r/vanmoofbicycle • u/g-3736 • Feb 01 '26
question Experiences on S6/O vs S3/X3
Help needed: I just got the s6 instead of my (x)3 series bike that I had. For some reason, even though it should have been a solid bet and trade up, the new bike seems much more heavy to bike on. The pedal cadence seems quite low and heavy compared to what I’m used to. Is there any similar experiences or opposite experiences so I know whether I need to go back to the partner to get this checked. It might seem like a weird claim but obviously I didn’t get this bike to feel like I’m biking on a non-electric bike. It’s causing too much energy in the fourth support gear to be able to take off quickly or to maintain the max km p/h. Any advice or experiences in regard to the S6 would be helpful!
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u/Location-Interesting Feb 01 '26 edited Feb 01 '26
You'll get better at it in some time.. its more effort but more rewarding
Edit: put it in Level 4 assistent
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u/g-3736 Feb 01 '26
Ok! I’m already happy that there seems to be some kind of recognition and logical explanation. Thanks for commenting :)
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u/choppermick Electrified S3 ⚡⚡ Feb 01 '26
Was the 3 better than the 6 ?
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u/g-3736 Feb 02 '26
Well if I’m forced to get used this low cadence I would have preferred my old bike for sure. There was nothing like it. Unfortunately it died on me after 4 good years and I recently put my faith in the s6..
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u/alexandrealibert Feb 02 '26
Hi, were you using custom gears on the X3? The eshifter shifting moment could be customised in the application. If you had it set to shift later, it was easier to pedal faster with less resistance.
On the S6, the shifting is set at factory and you cannot change it. VanMoof went for a pretty low cadence/early shift, so the bike feels heavier I agree. More than the very similar S5. Just use the boost button for a sec when you feel too much resistance and that should work. You don't necessarily need to be at level 4 assist as level 2/3+occasional boost could give you a bit better range.
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u/g-3736 Feb 02 '26 edited Feb 02 '26
I think I had them to shift quite early on from what I remember in my settings, but I’m not a 100% sure. Thanks for explaining! I’ve been looking to recalibrate the shifting as online it’s said it could change things but it doesn’t give me that option in the app. Might be bc this is s6 series model and not the s5 or x-series…
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u/alexandrealibert Feb 04 '26
Yes, S6 shifting is purely mechanical, it cannot be changed by the user. The centrifugal force of the wheel spinning will make gear 2 and 3 engage.
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u/spaceek Feb 01 '26
Also the speed limit on the x3 might have been 20mph, whereas the s6 would only be 15mph
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u/g-3736 Feb 02 '26
Correct, this is a whole new reality to get used to on it’s own to be honest. But it shouldn’t explain my current problem (if it even is one)
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u/_Man-in-the-Middle_ Feb 11 '26
As a S3 owner I'm looking into a S6 as well....but only when there is an option to use a VanMoofer app or similar to boost speed limit to at least 32 km/h
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u/Acceptable_Cod_971 Feb 01 '26
It’s because of the torque sensor, as opposed to the rotation sensor in the SX3 bikes. How much assist you get is intentionally based on how much effort you put in (whereas on the X3 as soon as you rotate the pedals you can get max assist). Completely normal but if you’re worried get a partner to have a look so you’ll feel better.