Electrically assisted urban bikes are becoming more and more popular. There have been several important new e-bike launches this year. Let’s talk about two of them – a Dutch Vanmoof, and a French Angell.
They managed to successfully launch two of the most favorite e-bikes in the market, Vanmoof S3/X3, and Angell. Let’s take a closer look.
When we talk about the market value of these e-bikes, the prices of both models come between 2000 to 3000 euros. At this price and quality range, there is yet another serious competitor. The Belgian Cowboy has also launched several very successful models in the past years and is successfully keeping the pace.
Last year Cowboy was available for 2000 euros. The price seems a little high for an urban e-bike but this was 1400 euros less than its direct competitor, Vanmoof S2.
Read also: Cowboy v2 Review: an e-bike that rides faster than its shadow – in this article. And, Cowboy vs VanMoof Electrified S2: connected city e-bikes – in this article. And, Vanmoof S2 Review: this electric bike is like a supercharged car – in this article.
Now, the price competition is increasing. While Cowboy has become more expensive with its Cowboy v3, Vanmoof S3/X3 has dropped its price significantly.
Read also: Vanmoof Electrified S3/X3 Review: finally, an ideal city e-bike? – in this article. Cowboy 3 vs Vanmoof S3 Review: top connected city e-bikes – in this article.
How do Angell and Vanmoof e-bikes compare?
Serial entrepreneur and owner of the French company, Marc Simoncini unveiled his Angell e-bike project a year ago. The most comfortable version of this new e-bike is now sold under the name – Angell/S.
By taking a look at the specs below, we can clearly see that Vanmoof and Angell offer nearly the same package. In general, their characteristics are very similar.
Both bikes rely on modern design and integration of the equipment to attract cyclists. The design and integration of Angell were thought through by Ora-Ito, a famous name in the design world. Ora-Ito also already has a name in the cycling world, as he has collaborated with multiple brands and institutions around the globe.
| Model | Angell | Angell/s | Vanmoof S3 | Vanmoof X3 |
| Weight | 13.9 kgs (30.6 pounds) | 12.9 kgs (28.4 pounds) | 19 kgs (41.9 pounds) | 19 kgs (41.9 pounds) |
| Wheels | 28 inches | 27.5 inches | 28 inches | 24 inches |
| Ergonomics | Rider height: 165-195 cm (64.9-76.8 inches) | Rider height: 155-195 cm (61-76.8 inches) | Rider height: 155-200 cm (61-76.8 inches) | |
| Brakes | Tektro HDR 310-disc brakes | Tektro HDR 310-disc brakes | Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes | Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes |
| Tires | Michelin Protek 700X35C puncture-proof | Michelin 650X35B puncture-resistant | Schwalbe Big Ben puncture-resistant tires | Schwalbe Big Ben puncture-resistant tires |
| Lights | Custom made SPANNINGA | Custom made SPANNINGA | 40 Lux LED automatic lighting system | 40 Lux LED automatic lighting system |
| Engine / torque | 250 WattsMax 50 Nm 4 assistance programs | 250 WattsMax 50 Nm4 assistance programs | 250-350 watts4 power levelsTorque with boost: 59 Nm | 250-350 watts4 power levelsTorque with boost: 59 Nm |
| Speeds | No gears, single speed with 4 levels of electric assistance | No gears, single speed with 4 levels of electric assistance | 4 integrated automatic gears Electronic automatic gear change | 4 integrated automatic gears Electronic automatic gear change |
| Battery capacity / announced autonomy | 70 km, removable battery | 70 km, removable battery | 504 Wh, 60 – 150 km, non-removable battery | 504 Wh, 60 – 150 km, non-removable battery |
| Charge | 36V 4A 2 hours for a full charge | 36V 4A 2 hours for a full charge | 36V 4A 50% charge in 80 minutes, full charge in 4 hours | 36V 4A 50% charge in 80 minutes, full charge in 4 hours |
| Security | Automatic locking Automatic rider recognition High-frequency alarms Anti-theft monitoring by GMS and Bluetooth | Automatic locking Automatic rider recognition High-frequency alarms Anti-theft monitoring by GMS and Bluetooth | Keyless locking, Touch Unlock Automatic rider recognition Integrated alarms Anti-theft tracking via GSM and Bluetooth | Keyless locking, Touch Unlock Automatic rider recognition Integrated alarms Anti-theft tracking via GSM and Bluetooth |
| Geolocation / connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy GPS GSM 2G | Bluetooth Low Energy GPS GSM 2G | Bluetooth Low Energy – GSM 2G | Bluetooth Low Energy – GSM 2G |
| Screen | 2.4-inch color touch screen | 2.4-inch color touch screen | Matrix screen | Matrix screen |
Angell and Angell/S have their engines integrated into the hub of the rear wheel. In comparison, Vanmoof has integrated the engine into the hub of the front wheel. Angell e-bike models are much lighter, which is a great advantage for an e-bike, as e-bikes are generally much heavier than traditional bikes.
Read also: How much does an e-bike weight? – in this article. And, a front, rear, or mid-drive motor, which one to choose? – in this article.
Vanmoof’s recent or – the 3rd generation – models are called X3 and S3. While the S3 designed for taller riders, the X3 variation is suitable for those with an average height (starting from 155 centimeters, or 61 inches).
Both Vanmoof and Angell have chosen a single mono chainring to turn the wheel via a single sprocket and chain. Electric assistance levels are called e-speeds on Vanmoof e-bike and fly modes (Fly Eco, Fly Dry, Fly fast) on Angell e-bike.
Electric assistance on both e-bikes is cut off at 25 km/h (to comply with EU regulation for e-bikes). You can re-configure the electric assistance via the mobile app for Vanmoof to exceed 25 km/h, but you will be not compliant with EU legislation by doing this.
Read also: Is it legal to derestrict e-bike speed? – in this article. Or, traditional or speed e-bike? – in this article. Or, one year in prison for derestricting an e-bike in France – in this article.
Both Angell and Vanmoof S3/X3 address the same details in the rider’s experience, but they apply different technology to do this. For example, Angell e-bike has an integrated accelerometer to adjust the level of electric assistance on steep hills assistance. While Vanmoof uses sensors to fulfill the same purpose.
Whether you choose Vanmoof S3/X3 or Angell, both e-bikes are “ready to use” with chains (no belts are used on those models, while Cowboy has introduced a carbon belt instead of a chain on its latest Cowboy v3), brakes, gears, and perfectly integrated front and rear lighting systems.
Connectivity and controls: Angell wins in this category
Even though the approach to building both e-bikes is similar, the implementation is completely different. This can explain the difference in price as well.
Vanmoof has chosen to integrate a matrix LED screen (166 LEDs in total) directly on the frame. This LED screen displays a variety of e-bike and route related information (speed and distance traveled, for example) but most of the functions are also accessible through the smartphone app.
Therefore, you will need to have a bike support system, so that you can use GPS tracking on your smartphone, for example. It is a possible and simple solution but not as integrated as compared to that of Angell’s.
Angell has chosen to build in a real touch screen on the handlebar of its e-bike. It is an all-in-one cockpit where you can access almost all of the e-bike’s functions. A 24-inch colored LCD screen is designed to display all kinds of e-bike and trip-related information (GPS navigation, for example).
It seems that Angell may have gone a bit too far with the connectivity functions. This can be felt by those slight vibrations on the handles that indicate the use of the LCD touch screen. just like your iPhone would vibrate when you touch its screen.
Overall, Angell e-bike seems more advanced, better connected, and well-equipped as compared to Vanmoof. Its software can be updated remotely, thanks to its integrated modem. Feels like riding a Tesla, but a slightly cheaper version.
Angell’s e-bike control system might look too flashy to the rider. Let’s take a look at other factors that also play a role.
Battery and autonomy: equal performance on both e-bikes
Announced autonomy of Angell electric bike is 70 km when using the lowest assistance mode, which is Fly Eco. The manufacturer, however, does not give any further details on this number. Angell e-bike’s battery is removable, which is certainly a great asset for a city e-bike. The battery is charged for 2 hours to 100%.
Vanmoof has chosen to go with a non-removable battery. The battery can only be removed for maintenance or servicing of the e-bike. Not possible to just take the battery with you to charge at home or in the office. This is a tricky choice for a city e-bike, we think.
Still, autonomy is probably the most important factor. S3 and X3 models have declared autonomy between 60 to 150 km (if an e-bike is used is mixed modes – from the economy one to full power). However, the battery takes longer to charge. It will take up to 4 hours for a full charge. Not that long, but still, twice as long as for Angell.
This difference in autonomy between the two brands is directly linked to the capacity of the battery, which is higher at Vanmoof, however, the Angell bikes are lighter, so its battery does not need as much capacity and charges faster.
We have not managed to decide between these two approaches – which one is the best. Keep in mind that Angell has a removable battery which is very practical if you have an apartment located on the top floor of a building without elevator.
Anti-theft system: equal again?
Angell is using similar alarm functions that we love at Vanmoof. While Cowboy has integrated much more in its upgraded app.
Read also: Cowboy 3 vs Angell vs Vanmoof S3 – which one would you choose? – in this article. And, Cowboy 3 delivers much more on its mobile app – in this article.
All models have automatic locking systems. If a thief tries to steal your e-bike, the wheels are locked and this automatically triggers an audible alarm thanks to a built-in speaker and sensors. We also appreciate the fall system on Angell bikes that alerts your loved ones if you have had an accident. A similar feature is also integrated into the new Cowboy 3.
Both Angell and Vanmoof can be geolocated via a GPS chip and can communicate data via GSM modems. Still, Vanmoof does not allow you to locate your e-bike remotely from your smartphone. Why did then Vanmoof decided to integrate a modem? This allows Vanmoof teams to recover your stolen e-bike if the “Peace of Mind” insurance option has been purchased (290 euros for three years).
Not easy to decide which of the two is better. Both companies seem to have done a good job in helping owners to protect their e-bikes. Only time will tell, which one approach is more advanced. We shall see.
History: Vanmoof is certainly taking the lead
Vanmoof has been designing bikes for 11 years and the company now is at the third generation of its e-bikes across the world.
Vanmoof offers two additional services. The “Peace of Mind” option which allows you to receive a new e-bike from Vanmoof if the company cannot find your original e-bike (this option costs 290 euros for three years). Another option is around maintenance, under which Vanmoof promises to carry out repairs and maintenance of your e-bike (another 290 euros for three years).
Angell launched its first-ever e-bike in November 2019, the second model has been announced for May 2020, but the first deliveries have been delayed. With all due respect, Angell is a recent start-up. Models that we have discussed above are Angell’s first products and there are no tests available at the moment.
Manufacturing for Angell is carried out by the SEB industrial group. This French group also promises a repair system, similar to that of Vanmoof.
Read also: Angell: 5 Reasons to Invest in an Ultra-modern E-bike – in this article. And, French SEB Group to produce Angell, an intelligent city e-bike – in this article.
Prices: Vanmoof S3/X3 is cheaper
Vanmoof X3/S3 models are cheaper than Angell e-bikes. 2,000 euros against 2,690 euros. For about the same price, you can add the Theft and Maintenance options (+ 490 euros) in Vanmoof e-bikes, including three-year insurance against theft and breakage.
Angell promises delivery in July 2020 for the classic model and December 2020 for the / S. For Vanmoof, the first orders will also be delivered in July 2020, but if you decide now it will be delivered in September 2020.
Final verdict: both are great
Both Angell and Angell/S, and Vanmoof X3 and S3 are excellent well-designed, well-thought-through connected city e-bikes. Prices are not that far apart.
The advantages of Angell is its weight and removable battery. While Vanmoof has lots of company history behind its current model, as well as the success of its Vanmoof Electrified S2.
We wish the best of luck to both new entrants. Only time will tell, which model is more favored by the riders. We are sure that both will gain many supporters and for good reasons.
Read also: Which electric bicycle to buy? Making your educated e-bike selection choice – in this article. And, how much does a good e-bike cost? – in this comprehensive e-bike pricing guide.
Here is a quick video, introducing a black version of Angell electric bicycle:
