How to unlock higher speed limits on your VanMoof

The speed limit you can enable depends entirely on your bike’s generation and firmware version. MoofMate only shows the options that are actually available for your specific bike, so you will never see a setting that doesn’t apply.

The S3 is the most capable model for speed settings because it supports Speed++ on any firmware version, giving any S3 owner access to the 37 km/h range. The X3 supports the same limit only on older firmware (1.7.6 and below). S5 and A5 owners can reach 32 km/h where the firmware allows it. S6 owners are limited to 25 km/h by hardware design, and no setting change in MoofMate can override that.

First, make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is on and your VanMoof is nearby and powered on. Open MoofMate and tap your bike from the home screen to connect. The connection typically takes five to ten seconds.

Once connected, open the Settings tab. You will see a Speed Limit section that shows your current active limit and the options available for your model. Tap the limit you want to set. MoofMate writes the new value to the bike over Bluetooth, you will see a confirmation once it is done.

For S3 owners, a separate Speed++ toggle will appear in settings once you have first enabled the 32 km/h option. Enabling Speed++ after that extends the effective range to 37 km/h. You need to enable 32 km/h first, Speed++ does not work independently.

After changing the setting, take your bike for a short test ride to confirm the change is active. The MoofMate app will show your real speed accurately even after the wheel-size adjustment that Speed++ makes.

Speed++ is a feature exclusive to the VanMoof S3. It works by changing the wheel-size parameter that the motor uses to calculate speed. When the motor thinks the wheel is larger than it actually is, it allows the bike to spin faster before hitting the software cutoff, effectively raising the top speed to 37 km/h.

To enable it: connect to your bike in MoofMate, go to Settings, enable the 32 km/h speed limit first, then toggle on Speed++. Both changes are written to the bike simultaneously. You will notice the bike feels more responsive at speeds above 25 km/h after this change.

One thing to be aware of: the speed shown on the S3 handlebar display will read lower than your actual speed once Speed++ is active. This happens because the display uses the same wheel-size value to calculate what it shows. The MoofMate app calculates your true speed by accounting for the wheel-size offset that Speed++ applies, so it will show your real speed correctly.

When you adjust the speed limit through MoofMate, the change is saved directly to your bike’s firmware memory. It is not a temporary session setting, the limit stays in place even if you close the app or your phone dies.

To revert to the factory default (25 km/h), open MoofMate, connect, go to Settings, and set the speed limit back to 25 km/h. If Speed++ was enabled, disable it first before lowering the limit. The bike will return to its original behaviour immediately.

The change does not affect other connected apps or your bike’s ability to receive firmware updates through the official VanMoof app. You can continue using both apps side by side. If a firmware update changes how speed limits are stored, you may need to re-apply your preferred settings in MoofMate after updating.

Can I use Speed++ on an X3? The X3 uses a different firmware architecture than the S3. On firmware version 1.7.6 and below, the X3 supports a 37 km/h limit through MoofMate’s off-road mode, but not through the same Speed++ mechanism. On newer X3 firmware, only 32 km/h is available.

Will my S5 reach 37 km/h? No. The S5 and A5 hardware limits the top speed to 32 km/h when unlocked through supported firmware. This is a hardware constraint, not a software limitation in MoofMate.

Does the change affect how the motor assists? Yes, slightly. With a higher speed limit active, the motor continues to provide assist up to the new limit instead of cutting off at 25 km/h. The assist behavior above the original cutoff is the same as just below it, it does not become jerky or unpredictable.

Does Boost++ work together with Speed++? Yes. Boost++ temporarily raises the effective speed limit to the highest available option while you hold the boost button. On an S3 with Speed++ active, Boost++ uses the 37 km/h ceiling. On an S5, it uses 32 km/h. Both features are available simultaneously through MoofMate.

E-bike speed regulations differ significantly across Europe and beyond. In most EU countries, e-bikes with motor assist above 25 km/h are classified as mopeds or speed pedelecs, requiring registration, insurance, and a driving licence in some cases. In the Netherlands, the legal limit for pedal-assist bicycles is 25 km/h. In Belgium, Germany, and the UK, the same threshold applies.

Changing the speed limit on your VanMoof using MoofMate may put you into a different legal vehicle category on public roads in your country. It is your responsibility as a rider to understand this before making any changes.

Additionally, using speed settings beyond the factory default may void your VanMoof warranty. If your bike is under warranty and something goes wrong, having modified the speed settings could affect any service claim. Check your warranty documentation before making changes.

MoofMate provides these settings as technical tools for informed riders. The app includes clear safety notes, but how you use the features is ultimately your decision. Off-road or private land use is a common context where riders choose to explore higher speed settings without the legal implications of public road use.