The question every VanMoof rider asks: S6 or S5? Here's the honest comparison from someone who's ridden both.
With the S6 now shipping and used S5 prices settling into a sweet spot, the decision has never been more relevant. Both bikes share VanMoof's DNA the same 68 Nm front hub motor, 487 Wh battery, and that unmistakable silhouette. But the details matter, and the right choice depends entirely on what you prioritize: warranty and new tech, or value and proven reliability.
I've spent serious saddle time on both. Here's what you need to know.
Quick verdict
Buying new? The S6 is the only option and it's a genuinely better bike with a 3-year warranty, mechanical gear hub, and brighter display.
Hunting for value? A used S5 in good condition is one of the best e-bike deals in 2026. Proven platform, full Moofment support, and prices have dropped to the sweet spot.
Spec comparison: S6 vs S5
Side by side, the specs tell part of the story. The rest is in the riding.
| Spec | VanMoof S6 | VanMoof S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 68 Nm front hub | 68 Nm front hub |
| Battery | 487 Wh | 487 Wh |
| Range | 60–150 km | 60–150 km |
| Weight | 22.5–23.5 kg | ~23 kg |
| Gears | 3-speed mechanical AutoShift | 3-speed electronic shifter |
| Display | Brighter Halo Ring | Halo Ring |
| Security | Next-gen Kick Lock + Find My | Kick Lock + Find My |
| Phone mount | Peak Design (integrated) | None (aftermarket) |
| Frame options | S6 (high) / S6 Open (step-through) | S5 (high) / A5 (step-through) |
| Price | €3,298 / £3,098 new | Sold out new; €1,400–€2,200 used |
| Warranty | 3-year manufacturer | Expired (secondhand) |
| Moofment compatible | Yes | Yes |
What the S6 improved
The S6 isn't a revolutionary redesign it's a focused set of fixes to the things that annoyed S5 owners. And honestly, that's exactly what it needed to be.
Where the S5 still wins
The S5 isn't just "the old one." It has genuine advantages that matter to certain riders.
- Proven reliability record The S5 has been on the road for 2+ years. Its quirks are known, its fixes are documented, and the community has figured out solutions for every common issue. The S6 is still in its first year early-adopter territory.
- Lighter weight The S5 comes in at roughly 23 kg, which is on par with the S6 but some riders report the S5 feeling slightly lighter in practice, likely due to weight distribution differences.
- Electronic shifter (when it works) The S5's fully electronic shifting is genuinely smoother than the S6's mechanical hub when it's functioning correctly. If you get a well-maintained S5 with a healthy e-shifter, the ride quality is hard to beat.
- Lower used price At €1,400–€2,200 used, a well-kept S5 costs roughly half what a new S6 does. That's a lot of bike for the money.
The rider app for S5 and S6 owners
Moofment is the community-built iOS app for VanMoof riders. Pair your S5 or S6 over Bluetooth to track rides, monitor battery health, log maintenance and connect with the rider community. Both bikes have full support.
Get Moofment for iOSMoofment compatibility
Both the S5 and S6 are fully supported by the Moofment app. The S5 has full Bluetooth control, and the S6 has full support too. Ride tracking, battery health monitoring, maintenance logs, and community features work on both bikes.
If you're choosing between the two and Moofment compatibility is a factor don't worry, you're covered either way.
Which one should you buy?
It depends on your situation. Here's the honest breakdown:
- Buying new? Go S6. It's the only option available new, comes with a 3-year warranty, and the mechanical gear hub is a genuine reliability improvement. Order the S6.
- On a budget? A used S5 or used S3 gives you a proper VanMoof at half the price. Check our buyer's guide to vet any used bike before paying. Browse S5 options.
- Want the latest tech? S6, no question. The brighter Halo Ring, Peak Design mount, next-gen Kick Lock and improved Control Core are meaningful upgrades you'll notice daily.
- Risk-averse? Used S5. It's a known quantity the community has documented every quirk, every fix, every weak point. You know exactly what you're getting.
The best VanMoof is the one that fits your budget and your risk tolerance. Both are excellent bikes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the VanMoof S6 better than the S5?
The S6 improves on the S5 in several key areas: a more reliable mechanical 3-gear hub replaces the electronic shifter, the Halo Ring is brighter, the Kick Lock works even with a dead battery, and it ships with a Peak Design phone mount. The core motor (68 Nm) and battery (487 Wh) are identical. For new buyers who want a warranty, the S6 is the better choice. For budget-conscious riders, a used S5 still delivers an excellent ride at a lower price.
Can I still buy the VanMoof S5 new?
No. The VanMoof S5 and A5 are no longer available new from vanmoof.com. The Series 6 is the current flagship. Used S5 bikes can be found on secondhand marketplaces, typically ranging from around €1,400 to €2,200 depending on condition, mileage and accessories included. Use the VanMoofer buyer's guide to vet any used bike.
Does the Moofment app work with both the S6 and S5?
Yes. Moofment supports both the VanMoof S5 and S6 over Bluetooth. You can track rides, monitor battery health, log maintenance and connect with the rider community on either bike.
Which VanMoof holds its value better?
The S6 is too new to have reliable resale data, but historically newer VanMoof generations hold value better in the first 1–2 years because of warranty coverage and parts availability. The S5 has already depreciated to the €1,400–€2,200 range used, making it a strong value buy today. The S6 will likely hold closer to its retail price for the first year.
Get Moofment the rider app for every VanMoof
Whether you ride an S6 or S5, Moofment gives you ride tracking, battery health, maintenance logs and a community of riders. Built by riders, for riders.
Order the S6 or find a used S5
The S6 is shipping now with a 3-year warranty. Prefer the S5? Use our buyer's guide to find a solid used one.
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