Today we have a bit of surprising news to share with you… VanMoof, the legendary Dutch electric bike manufacturer seems to have run into serious financial problems. VanMoof has declared bankruptcy. Yes, you read that right…
But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand what this means for you, VanMoof bike owners, and for the future of electric bikes in general.
The history of VanMoof
VanMoof is a name you’re probably familiar with. This Dutch company, founded 14 years ago, has rapidly established itself as a benchmark in the field of electric bicycles.. But how did such a successful company go bankrupt? Let’s find out.
VanMoof, from success story to bankruptcy
VanMoof began as a small family business and quickly grew into an international success story. With over 200,000 bicycles sold worldwide, VanMoof was on the road to success. But for VanMoof, the descent was brutal.
Reasons for bankruptcy
The exact reasons for VanMoof’s bankruptcy are not yet clear. However, several factors may have contributed to this situation. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly played a role, disrupting supply chains and increasing costs. In addition, fierce competition in the e-bike market may also have played a role.
The consequences of VanMoof’s bankruptcy
VanMoof’s bankruptcy had consequences not only for the company itself, but also for its customers and for the electric bike market in general.
For VanMoof bike owners
If you own a VanMoof bike, you’re probably wondering what this bankruptcy means for you. Will your bike still be repairable? What about the warranty? I’ll give you my thoughts on this a little further down.
For the electric bike market
VanMoof’s bankruptcy could also have an impact on the electric bike market. VanMoof was one of the main players in this market. Its disappearance could therefore lead to a redistribution of market shares.
What to do if you own a VanMoof bike?
If you own a VanMoof bike, you probably have a lot of questions. We’ll try to give you some answers.
About maintenance and repairs
One of the main concerns of VanMoof bike owners is undoubtedly maintenance and repairs. With the company going bankrupt, it’s possible that replacement parts will become harder to find. However, it’s also possible that a third party (an investor? a competitor?) will take over VanMoof’s assets, which could make maintenance and repairs easier. To be continued.
About warranty and customer service
If you’ve recently purchased your VanMoof bike, you may be wondering about the warranty.. Unfortunately, with the company’s bankruptcy, it’s likely that the warranty will no longer be honored. Customer service is also likely to be affected by the bankruptcy.
Alternatives to VanMoof
Despite VanMoof’s bankruptcy, there are plenty of alternatives on the urban electric bike market. Consult our guide to best electric city bikesas well as our ranking of best electric bike brands to find out more.
Cowboy Classic (250W)
Premium minimalist bike. Made in Belgium. Dynamic position. Removable battery. Integrated bike tracking.
Budget : € | Speed : 25 km/h | Autonomy 70 km
See price
Our opinion on the Cowboy
If you’re looking for an economical alternative to VanMoof, the Cowboy electric bike could be a good option. It offers good range and a pleasing design, all at an affordable price.
Moustache Saturday 28.2
Bosch PowerTube 400Wh battery, hydraulic brakes, Shimano 9-speed derailleur. Low-profile Suntour fork, designed for city riding. 2-year warranty.
Budget : € | Speed : 25 km/h | Autonomy 80 km
See price
If you need a high-end alternative to VanMoof, look no further than this Moustache electric bike. It offers exceptional performance and impeccable build quality, but its price is also a little higher.
Other brands could also pick up market share from VanMoof following the bankruptcy:
- Stromer This Swiss brand is known for its high-quality electric bikes that offer excellent performance and long range.
- Riese & Müller This German brand is renowned for its innovative, durable electric bikes.
- Specialized This American brand is one of the biggest in the cycling world, with a highly acclaimed range of electric bikes.
- Trek Another great American brand, Trek offers a range of electric bikes for all types of cyclists.
- Eovolt a rising French brand specializing in modern city bikes
- Giant This Taiwanese brand is the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, offering a range of high-quality electric bikes.
That’s it, we hope this article has helped you understand the VanMoof situation and what it means for you. Please feel free to leave us a comment if you have any questions or concerns.
And remember, even though VanMoof has gone bankrupt, the world of electric bikes is very (very, very!!!) far from over!