vanmoof s3 - do you like?

canwelivegood

I dont like the way the gear automatically changes; does cause quite a shock to the system when it happens and sometimes throws me off -_-

Johnmcl7

It looks a pretty cool bike and well designed but never had a chance to ride one.  What I do find with e-bikes I have ridden is that I find the motor assist quite jarring because I stand on the pedals when I need to accelerate to get up to speed or go up a hill but the e-bike is already producing that power boost for the acceleration so the bike feels it's almost moving away from underneath me.  Similarly I'm wondering if it will just take time to get used to the gears changing and the let the motor do the work rather than pushing yourself.

silverwhistle

I have an S3 and am pleased with it. Managed to get a puncture somehow, with the tyres it has, and it was a bit fiddlier than a normal bike to repair, and I have a disc brake squeal which I'm having difficulty eliminating.

As to the gears it is automatic but you learn instinctively when it is going to occur and any jolt is only occasional and shouldn't really be a handling issue. My panniers are pretty well permanently mounted and, although I have a car, it gets used for shopping/allotment/football training and the odd pub trip squeezed in this year.  I'm not a leisure or sports cyclist so I don't go far but the acceleration at lights/level crossings etc is useful as well as taking the effort out of the few hills I tackle.

canwelivegood

also, when you use the boost, are you supposed to pedal off as well? or just hold down the boost? as I was a bit conflicted on this. When I held down the boost button as well as pedalled off, it felt like it was on gear 1 so wasnt really doing anything

(my friend is the one who has a vanmoof s3, im posting questions in here as im looking to potentially buy one)

silverwhistle

Borrow your friend's more! Yes, you pedal and then use the boost; you should notice the acceleration. You can change the automatic gear changing to ratios you choose, or general flat or hilly modes., via the app.

Steve785

I have the S3 and it is a nice looking bike and performs quite well. But like the other comments, the gear changes can be a bit sharp and the squeaks and squeals from the brakes are annoying. I've tried changing brake pads, both front and rear, and clean the discs and pads regularly, but these only provide temporary relief.