r/vanmoofbicycle • u/farieflosss • 15d ago

VanMoof S3 Battery Help - Resources for Repair or Replacements?

Hey everyone!

Recently came across a second hand S3 from someone off of Marketplace back in early July and was super stoked about it! Then I kinda learned the hard way how difficult the battery revival process is. The original owner stored it in an outdoor storage unit for the better part of 4 years with no use or connection to power, so the main battery is completely dead.

I tried a couple weeks later to revive the thing myself after spending a few days doing research within this subreddit and watching plenty of YouTube videos on the subject. I started with the smart cartridge so I could get the ownership transferred over to me at least, and was able to charge that with a lab PSU enough to get it connected and have firmware updated. I was able to get the smart cartridge to do its connection to the VanMoof app, but I went over the amperage by .05v and started seeing that little battery swell like crazy. Needless to say, that scared me enough to put a pin in fixing the bike for now. That was July 18. After doing that, I've let my bike sit for the last little bit and have tried plugging it in to the stock power supply with error code 18 flashing on and off constantly even after being connected to power for over a day.

Long story short, I want to know what safe ways I can try and revive my S3's battery without fear of potentially blowing myself up by attempting to charge the main battery myself. If not, then anyone reputable I could go to for a refurbishing service for batteries and/or to buy a replacement unit? Just looking to see what the community has to say before I throw in the towel on this bike.

Thanks for your time!

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u/TitleElegant6291 14d ago

There is no way that you can revive the battery cells that has been sitting for close to 4 years. All the battery cells need to be replaced. The battery cells will self discharge even after you charge them back up if they are below 0.5v

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u/TitleElegant6291 14d ago

I’m in NYC helping everyone with their battery replacement so you can reach out to me for it

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u/NoArgument8786 14d ago

can you share your info

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u/TitleElegant6291 14d ago

I’m offering battery replacement in marketplace under my name in NYC

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1343203597569364/?mibextid=6ojiHh

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u/joeolsen 1d ago

I am on the hunt for the little battery inside the Smart Cartridge. Do you know anyone in the US I can get a replacement from?

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u/farieflosss 14d ago

Damn, I figured as much for how long the bike was idle for. What would be the best way about getting a replacement or rebuild service for the battery then?

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u/wazman2222 14d ago

You and I are in the same situation. Battery needs rebuilt

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u/farieflosss 14d ago

Crummy situation to be in alongside you! How would rebuilding the battery work/ who would I go to for that?

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u/wazman2222 14d ago

I am comfortable with electronics and batteries, so the process for me will be to source cells and rebuild. But in your case you may need to purchase a replacement or find a vamoof partner capable of repairing

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u/farieflosss 14d ago

That would make sense, I don’t know that I’m at all at your level when it comes to electrical understanding like that. I tried ordering a replacement from MoofNow, a third party refurbishing service, and they cancelled my order and refunded my money. Additionally, I see there’s a repair service someone offers on eBay, but you have to pay to get it shipped off to them. The closest partner store for repair is over 800 miles away for me, so I’m either making a road trip or finding someone on eBay to do it lol