration button and the intelligent motor will assist the bike up to 20 mph. In economy mode the battery delivers a 93-mile range.
2. Matrix Display
The 166 LEDs beautifully integrated into the top tube show speed and settings. “It was by far the most difficult design challenge and complicated part.”
3. Blue Tooth and SIM Card
Via the free companion app, the bike’s location and settings can be easily monitored and adjusted.
This article originally appeared in the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of Sixtysix with the headline “VanMoof Electrified S2 Bike.” Subscribe today.
