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Navigation in the VanMoof app

You can now navigate turn by turn, right in the VanMoof app. This Navigation feature is specifically built for VanMoofs: it plans routes along bike lanes and cycle-friendly roads, and gets your from A-to-B the fastest, safest and on the best route of your choice.

Before launch, we tested it with a large group of beta testers riding in cities across our regions, so the routes, alerts and screen are tuned to how you actually ride. It's free, works on every connected VanMoof, and is available in all regions.

What you need

You only need a connected VanMoof registered in your VanMoof app. That's it.

  1. Update the VanMoof app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Make sure your bike is registered to your account in the app.
  3. Allow location access for the VanMoof app so it can follow your position while you ride.
  4. Click ‘Where to?’ to search for your destination. 

💡 Tip: Allow notifications too, so turn alerts and the widget keep working while your phone is locked.

Plan a route

Search for where you want to go, pick one of the suggested routes, and start riding.

  1. Open the VanMoof app and click ‘Where to?’.
  2. Search for your destination by name or address.
  3. Choose a route. You'll usually see 2 or 3 options, each with its own travel time and distance, so you can pick what suits you.
  4. Tap start and ride.

Save your favorite places

Save places you ride to often, like home, work or the gym, so you don't need to type them every time. Search for the destination, then tap the heart icon next to it in the search results. Your saved places appear the next time you search.

Your navigation screen

The navigation screen shows your ride info at a glance, and you can tap items to switch what they show. Use the screen in portrait or landscape mode. Just turn your phone and the screen adapts, which is handy if your phone mount holds it sideways.

On screenWhat it showsTap to switch to
SpeedHow fast you're going right now 
TimeRemaining timeYour ETA (arrival time) or remaining distance
BatteryRemaining batteryYour remaining range

Bike's settings & Free Ride Mode

Slide the screen up to change your bike's settings without leaving navigation. The settings you see depend on your bike model. Make sure to stay safe - keep your eyes on the road while riding. 

No destination? Use the navigation screen in free ride mode. You still see your speed, battery and range on the map, without a route.

Turn alerts: voice and vibration

The app tells you when to turn with spoken instructions and a vibration, so you can keep your eyes on the road.

  • Audio cues: spoken turn instructions in Dutch, English, German or French. They follow the language set in your VanMoof app.
  • Vibration: your phone vibrates when a turn is coming up, useful when it's noisy or you're not wearing headphones.

To change the voice language, change the language in your VanMoof app settings.

Widgets and lock screen

Follow your route without unlocking your phone. The VanMoof widget is available on both iOS and Android and shows your ride information, and you can view your route on your lock screen.

Frequently asked questions

Which bikes is navigation compatible with?
All connected VanMoof bikes. Your bike just needs to be registered in your VanMoof app.

Is the navigation update free?
Yes. Navigation is free and included in the latest VanMoof app update. It's not part of Ride Pro, so everyone with a VanMoof can use it.

Is navigation available in the UK, EU and US?
Yes. VanMoof Navigation is available everywhere, in all regions.

Why does the app show me more than one route?
There's often more than one good way to get somewhere by bike. The app usually gives you 2 or 3 options so you can choose, for example the fastest route or a different path you prefer.

How is this different from a regular map app?
VanMoof Navigation is made for cycling. It favors bike lanes and bike-friendly roads, and it shows your bike's battery and range alongside your route.

Which languages are the voice instructions in?
Dutch, English, German and French. The voice follows the language set in your VanMoof app.

I can't hear the voice instructions. What should I do?
Check that your phone isn't muted and the media volume is turned up. If you're using headphones, check they're connected. You'll still feel a vibration at every turn.

Why can't I see some bike settings when I slide up?
The settings available depend on your bike model, so not every setting appears for every VanMoof.

How do I remove a saved place?
Search for the place and tap the heart icon again to remove it from your favorites.

Does navigation use a lot of my phone's battery?
Any app that uses GPS uses more battery than usual. For longer rides, start with a charged phone or bring a power bank.

Is it safe to look at my phone while riding?
Keep your eyes on the road. Mount your phone securely on your handlebars using a SP Connect or Peak Design mount and rely on the voice instructions and vibrations to guide you. Always follow local traffic rules.


Still need help?

If something isn't working as expected, first make sure you have the latest version of the VanMoof app. Still stuck? Contact our support team through the VanMoof app and we'll help you get rolling.

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