It’s no secret 2023 was a tumultuous year for Dutch e-bike brand VanMoof. In July they were declared bankrupt, but in September, McLaren Applied-backed Lavoie stepped in and bought the brand. It’s now being reported that VanMoof might be getting ready to launch an electric scooter.
According to an interview with The Verge, the new leadership of VanMoof has expressed a desire to keep “riders on the road” - which in business terms means making sure there are spare parts available for current users, and launching a new network of retailers and service centres. Luckily for us in the UK, we’re part of this plan, as are Germany and the Netherlands.
> New VanMoof owners working to make servicing easier and say e-bike sales will recommence 'soon'
But what about this e-scooter? Well, the Series 1 from Lavoie that was previously due to launch in 2023 was pushed back after the company refocused on e-bikes, but it is now going to be sold under the VanMoof name.
The company is aiming to launch it after sales of e-bikes commence once more.
'Are there any differences?' you may ask. Well, yes. The Series 1 is set to take on new colours, finishes and materials – and more importantly, some VanMoof elements. That anti-theft tech they’re famous for and turn-by-turn navigation will be just a couple of the new additions.
For many VanMoof customers, they may feel their trust has been tested with the new owners not taking on previous warranty agreements. But there are plans to outsource servicing which should make repairs quicker. “We do not want to be in servicing anymore,” says Lavoie co-CEO, Elliot Wertheimer, adding that existing parts will be offered to retailers at 'preferential rates'
A new warranty programme will be established too, although details of this haven’t been published.
The establishing of a dealer network is planned to take place in Q1 2024, with e-bike sales and the e-scooter launch to follow after.
