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Characterised by the eye-catching shape of their frames, VanMoof and Wing electric bikes share more than a passing resemblance.
However, there’s one key feature which differentiates VanMoof and Wing: price. But are there more and which of these two electric bike brands is ultimately the best value? We find out.
VanMoof vs Wing: Urban E-Bikes
Urban electric bikes are becoming a popular way for many to get around. The assistance (or throttle) on an electric bike makes longer, or more frequent trips possible. Many come fitted with extra accessories, making them capable when riding year-round.
We’re on safe ground by saying VanMoof are one of the market leaders when it comes to this segment of electric bikes. VanMoof models like the S4 and S5 have attracted positive reviews from both cycling industry experts and those in wider, mainstream media. So successful in fact, that the VanMoof brand has spawned many, often cheaper, alternatives.
Brands like Tenways and Cowboy have sort to adjust, tinker or improve the VanMoof blueprint and the latest brand to do it, is Wing.
Wing electric bikes are like VanMoof in many ways. They’re primarily designed for urban or city riding and would make an excellent commuter bike. They have integrated lights, come pre-fitted with mudguards and have disc brakes for reliable stopping.
Premium E-Bikes vs Budget E-Bikes
VanMoof and Wing electric bikes are a good case study to use when comparing premium e-bikes and budget e-bikes side-by-side.
VanMoof Bikes
VanMoof bring plenty to the table. Polished looks, a proprietary electric system and genuinely useful smart technology are three things that help VanMoof stand out from the rest.
For all their fancy technology, where VanMoof immediately stands out is their space-age looks. Since their first regular bikes were released in 2009, and more recently with their first e-bikes in 2017, all VanMoof bikes have that instantly recognisable top tube, which juts out through the front and rear of the bike to create integrated lights.
VanMoof electric bikes are fitted with a motor of the brand’s own design and unlike most budget e-bikes, they are fitted in the front, not the rear wheel. Whilst the pros and cons of this motor displacement are for another article, this location does mark VanMoof out from others.
VanMoof looks to further differentiate itself from its competition by making its e-bikes smart. Smart in the sense that it can link with an accompanying app and others like Apple Find My. By purchasing addons like ‘Theft’ and ‘Maintenance’ VanMoof riders can enjoy ultimate peace of mind when riding an e-bike.
That’s all very well, but this differentiation does come at a cost. All VanMoof electric bikes retail for over $/£2000. Whether you think VanMoof electric bikes are worth it will depend on how much you value these extra features and premium finishes.
Ultimately for most people, $/£2k for an electric bike may be too much to stomach.
Wing Bikes
Wing Bikes are an antidote to eye-watering electric bike price tags and yet, they still offer enough to flutter the heart of a tech-obsessed e-bike rider.
The common budget e-bike recipe includes a rear-wheel hub motor and a cadence sensor. A rear-hub motor is the cheapest way to add electrical assistance to a bike.
A cadence sensor (rather than a torque sensor) is also the cheapest way for that motor to interpret the pedalling input of a rider and adjust the power accordingly.
Riding an e-bike with this setup can feel a tad unnatural – think being thrust forward like an accelerating car – rather than pedalling serenely forward.
Riders of Wing Bikes have regular derailleur gears at their disposal, as well as assistance from the onboard motor. This is unlike VanMoof e-bikes which have gears integrated into the rear wheel hub.
Wing Bikes off a decent riding range between visits to the plug. Depending on the specification of the battery you choose, you may be able to reach 60 miles before running out of battery. This is roughly 30% less than VanMoof’s maximum range of its latest models.
VanMoof S5
The S5 is VanMoof’s latest model. It’s quintessential VanMoof in looks but has been radically overhauled to provide the best riding experience possible.
| VanMoof S5 | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 23kg |
| Range | 93 miles |
| Features | Torque Sensor Halo Ring Display Smart Lock Automatic gear shifting GPS tracking Removable battery Boost button (Throttle) |
| Price | 🇬🇧£3,298 🇺🇸$3,998 |
VanMoof S4
The VanMoof S4 isn’t the predecessor to the S5, just a VanMoof lite. Available in four frame colours, the S4 does away with a torque sensor and the Halo ring display. It also has less range the VanMoof S4.
| Vanmoof s4 | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 21.6kg |
| Range | 87 miles |
| Features | Smart Lock Automatic gear shifting GPS tracking Boost button (Throttle) |
| Price | 🇬🇧£2,198 🇺🇸$2,198 |
VanMoof A5 and X4
Both the VanMoof A5 and X4 roll on nippy, agile 24″ wheels and with their easy step-through design, they make excellent city bikes. The A5 is the more feature-packed of the two, and therefore the more expensive.
| vanmoof a5 | VANMOOF X4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 22kg | 20kg |
| Range | 93 miles | 87 miles |
| Features | Torque Sensor Halo Ring Display Smart Lock Automatic gear shifting GPS tracking Removable battery Boost button (Throttle) | Smart Lock Automatic gear shifting GPS tracking Boost button (Throttle) |
| Price | 🇬🇧£3,298 🇺🇸$3,998 | 🇬🇧£2,198 🇺🇸$2,198 |
Wing Bikes Freedom X
The Freedom X is Wing’s top end e-bike with a torque sensor for natural pedalling. It’s available in a variety of colours and battery sizes. As well as the throttle and pedal assistance, there are 7 gears at the riders disposal too.
| Wing Bikes Freedom X | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 17kg (39lbs) |
| Range | 60 miles (with largest battery) |
| Features | Torque Sensor Mudguards and lights Auto-brake lights Remote lock and tamper detection Optional throttle |
| Price | 🇺🇸$1,898 |
Wing Bikes Freedom 2
The mid-tier Freedom 2 is a VanMoof lookalike but at a lower price. It has a cadence sensor, mudguard, lights and a remote lock and tamper detection system. It doesn’t have any app integration.
Although Wing isn’t clear which battery size it is for, the bike apparently weighs just a shade under 40 lbs.
| Wing Bikes Freedom 2 | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 17kg (39lbs) |
| Range | 60 miles (with largest battery) |
| Features | Cadence Sensor Mudguards and lights Remote lock and tamper detection Optional throttle |
| Price | 🇺🇸$1,798 |
Wing Bikes Freedom ST
In order to offer an e-bike with comfort at its heart, Wing Bikes produced the Freedom ST. Essentially this is the same bike as the Freedom 2, but with a step-through frame.
| Wing Bikes Freedom ST | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 17kg (39lbs) |
| Range | 60 miles (with largest battery) |
| Features | Cadence Sensor Mudguards and lights Remote lock and tamper detection Optional throttle |
| Price | £1,998.98 |
VanMoof S4 vs Wing Bikes Freedom X
Now here’s a head-to-head: The VanMoof S4 vs Wing Bikes Freedom X. The Freedom X has a torque sensor, whereas the S4 does not – a win for Wing. At full RRP, there isn’t much difference in price, but with discounts more common at Wing, they nudge it there too.
However, if you’re after a more feature-packed, refined and ultimately more stylish e-bike then the S4 comes up trumps. Plus if e-bike app connectivity is on your must-have list, then the S4 bike is the only bike that will do. Just be aware that you’ll have to pay for the privilege though.
