So, your new S5 or A5 bike has arrived! We can’t wait for you to hit the road, we bet you can’t either. But before rushing into setting up your bike, please take some time to read or watch these instructions to safely assemble your e-bike.
You’ll need some space, a flat surface to assemble, the VanMoof Toolbox, a bit of patience, and maybe a friend to help you out. But don’t worry, you’ve got this!
Step 1 Unboxing
- Grab your toolbox from the box and set it aside for later, then gently slide your bike out of the box.
- Remove and recycle all the protective packaging.
- Squeeze the tab on the cable ties to remove them and save them for personal use.
Tip: Keep the original box in case you ever need to return your bike.
Step 2 Turn handlebar
2.1 Rotate the handlebar so that it forms a 90° angle with the bike frame.
2.2 Tighten the screws just enough to hold the handlebar in place. We'll be adjusting the height later on.
Step 3 Front wheel
3.1 Take the bike out of the front wheel stand. Place it upright on a soft-solid surface to avoid scratching the floor or your bike.
3.2 Put the front wheel in the front wheel stand and make sure the motor cable is on the right side and facing down.
Note: Make sure you don’t squeeze the brakes while performing the next steps.
3.3 Remove the plastic insert from the brake caliper.
3.4 Carefully lift up the bike and guide the front fork onto the wheel.
Note: The motor cable must be facing down for the fork opening to be unobstructed and sit securely on the wheel.
Note: Make sure the brake disc is aligned with the brake caliper pads, with room for the wheel to spin freely.
3.5 Place the washer and anti-theft nut on the left side of the wheel and tighten using the anti-theft wrench. The wheel should still be centered. Repeat for the right side of the wheel.
Note: Check both sides of the front fork, the anti-theft nut should sit in the center of the front fork slot.
Step 4 Motor cable
4.1 The motor cable must go around the back of the fork, between the fender stay (A)and the spokes (B).
4.2 Align the two arrows on the two motor cable connectors and plug them together.
Screw the loose middle part over the red threads until fully tightened. You should not be able to see anymore red colour.
4.3 Push the cable and connector into the fork leg and put the plastic cover over the motor cable notch on the front fork.
4.4 Tighten the two screws into the motor cable cover. Make sure both of them are secure.
Step 5 Pedals
Note: The right pedal is different from the left pedal. It is important to install them in the correct crank to avoid damaging the parts.
5.1 Identify the left pedal (with an engraved ‘L’), and the right pedal (with an engraved ‘R’).
5.2 Stand behind the bike and screw the pedals towards the front of the bike. Then tighten both pedals using Allen Key №6.
Step 6 Tires
6.1 Using the included pump, inflate your tires to 2.75-4.5 bar / 40-65 PSI.
If you ever need a reminder, the recommended pressure is printed on the tires.
Step 7 Saddle
How to adjust the height:
Remove the rubber cap and loosen the screw. Slide the seat to your preferred height, tighten the screw, and put the rubber cap back on.
Warning: Max. S5/A5= 200 mm
7.1 Adjust the position: Loosen both screws underneath the saddle, adjust the seat to your preferred position, and tighten the screws.
7.2 Saddle check: Your saddle should be at hip height. With at least 2.5cm (1 inch) between your crotch and the top tube.
Sit on the saddle and check if your knee forms a 90° angle at the top of the pedal motion.
You should be able to touch the ground with your toes.
Step 8 Adjust handlebar
If you’re happy with the height of your handlebars, go straight to 'Handlebar check' at the bottom of the page.
Note: Be careful not to detach the handlebar completely.
8.1 Remove the two screws on the side.
8.2 Lift up the handlebar (A), then tighten one of the screws to keep it in position (B).
8.3 Place one or the two spacers, loosen the screw and slide the handlebar down. Tighten the screws.
Handlebar check: Hold the front wheel between your knees and try to rotate the handlebar
If you can feel any movement, use Allen key #5 to secure the screws more.
Step 9 Charging
9.1 Open the rubber cover located between the rear stays and gently insert the charging plug into the charging port.
Charger speed
50% battery in ≈ 2h30
Full battery in ≈ 6h30
Note:
- Always make sure you put the charging port cover back on afterward.
- Make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions found on the Charger.
Battery instructions
- Only use the official VanMoof battery charger.
- Charge your bike indoors, in a well-ventilated dry location (moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the charging process).
- Your bike will charge best at temperatures between 5 - 30°C (32 - 86°F).
- Place the charger on a hard surface and make sure it is never covered. Never place it on carpet or textile surfaces as the charger may get hot when in use (up to 40-50°C).
- Always keep the plug and connector free of dirt and moisture.
- Do not charge your bike if the charger or plug is damaged. If in doubt, contact us immediately.
- If you don’t plan to use your bike for a long period of time, make sure to fully charge your battery every six months.
- Unplug your charger when your bike is fully charged. Don’t leave it charging for a very long period of time after the charging is complete.
- Do not charge the battery below 5°C
- The battery will not deliver power when the internal temperature falls below -10 °C.
Step 10 Bike activation
- Get your bike out of shipping mode by inserting the charger or pressing the Power button. This will take a few seconds, don't press the button again.
- Download the VanMoof app, create an account and register your bike.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled. Your bike should automatically connect to the app.
- Let the app guide you to create a personal unlock code and customize your bike settings.
If the connection fails, check if your phone is near the bike and Bluetooth is enabled.
Have you correctly assembled your bike? Let’s find out.
- Is your front wheel correctly positioned in the front fork?
- Are the front and rear wheel nuts tightly screwed?
- Is the handlebar stem properly tightened with 2 screws?
- Is the saddle set at the correct height, with the seat post clamp screw properly tightened?
- Are the brakes properly working when you squeeze them?
- Are the tires inflated to the correct specifications?
- Are the pedals screwed on tightly and on the correct side of the bike (they cannot be interchanged)?
- Is the bike fully charged before your first ride?
- Did you install the app, set up your backup code, and customize your bike settings?
All set? Let's get going!
Now that you’ve assembled your bike, it’s time to get familiar with it: