US-based Micromobility.com submits non-binding bid to acquire Amsterdam’s VanMoof

Amsterdam-based e-bike manufacturer VanMoof, a company that declared bankruptcy last month, is looking at a potential acquisition. 

On Monday, July 31, US-based Micromobility.com  announced that it has submitted a non-binding bid to acquire VanMoof. The company has not disclosed the financial aspects of the proposal.

The bid comes after VanMoof’s declaration of bankruptcy, and the court of Amsterdam lifting the suspension of payment proceedings for VanMoof Global Holding BV, VanMoof BV, and VanMoof Global Support BV. The court’s decision was driven by the Dutch entities’ financial constraints and inability to meet their liabilities.

Founded in 2009 by Dutch brothers Taco and Ties Carlier, VanMoof is known for its sleek, high-tech e-bikes with integrated digital features. The potential acquisition will allow both companies to further their commitment to sustainability and contribute to the advancement of greener transportation options.

“We recognise the challenges the micromobility sector currently faces, but we are firm believers in the transformative power of this industry. The potential acquisition of VanMoof, known for its quality and innovation, is an exciting step towards our vision for a more sustainable and efficient future of urban transportation,” says Micromobility’s CEO Salvatore Palella.

The potential of the micro-mobility industry

Founded by Palella in 2015, Micromobility.com Inc. is dedicated to transforming urban transportation through eco-friendly and accessible solutions. The potential acquisition of VanMoof marks a significant step towards Micromobility’s vision of a more sustainable and efficient future for urban transport. 

“This potential acquisition is part of our long-term strategy to consolidate our leadership in the micromobility market and diversify our portfolio of solutions,” Palella explains.

“VanMoof’s strong brand reputation, innovative e-bike technology, and its unique subscription model perfectly align with our vision for the future of urban transport,” adds Palella.

With operations in the US and Europe, the company aims to leverage VanMoof’s advanced e-bike technology and successful subscription model to enhance its product offerings and expand its presence in the market. 

Overcoming challenges

Once the most-funded e-bike company globally, VanMoof’s struggles started to show in June as the company temporarily halted bike and accessory sales, leading to speculation about its financial situation. 

Earlier in July, Brussels-based Cowboy launched the Bikey App to help VanMoof Dutch riders access their e-bikes’ settings. The Bikey App on iOS works with popular VanMoof e-bike models S3 and X3, with support for new models S5 and A5 coming soon. Cowboy ensures user privacy, stating that no information, including email addresses, is shared outside the app.

VanMoof’s trustees are assessing options for a restart after bankruptcy through asset sales. However, its entities in Taiwan, the US, Japan, Germany, France, and the UK remain unaffected by the insolvency proceedings.