Yup I happily bought a Vanmoof S2 when it came out (2019) thinking it would be seamless and I could take it into the local Vanmoof shop whenever there were issues.
It turned out to be a lot less reliable than I had hoped, and there were issues with the hardware AND the software. Making it super frustrating that it was all integrated.
Software
- If the bike wasn't used for a few weeks it would turn itself back into "shipping mode" and I would need to reset the bike with a pin.
- Settings were forgotten almost every time the bike went to sleep, it would reset the sounds settings so turning it on or unlocking it would always play the cheesy sound effects no matter how many times I turned them off.
- For the first year or so the app would regularly log me out. And the design of the app at the time made it look like you were chatting with a bot so it would take longer to login than needed. Thankfully they redesigned it.
Hardware
- The integrated back wheel lock will now only unlock if I move the bike a few inches, any additional inches and the lock re-locks itself.
- The bike would randomly show an error code and drop power. Vanmoof replaced the battery and onboard computer but I have had it occasionally show error codes since and am nervous it'll turn into a brick at some point.
I now also own a regular cargo bike and the difference has been night and day. It doesn't look as cool, and requires more locks to keep it all secure. But it's dumb and just works, and I can do a lot of the service myself (excluding the electronics). Removing the back wheel on the Vanmoof is super challenging and makes me nervous about getting a flat.
I'd never want a bike that can lock itself remotely, my big fear would be the same as what you get when you have an irresponsible and inquisitive toddler at the back of the bike: "I wonder what would happen if I locked daddy's bike while we're cruising along?"
Only then without the toddler...
What in particular do you service on the electronics of your cargo bike?
Thankfully they had thought through the accidental locking, it needs to be stationary and in a certain position to lock. It's just getting it unlocked that is a little more of a hassle now :).
Sorry for the confusion I meant I can do all the service on the bike except the electronics. Things like brake pads and tires that wear down easily. On the Vanmoof it's a little more challenging to remove wheels for security - which I used to appreciate because I've had even little things like a mount for a light taken off my bike... but now I prefer it to be easier to service and just carry around more locks.
But that's all dependent on the implementation details: is the lock remotely activated or is it locally activated after local verification that those conditions are present. Because otherwise some joker could remote lock your bike, even when in motion. The outward appearance would be identical!
Thankfully you need to physically lock it with a button push on the back wheel. Unlocks can be done remotely with the app though (with a nearby bluetooth connection).
It turned out to be a lot less reliable than I had hoped, and there were issues with the hardware AND the software. Making it super frustrating that it was all integrated.
Software
Hardware I now also own a regular cargo bike and the difference has been night and day. It doesn't look as cool, and requires more locks to keep it all secure. But it's dumb and just works, and I can do a lot of the service myself (excluding the electronics). Removing the back wheel on the Vanmoof is super challenging and makes me nervous about getting a flat.