Recognize VanMoof failures: S3, X3, S5 and A5
OnTheRoad6 min reading time
Since the official VanMoof factory support is limited, many owners with a demand and nowhere to be found. This guide covers the most frequent failures: the known fault codes 40, 41 and 42 (bell, boost and kicklock button), the closed chain case that hides wear and tear, and brakes and tires. What we deliberately do not do ourselves, e-shifter replacement and work on the motherboard, is also fair.
First this, doesn't cost anything.
Call or boost button no longer responds (Error 40 or 41)
Check: Has the button been in the rain for a long time, or have you pressed it in a very frequent manner? Both are known causes of this error code.
Solution: Free: first update firmware in the app, then reset the bike (power button pressed under the top tube for 2 seconds), and if that doesn't work a system restart via app → Garage → Help. If the notification stays, then there's probably water in the button, which is unloading work on the PCB, we deliberately don't do that. A VanMoof partner or specialized repairer can do this.
Kicklock does not block or unlock (Error 42)
Check: Often there is just pressure on the locking pin. Move the bike a bit backwards, hold it like this and then press the kicklock button in.
Solution: Free: loosen it, then it was purely mechanical pressure on the pin. If it stays stuck, error 42 points to the kicklock coil, cable or connector, which requires the official VanMoof part and diagnostic tool, we refer honestly to VanMoof support.
App doesn't find the bike, Bluetooth is on
Check: Was there ever another phone connected to this bike? Just like with Cowboy, VanMoof connects with one phone at a time.
Solution: Free: Remove link on the old phone (or turn Bluetooth off there) and reconnect on the current phone.
Mistakes that we fix at home
Chain clicks, slips or jumps over (S3, X3 and beyond)
Check: VanMoof's chain case is completely closed, which holds moisture and hides rust and rack until the chain starts switching like a bag of marbles. Do you hear clicking especially when pulling up?
Solution: We simply replace chain at the door, you hear the fixed price in advance. Don't wait too long: a worn chain also eats the gears, and that will be a more expensive job.
Brake feels weak, spongy or blocked too hard
Check: Hydraulic brakes (most VanMoof models) want to be periodically bled; with mechanical brakes we first look at worn brake pads.
Solution: Replacing brake pads costs €24 per side, braking bleeds €30 per side, both at home, usually within 30-45 minutes.
Tyre leak or visibly worn
Check: The official VanMoof band hasn't been delivered since the factory support dropped.
Solution: we fit a closely matching tyre in the correct size for all VanMoof models, on site, usually within 30 minutes. Replacing just the inner tube is also possible: €15 plus the service visit.
Range runs noticeably back, engine cuts off when pulling up or slopes
Check: How many kilometers does the battery have on it? Is it especially when it's heavy kicking or climbing (bridges count with it)?
Solution: This usually indicates an obsolete battery that loses stress under load, see our battery guide for what you can do about it. We do not do engine and battery diagnosis on the motherboard itself; for a warranty case we refer to VanMoof.
What we deliberately don't do
E-shifter replacement and repairs on the motherboard (such as a boost or call button unsolding) are part of specialized electronics repair, we promise not. We would rather be honest about that than take a job that we can't finish properly.
Do you recognize your malfunction? We repair VanMoofs at home in Amsterdam, usually within 1-2 days. Maintenance €45 all-in, and you always hear the price before we do anything extra. Book an appointment · more about our VanMoof service
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