VanMoof A5: Our Review of the Compact VanMoof

The VanMoof A5 was released in 2022 alongside the S5 as the low-step version of the same fifth-generation technology: a front-wheel motor with a torque sensor, three automatically shifting gears, integrated lighting, and the Kick Lock system. The main differences lie in the frame and the 24-inch wheels, rather than 27.5-inch ones.

One year after its launch, VanMoof went bankrupt. Under its new owner, the brand was relaunched, the components were reevaluated, and a service network was rebuilt.

The result: in 2026, “a VanMoof A5” is not a uniform category of used bikes. Some models have been on the road since before the bankruptcy, while others were assembled afterward, under a different organization and with different quality control standards. This is something to keep in mind before buying.

Jos Mans

Written by: Jos Mans | Published on: September 4, 2026 | 8-minute read

The A5 and the S5 Compared

On paper, the two models are very similar. The table below summarizes the manufacturer's specifications for both bikes, along with a note for each that's important to know when using them.

What Sets the A5 Apart from the S5

A three-and-a-half-inch difference in wheel size may seem insignificant. It isn't. A smaller wheel has less rotational inertia, and when combined with a shorter wheelbase, it results in a bike that changes direction more quickly, turns around more easily, and weaves more smoothly between parked bikes. In stop-and-go traffic, that’s the difference between steering and maneuvering.

The low-step frame is the second feature that’s often misunderstood. It’s not a frame for women or for seniors. It’s a frame that lets you get back on your bike with less effort at every red light, and on a commute with twelve intersections, that makes a much bigger difference than it might seem on paper.

"I find the A5 more practical for everyday use, even though the S5 is the model that's been getting all the attention."

On the other hand, the A5 sacrifices some of the S5’s composed handling. On a long straight stretch at a constant speed, the S5 feels smoother, more planted, and less affected by rough road surfaces. The A5 is more responsive, but it also transmits road irregularities more directly. This isn’t a matter of quality, but rather a difference in use: if you’re making a series of short urban trips with lots of stops, go with the A5; if you ride ten kilometers straight every day, you’ll be more comfortable on the S5. And if neither frame style suits you, you’re better off looking at city e-bikes with a more traditional design.

Engine, Boost, and Automatic E-Shifter

The motor is located in the front wheel, and you can really feel it. When accelerating, the bike is pulled forward, rather than the motor simply adding power to the force you apply through the chain, as a mid-drive motor does. Thanks to the torque sensor, however, the A5 responds much more precisely than cheap front-drive motors that merely detect the fact that you’re pedaling. On flat terrain, this performance is impressive. On a steep hill and while carrying luggage, the nature of a front-wheel motor becomes clearly apparent.

A quick note on the advertised 68 Nm of torque in Boost mode, because it deserves some clarification. This figure isn’t comparable to the 85 Nm of a Bosch mid-drive motor. A mid-drive motor sends its torque to the rear wheel via the drivetrain and thus takes advantage of the gear ratios, whereas a front-wheel motor acts directly on the wheel. The figure therefore doesn’t say much about climbing ability. If you want to understand what these values actually mean, our guide to e-bike motors compares the different motor configurations side by side. What the Boost button does provide, however, is very tangible: a real boost at a traffic light, on an overpass, when merging into traffic, or when facing a strong headwind.

The automatic E-Shifter shifts through the three gears on its own, based on your speed. In heavy traffic, this is convenient: you never have to think about what gear you want to be in when you stop at the next traffic light. The downside is that the bike makes this decision for you, even when you want to prepare for a turn or a climb. Technically speaking, it’s also an electronic system, whereas a conventional hub remains mechanical. On a new bike new, it’s a matter of personal preference. On a used bike, it’s something to check.

Battery Life, Comfort, and the Cost of Integration

The 463 Wh battery is housed in the frame and isn’t designed to be taken home every night. This is the main practical consideration with this bike, and it takes precedence over any discussion of range: Can you store the entire bike near an outlet? If you live in an apartment without a storage room and would have to haul the A5 up to the third floor every night, an e-bike with a removable battery would be a better choice. If you have a bike shed, a garage, or a charging station at work, you’ll never notice the difference. Our article on charging an e-bike details the habits that help extend the life of a built-in battery.

The manufacturer's range of 55 to 140 kilometers is a range, not a guarantee. The upper end of the range corresponds to the lowest level of assistance under favorable conditions. If you use the Boost feature often, ride in cold weather, or battle headwinds every morning, you’ll generally stay in the lower half of that range. This isn’t a flaw specific to the A5—it’s how the entire industry communicates about the range of an e-bike. Maintaining this range for as long as possible then depends primarily on your charging habits, storage practices, and regular maintenance of your e-bike.

With no suspension, comfort comes entirely from the tires , and the frame geometry. On asphalt and bike paths, it’s quite decent. On cobblestones and poorly maintained surfaces, the smaller wheels transmit bumps much more directly than the S5’s 27.5-inch wheels. To me, this is the most honest summary of the entire VanMoof concept: every choice that makes this sleek design possible comes at the cost of a little practical comfort elsewhere.

Buying a Used A5: Which Model Do You Have in Front of You?

Don't start with the condition of the paint; start with the bike's history. Ask for the production date, serial number, date of first purchase, original seller, and maintenance history, including any replaced parts. An early model and one assembled later under the new ownership should not automatically cost the same. A model year listed in an ad does not prove this.

Next, test the E-Shifter for longer than just a quick ride around the neighborhood. Perform a cold start, go through ten red lights, accelerate hard, brake abruptly, climb a hill, and shift through all three gears. Hesitation during shifting or repeated corrections are the clearest warning signs with this generation. Next, check the responsiveness of the pedal assist, the Kick Lock function by locking and unlocking the bike several times, both brakes for any spongy feel or leaks, and finally the Halo Rings and buttons for any error messages. Finally, have the battery condition checked: on an e-bike of this age, the battery’s health tells you more than the mileage.

There are two digital checks that are most often overlooked. The transfer of ownership in the app must be fully completed so that the previous owner no longer has access to the bike, and the firmware must communicate without errors.

"When it comes to this bike, I'd rather pay a little more for one that has been verifiably inspected than chase after the lowest price."

This is exactly where a refurbished VanMoof—complete with a test report and warranty—stands out from a private sale listing. The risk with this generation of bikes lies in the electronics, and you can’t tell that just by looking at a photo. Our refurbishment process outlines the items we check before a bike leaves the workshop.

Our Opinion

The A5 is the VanMoof for the real city. It’s more maneuverable, easier to mount, and—for many daily commutes—a more logical choice than the S5, even though the latter has garnered more attention. You trade this agility for slightly less quiet on long rides and a stiffer ride on cobblestones.

There’s one requirement above all others: you must be able to store the entire bike near an outlet. If that’s the case and you buy a model whose origin, electronics, and battery have been verified, the A5 is a pleasant and particularly well-integrated city bike. If you still need to part with your old bike, you can sell it in just a few steps and use the proceeds to help finance your new purchase.

Frequently asked questions

About the Author: Jos Mans

Jos is both a writer and a cyclist—and more often than not, he does both at the same time. With thousands of kilometers under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the road and telling stories.