VanMoof Recalls Bicycles Due to Fall and Impact Hazards

What was recalled

In the spring of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a significant safety recall involving bicycles manufactured by VanMoof. This action affects specific commuter-style bicycles from VanMoof’s B-Series and S-Series lines. The company produced these models between the years 2014 and 2016, and the recall encompasses approximately 375 units in total. While the exact geographic distribution of sales is not detailed in the official report, the scope of the recall is defined strictly by the manufacturing dates and the specific series identifiers stamped on each bike.

To help you identify whether your bicycle falls under this recall, it is important to understand the visual distinctions between the two affected series. The S-Series bicycles are characterized by a grey anodized frame. In contrast, the B-Series bicycles feature a white powder-coated frame. Both series were available in three distinct frame configurations: a straight frame, a straight frame equipped with an integrated chain lock, and a dropdown frame. These design variations apply to both the B-Series and S-Series, meaning that the frame type alone does not determine recall status; you must look at the serial number for confirmation.

The most reliable way to verify if your bike is included in this recall is by checking its unique serial number. VanMoof stamped these serial numbers directly onto the bottom bracket of the bicycle. You can find this location between the pedals, on the lower part of the frame where the crankset attaches. If your bicycle was manufactured between 2014 and 2016 and bears a serial number in this specific spot, it may be one of the affected units. It is crucial to inspect this area carefully, as the serial number is the definitive proof of inclusion in the recall.

If you own a VanMoof B-Series or S-Series bicycle from this time period, please take note of the serial number and compare it against any official lists provided by VanMoof or the CPSC. The recall was issued due to a critical safety flaw in the front fender assembly, which we will discuss in detail in the following section. Until you have confirmed the status of your bicycle, it is advisable to exercise caution when riding, particularly in environments where debris might collect between the tire and the fender.

The hazard, explained

When you ride a bicycle, you rely on every component to work in harmony, especially the parts that keep debris away from your wheels and frame. On the VanMoof B-Series and S-Series bicycles affected by this recall, there is a specific design flaw located at the front fender—the curved piece of plastic or metal that covers the top of the front tire. This fender is held in place by bolts that are meant to secure it firmly to the bike frame. However, the critical issue lies in what happens when something gets trapped between the spinning front tire and this stationary fender.

In a properly functioning safety design for this type of bicycle, if a foreign object such as a rock, a large stick, or even a piece of hardened mud becomes wedged tightly in that gap, the force should cause the bolts holding the fender to shear off. This is known as a "shear bolt" or "breakaway" mechanism. The purpose of this feature is to allow the fender to detach safely from the frame instantly. By letting go, the obstruction is cleared, the tire can spin freely again, and you avoid a sudden stop.

The problem with these recalled VanMoof bicycles is that the stainless steel bolts used are too strong for this purpose. They do not break when an object gets stuck. Instead of the fender falling away, it stays rigidly attached to the bike frame. Because the front wheel cannot rotate due to the obstruction, the forward momentum of the bicycle and rider creates a violent, immediate stop. This is often referred to as "over-the-handlebars" ejection.

The physics of this event are unforgiving. When the wheel locks up while you are moving at even moderate speeds, your body continues forward due to inertia. You are launched over the handlebars, landing hard on the pavement. This is not a minor stumble; it is a high-impact fall. The CPSC reports confirm that this mechanism has already caused serious injuries. In one instance, a rider suffered bruises and scratches along with a broken arm. In another case, the impact was severe enough to cause a concussion. These injuries occur because there is no safety release to mitigate the force of the collision between the wheel and the obstacle.

This type of hazard is particularly dangerous because it can happen without warning. You might not notice a small stone lodged in your fender until you hit a bump or turn sharply, at which point the obstruction tightens. For commuters who ride in varied urban environments with debris on the road, this risk is present in every trip. Understanding that the bolts should break but do not is crucial to recognizing why this defect is so serious. It transforms a simple mechanical jam into a high-risk fall scenario.

Who is most at risk

The primary group affected by this recall consists of individuals who purchased VanMoof B-Series or S-Series commuter bicycles between 2014 and 2016. These are not casual weekend riders; they are typically urban commuters, daily travelers, and tech-savvy cyclists who rely on these specific electric-assist bikes for their regular transportation needs. Because the issue is rooted in the mechanical design of the front fender assembly, any owner of these models is technically at risk during normal operation. However, the severity of the potential harm varies significantly depending on the physical characteristics and riding habits of the user.

The specific mechanism of danger creates a unique vulnerability for those who ride in dense urban environments or on roads with poor maintenance. The hazard occurs when an object becomes lodged between the front tire and the fender. Because the original stainless steel bolts do not break under this pressure, the fender remains rigidly attached to the wheel. This turns the fender into a lever that can catch on debris, causing the bike to stop abruptly or veer sharply. Therefore, riders who frequently navigate city streets with potholes, loose gravel, speed bumps, or uneven pavement are at a higher probability of encountering the trigger event. The risk is not just about having the bike; it is about where and how you ride it.

When we look at demographic vulnerability, certain groups face more severe consequences from these falls. Elderly riders, in particular, are at greater risk for serious injury because their bones are often more fragile, and their balance mechanisms may be less robust than those of younger adults. A fall caused by a sudden mechanical obstruction can lead to hip fractures or other critical injuries that take much longer to recover from. Similarly, individuals with pre-existing joint issues or balance disorders may find it difficult to stabilize themselves during an unexpected stop, increasing the likelihood of impact with the ground or nearby objects.

Children and younger riders might be more prone to the initial accident due to less experience in reading road conditions or reacting quickly to mechanical failures. While they may have stronger constitutions than elderly riders, the injuries documented in this recall—such as concussions from head impacts and broken bones from falling onto hard surfaces—are particularly dangerous for developing bodies. The incident reports note that one rider suffered a concussion and another sustained a broken arm along with bruises and scratches. These are not minor scrapes; they are traumatic events that can have long-term health implications. Parents should be especially vigilant if their children use these specific VanMoof models, as the sudden nature of the failure leaves little time for protective reflexes.

Ultimately, while all owners of the recalled B-Series and S-Series bikes share the same mechanical defect, those who commute daily in varied terrain, or those who fall into age groups with higher fragility, face the highest stakes. The design flaw does not discriminate, but the physical outcome of the failure certainly does. Recognizing this helps underscore why the remedy—replacing the bolts with nylon ones that are designed to break under pressure—is so critical for everyone involved.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your bicycle is part of this specific recall requires a bit of detective work, but the process is straightforward once you know exactly where to look. The core issue here involves VanMoof B-Series and S-Series commuter-style bicycles. These are not standard off-the-rack bikes; they are distinct electric-assist models that were manufactured between 2014 and 2016. If your bike does not fit this general timeframe or brand, it is likely safe from this particular safety notice. However, if you own a VanMoof from those years, you need to verify the specific series and frame type.

The first step in identification is distinguishing between the two main series: the S-Series and the B-Series. You can tell them apart by looking at the frame color and finish. The S-Series bikes are characterized by a grey anodized frame. If your bicycle has that distinct, durable-looking grey metallic finish, you are likely dealing with an S-Series model. On the other hand, the B-Series bikes feature a white powder-coated frame. This is a smoother, painted look rather than the metal finish of the S-Series. So, check your bike’s primary color: grey points to S-Series, while white points to B-Series.

Once you have identified the series, you must determine the specific frame geometry, as both series come in three different styles. For both the B-Series and S-Series, VanMoof produced a straight frame model, a straight frame that includes an integrated chain lock, and a dropdown frame style. The "dropdown" frame is easier to spot because it has a curved top tube that dips down toward the handlebars, making it easier to mount and dismount. If your bike does not have this dip, it is either a straight frame or a straight frame with the built-in chain lock. You can identify the locked version by looking for the locking mechanism integrated into the frame near the pedals.

The most definitive way to confirm if your bike is part of the 375 affected units is to locate and read the serial number. VanMoof stamped these numbers directly onto the bicycle’s bottom bracket. To find it, you will need to look at the very bottom of the bicycle frame, right between the two pedals where they connect to the crank arms. This area can be a bit dirty or hard to see, so you may want to use a flashlight. The serial number is engraved there. While the recall notice does not provide a specific list of serial numbers to check against, having this number ready is crucial for any contact you make later.

If your bike matches the VanMoof brand, falls within the 2014-2016 manufacturing window, and has one of the frame types described above (S-Series with grey frame or B-Series with white frame), it is highly probable that it is included in this recall. Because the recall involves nearly 375 units, it covers a significant portion of their early production run. Do not rely on price tags or purchase receipts alone to determine eligibility, as those do not indicate the physical safety features of the fender bolts. Your visual inspection of the frame color and the stamped serial number is your best tool for identification.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled VanMoof bicycles, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and cost-free remedy to address this safety issue. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report confirms that VanMoof is not requiring you to return your entire bicycle or ship it back for processing. Instead, they are providing free replacement nylon bolts for the front fender along with clear installation instructions. This approach is designed to be as convenient and accessible as possible for consumers, ensuring that you can resolve the hazard without significant disruption to your daily routine or incurring any out-of-pocket expenses.

The first step in this process is to stop using the recalled bicycle immediately. While it may be tempting to continue riding if the bike appears to function normally, the underlying mechanical flaw remains present until the bolts are replaced. Once you have secured the bicycle and ensured it is not being ridden, you can proceed with contacting VanMoof to initiate the remedy. The recall notice provides several convenient ways to reach them. You can call their toll-free number at 855-623-6673, which is staffed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. For those who prefer digital communication, you may send an email to fenderbolt@vanmoof.com. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.vanmoof.com or access support directly via support.vanmoof.com by clicking the link in the top-right corner of the homepage, next to the language menu.

It is important to understand why the remedy focuses on replacing the bolts rather than offering a full refund or replacement of the bike. The hazard described in the recall involves the stainless steel fender bolts failing to break when an object gets stuck between the front tire and the fender. This rigidity can cause the bicycle to stop suddenly, leading to falls and impact injuries. By switching to nylon bolts, which are designed to break under similar stress, the risk of these sudden stops is significantly reduced. Therefore, the repair is the most logical and effective solution. The instructions provided will guide you through installing these new bolts yourself, meaning you do not need professional mechanical assistance or a trip to a bike shop. This DIY-friendly aspect of the remedy ensures that even if you are not mechanically inclined, you can still complete the safety upgrade safely and correctly.

Please keep in mind that this recall covers specific models manufactured between 2014 and 2016. If your bicycle falls outside this range or does not match the B-Series (white powder coated frame) or S-Series (grey anodized frame) descriptions, it may not be part of this specific recall. However, if you are within the affected group, acting promptly is crucial. The remedy is free, but the safety risk is real. Two reported injuries, including a broken arm and a concussion, highlight the potential consequences of ignoring this issue. By taking the time to contact VanMoof and install the new nylon bolts, you are effectively neutralizing the fall hazard and ensuring your continued safety on the road.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to look at a minor mechanical detail, like the bolts holding your fender in place, and assume that continuing to ride as usual carries little risk. After all, a fender is just a piece of plastic or metal meant to keep mud off your back. However, when you ignore a recall notice regarding a specific failure point, you are effectively choosing to rely on luck rather than engineering safety. In the case of the VanMoof B-Series and S-Series bicycles, the core issue is not that the fender will simply fall off; it is that the current stainless steel bolts are designed to stay rigidly in place even when they should give way. This creates a dangerous mechanical trap that can turn a routine commute into a serious accident.

To understand the real-world consequences, we have to look at what happens when debris gets caught between your front tire and the fender. On any bike, small stones, twigs, or hardened mud can wedge themselves in that narrow gap. In a properly designed safety system, the bolt holding the fender would snap under this pressure, allowing the fender to swing out of the way and prevent the wheel from locking up. But with the recalled bolts, they do not break. Instead, they hold the fender firmly against the tire. When you ride over an object that gets stuck in this gap, the fender acts as a wedge, forcing the front wheel to stop rotating instantly while your body continues moving forward at speed. This is the mechanism behind the fall and impact hazards cited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The consequences of ignoring this flaw are not theoretical; they have already resulted in documented injuries. The manufacturer has confirmed two specific incidents where riders were hurt because the fender failed to release itself from an obstruction. In one case, the sudden stop caused the rider to suffer a broken arm, along with bruises and scratches. In the second instance, the force of the fall was severe enough to cause a concussion. These are not minor scrapes; they are significant physical traumas that can lead to long-term health issues, medical bills, and lost time from work or daily activities. By continuing to use the bicycle with the original bolts, you are risking a similar outcome every time you ride on roads where debris is present.

Beyond the immediate risk of injury, ignoring the recall also means you are denying yourself the simple, free remedy that has been provided. VanMoof is offering free replacement nylon bolts and installation instructions because they know that fixing this issue is straightforward and eliminates the hazard entirely. If you choose to do nothing, you are not only staying in danger but also making your future repair more complicated or costly if the original bolts eventually fail in an uncontrolled way or if the fender becomes loose due to vibration. The path of least resistance right now is actually the safest one: stop riding immediately and swap out those bolts. Your safety is worth far more than the fifteen minutes it takes to install a new set of fasteners.

Staying safe: broader tips