Little birdies tell me VanMoof has officially collapsed. They'll be making a statement shortly.
If you own one of their bikes now is the time to grab your encryption keys before their servers go offline.
Edit: Linking to the "Bikey" app which is a lot easier to use: https://bikey-app.cowboy.bike
Annnd here we go. The Verge is now running the story.
Courts have appointed two administrators to take over VanMoof.
They've run out of money.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/12/23792143/vanmoof-e-bike-payment-suspension-bankruptcy-sale
@voxmatt hard to say right now until the administrators announce their plans.
Best case someone acquires their IP/brand and continues manufacturing parts.
Worst case, the bikes become paperweights very soon.
@phill Van Moof? Weren't they those who put the front lamp in the frame and not on the front wheel handle so that the light never lits in the direction you want to go?
That's nearly a design flaw like the Apple mouse with the charging port on the bottom side, preventing the usage of the mouse while charging?
@phill oolalaaaa VanMoof down..
Can the bike run without the app? Without the encryption keys available?
@phill This is sad news - I had the feeling they were expanding too fast, though.
@phill
They're losing €80mm/yr, so of course "let's expand!"
@phill nooooo
What's the story for owners? Clearly, repairs are going to get harder with retail stores closing, but will it impact the app/bike?