VanMoof Founders Launch New Raleigh E-Bike
▼ Summary
– Taco and Ties Carlier, VanMoof’s founders, now work for Accell Group, a major Dutch cycling company owning brands like Raleigh and Batavus.
– Their first e-bike project for Raleigh is nearly complete, with prototypes spotted around Amsterdam over the past year.
– The Raleigh e-bike features VanMoof-like design elements but includes improvements like a removable battery and rear-wheel motor.
– Leaked images reveal integrated lighting, hauling options, and a phone mount, aligning with VanMoof’s signature style.
– Accell Group confirmed the e-bike was developed with input from former VanMoof team members but emphasizes it’s an Accell product.
The founders of VanMoof have quietly been developing a new e-bike under the Raleigh brand, marking their first major project since leaving their bankrupted startup. Taco and Ties Carlier, the Dutch brothers who revolutionized urban cycling with their sleek, tech-forward designs, are now contributing their expertise to Accell Group, a powerhouse behind numerous bicycle brands including Batavus, Sparta, and Raleigh itself.
For months, prototypes of an unidentified e-bike have been spotted weaving through Amsterdam’s streets, often near the brothers’ neighborhood. These sightings align with recently leaked images of a Raleigh-branded model, accidentally published by Uni_verse Studio, a digital agency previously linked to VanMoof. Though the photos were quickly removed, they revealed key features: integrated lighting, cargo-friendly options, and a built-in phone mount.
The design echoes VanMoof’s signature aesthetic but with notable upgrades. Unlike earlier models, this e-bike features a removable battery, belt drive system, and a rear-wheel motor, improvements that address common criticisms of their previous work. The overall silhouette draws comparisons to the Tenways CGO009, suggesting a focus on lightweight, efficient commuting.
When questioned about the project, Accell Group’s Ertu Bilgin confirmed the involvement of former VanMoof team members but emphasized the bike as an Accell creation. While details on pricing and availability remain under wraps, the collaboration signals a fresh chapter for the Carlies, blending their disruptive vision with the resources of an established industry player.
For cycling enthusiasts and urban commuters, this development hints at exciting possibilities, a refined take on smart mobility, backed by decades of manufacturing expertise. As Amsterdam’s streets continue to serve as a testing ground, the bike’s eventual release could reshape expectations for what a modern e-bike should be.
(Source: The Verge)
