VanMoof bikes are some of the most popular, stylish and smoothest-riding bikes in the world. They’re also some of the most expensive. Not everybody is willing or even able to invest several thousand dollars in a bike. Fortunately, there are some fantastic budget alternatives for the price-conscious. These spare the wallet without compromising the ride.
Why is VanMoof So Popular?
VanMoof bikes are popular because they offer an array of cutting-edge technology, supreme ride quality, short charge times, lightweight frames, low maintenance and unparalleled customer support. Many people simply consider these bikes the pinnacle of urban e-cycling.
Although VanMoof’s bikes are undoubtedly high end, e-bike technology is advancing quickly and they’re far from the only quality bikes available. It’s perfectly possible to find a more budget friendly alternative to the classic VanMoof and still enjoy a phenomenal ride.
VanMoof Cost
The cost of VanMoof bikes differs between models, but it’s the major factor that puts most people off buying one. Here’s a breakdown of the core models and associated costs:
| MODEL | PRICE |
|---|---|
| S3 | $ 2,548 |
| X3 | $ 2,548 |
| S5 | $ 3,498 |
| A5 | $ 3,498 |
| V | $ 3,598 |
Why is VanMoof So Expensive?
With VanMoof bikes you get what you pay for. These bikes feature high-end technology including built-in GPS, quick charging, Bluetooth and a formidable range. Design features like the lightweight frame and build quality also come at a premium.
These bikes are expensive because they’re considered long term investments. Older models can go out of date quickly in the fast moving e-bike market, but the amount of technology loaded into a VanMoof makes them somewhat “future proof.” In essence, they’re built and priced to last.
VanMoof S5 Features
- Range of 60km to 150km
- Weighs 23kg
- Fully charges in 6 hours and 30 minutes
- Built-in GPS tracking and Bluetooth
- Integrated theft defense
- Low maintenance belt drive
Cheaper VanMoof Alternatives
- TENWAYS CGO600 [REVIEW]
- Cowboy 4 [REVIEW]
- Wing Bikes Freedom 2 [REVIEW]
- Ampler Curt [REVIEW]
- Elops 120E Electric City Bike [REVIEW]
1. TENWAYS CGO600
Weight: 15 kg
Range: Up to 70 km
Wheel Size: 700C
Price:
£1,499
$ 1,799
€1,599
Offering a smooth and enjoyable ride, the CGO600 from TENWAYS is a solid and well priced option for anyone looking for a belt drive electric bike to ride around on that won’t break the bank.
This bike comes in a range of colours to suit your personal style: Midnight Black, Sky Blue, Light Grey, Lime Green and Arctic Blue. It also comes equipped with hydraulic brakes.
Electronically, the CGO600 has a 36V, 7AH Lithium-ion battery with Samsung/LG/Panasonic cells, that’s paired with a Mivice M070 250W motor, located in the rear hub. This motor allows (in the European market) for speeds of up to 25km/h or 16mph.
2. Cowboy 4
Weight: 18.9 kg (total weight including battery)
Range: Up to 70 km
Wheel Size: 27.5″
Price:
- £2,490
- $ 2,990
- €2,790
The Cowboy 4 is another strong contender for anyone wanting a city bike which is practical and reliable, but still looks the part. It’s another bike that’s perfect for any commuters wanting to go electric, as it’s easy and offers a comfortable ride.
This quirky bike is available in a range of three trendy neutral colours, black, sand and khaki. There’s a colour to suit everyone’s taste. This bike also comes with mudguards and a single ring on the front, to keep it low maintenance.
It’s fitted with a 10 Ah, 360 Wh removable Lithium ion battery which is 100% recharged in 3hours and 20min. This bike also benefits from having fitted a custom designed 45 Nm / 250 W motor which is integrated in the rear wheel.
Best VanMoof Alternative for USA
3. Wing Bikes Freedom 2
Weight: 16.3kg
Range: Up to 95km
Wheel Size: 26″
Price:
- Not available
- $ 1,700
- Not available
The silky smooth Freedom 2 is perfect for zipping through busy commuter traffic. It’s a sportier offering than some of the others here, with agile handling and a sporty riding position. It’s also incredibly light at just 17.6kg, making it exceptionally nippy. Minimalism is the order of the day in terms of design with clean, modern lines. It can reach a top speed of 25mph so it’s certainly no slouch.
Riders can make the most of an impressive 7 speed Shimano gearbox. Range is the big highlight here. It’s expanded from previous iterations up to an impressive 60km (depending on how you configure your ride). Charge time is pleasingly short too, at just 4 hours – that’s significantly shorter than some VanMoofs! Incidentally, the battery uses the same Panasonic cells as Tesla, proof of this machine’s build quality.
Acceleration is smooth via the rear hub motor and you’ll find a full control panel (showing battery life, range, speed and distance covered) on the frame. Lights on the rear and front offer peace of mind at night and during the darker months. The Freedom 2 also comes with advanced anti tamper/theft security. This equates to a remote locking fob and an eardrum-busting alarm should anybody interfere with your bike while it’s parked.
4. Ampler Curt
Weight: from 14.4 kg
Range: 50 to 100 KM
Wheel Size: 700c
Price:
- £2,647
- $ 3,473
- €3,190
Thinking of style, sophistication, something minimalist yet practical? The Ampler Curt ,complete with hydraulic disc brakes, ticks all of those boxes. It’s an electric belt drive single speed, which is perfect for commuting.
In addition to its chic good looks (coming in all matte black) this bike also benefits from having useful accessories such as a front light and mudguards.
The Curt has an impressive range of up to 100km is thanks to its 336 Wh battery capacity, which takes 2.5 hours to fully charge. The bike is fitted with a 250W hub motor.
Best Cheap E-Bike
5. Elops 120E Electric City Bike
Weight: 25.9 kg
Range: Up to 50 km
Wheel Size: 700c
Price:
- £749
- Not available
- €900
Our penultimate pick is the very budget friendly Electric City Bike from Decathlon which at under £1000 will be an incurably tough one to beat where bargains are concerned. This pick is a brilliant option for anyone not wanting to fork out a big chunk of money on an electric bike to commute on.
Although a pretty basic looking step through bike, it does come fully equipped with pannier racks which (super useful for anyone commuting), mudguards, and built in lights so that you don’t have to worry about charging your usb lights in the office during work hours.
This bike benefits from being fitted with a 36V lithium ion battery (313Wh) which offers up to 50 km on a full charge. A full charge takes 5 hours from 0% to 100%. It’s also fitted with a brushless 36 volt rear wheel motor that offers 250 Watt max power.
The post VanMoof Alternatives: Best Budget Urban E-Bikes appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.