AMSTERDAM (BRAIN) — Dutch company VanMoof revealed details of next year's release of an e-bike capable of 37 mph but with integrated maximum speed limits tuned to a country's regulations.
Brand cofounder Ties Carlier calls the VanMoof V "our first hyperbike, an e-bike dedicated to higher speed and longer distance."
Europe mandates Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes not exceed 15.5 mph, while in the U.S. it is 20 mph. Class 3 pedal-assist e-bikes in the U.S. have a top speed of 28 mph.
In a recorded reveal event on Tuesday, Carlier went on to say, "As it stands, local regulations across the world cap the top speed of this category, but in the long term needs much bigger thinking. In our vision, current policy is limiting the adoption of this type of transportation. We're calling for policies designed for people instead of cars."
VanMoof intends to work with city governments to explore revising speed regulations and geofencing.
Alta Cycling Group's Larry Pizzi, who chairs the PeopleForBikes' e-bike subcommittee, told BRAIN he is not in favor of revising speed limits.
"We're already seeing problems with products that are not compliant that are really not bicycles, causing issues and accidents," Pizzi said. "It's a real problem and puts at risk all of the work we've been doing for seven years now to get e-bike legislation under the three classes unified and passed state by state. I think municipalities, if they're having issues, are going to start restricting, and that would be bad for everybody."
The three-class bill has now been passed in 36 states, Pizzi said.
Bosch Vice President and General Manager Claudia Wasko, vice chair of the PFB e-bike subcommittee, added that "products intended for on-road use that do not meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission low-speed e-bike definition may be regulated as a motor vehicle by National Highway Transportation Safety Administration instead of a low-speed e-bike. In addition, users of these products may not be entitled to access publicly available bicycle infrastructure in the same manner as riders of low-speed electric bicycles, and may have different legal obligations when riding in public rights of way."
Other features of the VanMoof V include motors in each hub — with "intelligent" motor control to enhance traction — front and rear suspension, and a "turbo boost" acceleration feature that works only when pedaling. It has a Kick Lock for keyless locking, automatic transmission, and 700Wh battery. It will retail for $3,498.
Deliveries are expected by the end of 2022, with reservations and a wait list available on vanmoof.com.
"From a product standpoint, they've tested it to be safe at higher speeds and have appropriate safety components that are safe at that speed," Pizzi said. "In principle, there's nothing wrong with the product. It totally depends on how it's regulated."
The geofencing solution to electric vehicle speed is a growing trend. At the IAA mobility show in Munich last month, BMW showed two e-bikes that are designed to limit speeds depending on the type of road or trail they are on. And Bird has unveiled a new electric scooter that will automatically emit beeps and slow to a stop if used on a sidewalk.
