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Rival ebike maker Cowboy is making an app[0] that supports some VanMoof bikes and they say it will support more models in future. Meanwhile, you can download yo

by veidr 3y ago

Rival ebike maker Cowboy is making an app[0] that supports some VanMoof bikes and they say it will support more models in future. Meanwhile, you can download your bike's encryption key and passcode from this other website[1]. It appears likely that as long as you have this info, third-party apps like Cowboy's or others will be able to work. But getting the info relies on VanMoof's servers being up, so if you have a VanMoof bike I recommend downloading yours ASAP just in case. FWIW, I have been using a VanMoof Electrified X2 in Tokyo for about 4 years. Great bike, but glitchy software. The bike plays sound effects like "unlock" at random inappropriate time, and the app on the phone frequently displays useless/incomprehensible alerts. But one of the good things about VanMoof is that they have an API that already somewhat supported third party apps, like this one[3]. So I think as long as you save your bike's encryption key and passcode, you're good. I don't think your bike will be bricked after that. (But it could be otherwise, because those details are needed for a non-VanMoof app to control the bike, and if VanMoof disappears AFAIK there is no way to get them after that.) [0]: https://bikey-app.cowboy.bike https://bikey-app.cowboy.bike [1]: https://keyexporter.grossartig.io https://keyexporter.grossartig.io [2] https://moofer.app https://moofer.app

hotpotamus 3y ago
> Meanwhile, you can download your bike's encryption key and passcode from this other website I can't help but get "drink a verification can" vibes from that. At least they're making them available to people.
yabatopia 3y ago
> Rival ebike maker Cowboy is making an app[0] that supports some VanMoof bikes and they say it will support more models in future. That future can be very short. Cowboy is like Vanmoofs twin: proprietary parts, ridiculously VC funded, mountains of debt, more losses than revenue, no realistic path towards profitability, ... All that in a ebike boom decade. It's another bankruptcy waiting to happen.
- veidr 3y ago
  Sounds plausible; their bikes look very similar to VanMoof, are priced in the same range, and have similar long delivery times. My point was just that there are alternative apps for VanMoof bikes. But maybe there is a more interesting point here. Maybe these Apple-esque ebikes designs that prize looking pretty and over repairability/interoperability have seen their moment pass?

by veidr 3y ago

hotpotamus 3y ago

> Meanwhile, you can download your bike's encryption key and passcode from this other website I can't help but get "drink a verification can" vibes from that. At least they're making them available to people.

yabatopia 3y ago

> Rival ebike maker Cowboy is making an app[0] that supports some VanMoof bikes and they say it will support more models in future. That future can be very short. Cowboy is like Vanmoofs twin: proprietary parts, ridiculously VC funded, mountains of debt, more losses than revenue, no realistic path towards profitability, ... All that in a ebike boom decade. It's another bankruptcy waiting to happen.

veidr 3y ago
Sounds plausible; their bikes look very similar to VanMoof, are priced in the same range, and have similar long delivery times. My point was just that there are alternative apps for VanMoof bikes. But maybe there is a more interesting point here. Maybe these Apple-esque ebikes designs that prize looking pretty and over repairability/interoperability have seen their moment pass?