How does the VanMoof Kick Lock work and how secure is it?

Locking your bike without a key, without bending down and without having to reach for a separate lock. That’s the idea behind the VanMoof Kick Lock. With a simple movement of your foot, you lock the rear wheel and activate your VanMoof’s security system.

It’s one of VanMoof’s most recognisable features and particularly convenient in everyday use. But how exactly does the Kick Lock work? And perhaps more importantly: is the Kick Lock alone enough to protect a VanMoof against theft?

What is the VanMoof Kick Lock?

The Kick Lock is an electronic lock integrated into the rear hub of the bike. This means you don’t need to use a key every time you want to lock your VanMoof.

The system can now be found on several generations of VanMoof bikes, including:

• VanMoof S3
• VanMoof X3
• VanMoof S5
• VanMoof A5
• VanMoof S6

The idea behind the system has been around for some time. The first prototypes were developed for the VanMoof S2. That initial prototype was largely made from 3D-printed plastic and was mainly intended to test whether the concept worked. VanMoof has continued to develop the system with each new generation.

The principle has remained the same: making it so easy to lock your bike that it becomes a natural part of getting off your VanMoof.

How do you lock a VanMoof with the Kick Lock?

Using the Kick Lock is simple. On the VanMoof S6, it only takes a few steps:

1. Stop the bike and keep it upright.
2. Position the rear wheel so the line on the rear hub aligns with the markings on the chain guard.
3. Gently press the Kick Lock next to the rear wheel with your foot.
4. Listen for the confirmation sound that tells you the lock has been activated.
5. Walk away – the rear wheel is now locked and the bike’s security system is active.

It may sound like a small difference compared with a traditional bike lock, but you quickly notice the convenience in everyday use. No searching for a key and no frame lock that needs to be operated by hand.

Whether you’re stopping for a coffee, quickly popping into a shop or leaving your bike outside the office, it makes locking your bike just that little bit easier.

What happens when the Kick Lock is activated?

The Kick Lock does more than simply block the rear wheel. It forms part of VanMoof’s wider security system.

On the VanMoof S6, activating the Kick Lock sets several security features in motion:

• The rear wheel is physically locked, preventing someone from simply riding away.
• The bike is electronically secured and can only be unlocked by its owner.
• The built-in alarm is activated and can respond when someone tampers with the bike.
• Tracking features can help locate the bike if it is stolen.
• Remote disabling adds another layer of protection after a bike has been reported stolen.

That’s an important difference compared with a traditional bike lock. The security doesn’t stop at mechanically blocking the wheel.

If someone interferes with a locked VanMoof, the alarm can respond. If the bike is actually stolen, depending on the model and services you use, there are additional options for locating and disabling it.

Want to know more about the complete system? Read our guide to VanMoof security and how well a VanMoof is protected against theft.

How secure is the VanMoof Kick Lock?

The most important thing to understand is that the Kick Lock prevents someone from simply riding away on your VanMoof. The rear wheel is physically blocked, so getting on the bike and cycling away isn’t an option.

However, the Kick Lock has an important limitation: it doesn’t secure your VanMoof to a fixed object. A locked bike could still be lifted and put into a van, for example.

The strength of VanMoof’s approach therefore comes from combining several layers of protection, which can include:

• Kick Lock
• Built-in alarm
• Electronic security
• Alarm notifications
• Tracking
• Remote disabling
• Optional Theft Proof service

Exactly which features are available depends on the VanMoof model and the services you use.

It’s therefore best to think of the Kick Lock as the first layer of security: quick, integrated and always with you.

Do you need an additional lock alongside the VanMoof Kick Lock?

That mainly depends on where you leave your VanMoof and for how long.

Quick stop
Stopping for a coffee or popping into a shop? This is where the convenience of the Kick Lock really comes into its own. You don’t have to get out a heavy chain lock every time.

A few hours in the city
An additional lock provides another physical barrier and allows you to secure your VanMoof to a fixed object.

All day or overnight
If your VanMoof is going to be left outside for a long period, we recommend using an additional high-quality lock and securing the bike to a fixed object whenever possible.

The Kick Lock prevents someone from riding away on your VanMoof. A good chain or folding lock can also make it considerably harder to simply lift the bike and take it away.

VanMoof supports several additional locks on its current models, including frame, chain and folding locks from ABUS.

Our advice is therefore not to think of it as Kick Lock versus traditional lock. An additional lock simply adds another layer of security when the situation calls for it.

Has the Kick Lock on the VanMoof S6 been improved?

Yes. Although the basic principle remains the same, VanMoof has further developed the Kick Lock for the VanMoof S6.

Compared with previous generations, improvements include:

• A wider locking area, making it easier to position the rear wheel correctly.
• Faster operation when locking and unlocking.
• Improved reliability and strength for everyday use.
• Better water resistance to protect the mechanism in different weather conditions.

The wider locking area is particularly noticeable compared with the VanMoof S5 and VanMoof A5. You don’t have to move the rear wheel backwards and forwards as precisely before you can activate the lock.

These aren’t changes that completely transform the basic principle of the Kick Lock. Instead, they refine a feature you may use several times a day.

Want to experience the difference yourself? At RIDERS HUB, you can take a closer look at the VanMoof S6 and take one for a test ride.

How do you unlock the VanMoof Kick Lock?

One of the advantages of an electronic lock is that you don’t need a traditional key to unlock your bike either.

Depending on the VanMoof model, you can use the bike’s smart unlocking features and the VanMoof app.

The exact process differs between generations. On the VanMoof S5 and VanMoof A5, for example, VanMoof has also introduced a feature that allows the Kick Lock itself to be used as part of the unlocking process.

This interaction between the bike and your phone is an important part of the VanMoof experience: in everyday use, there’s no separate bike key to carry around.

Does the Kick Lock still work if tracking is unavailable?

Yes. The Kick Lock and tracking features are separate systems.

This is particularly relevant for owners of older models such as the VanMoof S3 and VanMoof X3. Changes to 2G mobile networks have affected Theft Tracking capabilities on these models. According to VanMoof, however, the Kick Lock continues to work, as do other features that don’t depend on Ride Pro.

So you don’t have to worry about the physical Kick Lock suddenly becoming unusable because a particular tracking service is no longer available.

What should you do if the VanMoof Kick Lock isn’t working?

If the Kick Lock doesn’t engage properly, there are a few things you can check before assuming there is a problem with the mechanism:

1. Check the rear wheel position. Make sure the marking on the rear hub is correctly aligned.
2. Move the bike slightly forwards or backwards. Particularly on earlier VanMoof generations, the alignment can be quite precise.
3. Don’t force the Kick Lock. If it doesn’t engage, reposition the wheel first.
4. Check your accessories. A pannier or other accessory shouldn’t obstruct access to the Kick Lock.
5. Have it checked if the problem persists. It’s better to have the mechanism inspected than to start working on the electronic lock yourself.

Accessories can sometimes play a role. With certain combinations of VanMoof models, rear carriers and panniers, you need to make sure the Kick Lock remains accessible.

On the VanMoof A5 and VanMoof S6 Open, for example, VanMoof recommends mounting certain larger panniers on the right-hand side so they don’t obstruct access to the Kick Lock.

Can someone still take a VanMoof when the Kick Lock is activated?

Yes, physically they can. The Kick Lock blocks the rear wheel but doesn’t attach the bike to a fixed object. Someone could therefore still lift a locked VanMoof.

However, that doesn’t mean the Kick Lock is ineffective. A thief then has to deal with the bike’s other security features. Depending on the VanMoof model and services you use, these can include the alarm, electronic security, tracking and remote disabling.

That combination is what makes the Kick Lock particularly interesting: it isn’t designed as a standalone security solution, but as the first part of a wider system.

Can you ride a VanMoof with the Kick Lock activated?

No. The Kick Lock physically blocks the rear wheel. You need to unlock it before you can ride the bike normally.

You should also never try to force the bike forward while the Kick Lock is activated. The system is specifically designed to mechanically block the rear wheel.

Does the VanMoof Kick Lock work without a phone?

You don’t need a phone to activate the Kick Lock itself. Locking the bike is done using the button next to the rear wheel.

For unlocking and other smart security features, the bike’s electronics and, depending on your model and settings, the VanMoof app play a larger role.

So while your smartphone is an important part of the complete VanMoof experience, you don’t have to take out your phone every time you want to lock your bike.

Does the VanMoof S6 have a Kick Lock?

Yes. The VanMoof S6 features the latest generation of the VanMoof Kick Lock.

For this generation, VanMoof has made several improvements, including:

• A wider locking area
• Faster operation
• Improved reliability
• Increased strength
• Improved water resistance

The principle remains familiar: position the rear wheel, press the Kick Lock with your foot and the bike is secured.

Do the VanMoof S5 and VanMoof A5 have a Kick Lock?

Yes. Both the VanMoof S5 and VanMoof A5 feature an integrated Kick Lock.

The same applies to several earlier VanMoof models, including:

• VanMoof S3
• VanMoof X3
• VanMoof S2
• VanMoof X2

The exact design and functionality have evolved over the different generations, but the basic idea remains the same.

Is the VanMoof Kick Lock waterproof?

VanMoof describes the Kick Lock on the VanMoof S6 as having improved water protection and says that the latest version has been further developed in terms of water resistance.

That doesn’t mean we would describe the system as completely ‘waterproof’. It is, however, designed for normal everyday cycling in different weather conditions.

In other words: you don’t have to worry about using the Kick Lock simply because it’s raining.

VanMoof Kick Lock: the most important things to know

• The Kick Lock physically blocks the rear wheel.
• You activate it with your foot and without a key.
• It is available on several generations, including the VanMoof S3, VanMoof X3, VanMoof S5, VanMoof A5 and VanMoof S6.
• The Kick Lock works together with other VanMoof security features such as the alarm, electronic security and tracking.
• It doesn’t secure the bike to a fixed object.
• For longer periods outside, an additional lock can provide extra protection.
• The VanMoof S6 features the latest generation of the Kick Lock.

Is the VanMoof Kick Lock enough on its own?

For everyday use, one of the biggest strengths of the Kick Lock is that securing your bike requires almost no extra effort. Get off, position the rear wheel, tap the lock and you’re done.

And that convenience matters. A security feature you actually use every time has more practical value than a heavy lock you’re tempted to leave at home for a short trip.

At the same time, it makes sense to consider the situation. If you leave a VanMoof outside for a longer period or in an area with a higher risk of theft, an additional lock that secures the bike to a fixed object can provide a valuable extra layer of protection.

Ultimately, the real strength of VanMoof security lies in the combination of different features. The Kick Lock blocks the rear wheel, while features such as the alarm, electronic security and tracking add further layers of protection depending on the model.

Want to see how the Kick Lock works in practice? At RIDERS HUB, you can explore the VanMoof range and experience for yourself how quickly you can lock and unlock a VanMoof.