The American company micromobility.com, a global pioneer in sustainable transportation as it claims, is preparing the take-over of the recently declared bankrupt Amsterdam e-bike manufacturer VanMoof.

The company has already made a so-called ‘non-binding’ offer that would have been positively received. The news was announced on the company’s website, but financial details were not disclosed.

Micromobility.com produces electric bicycles and e-scooters and is active in the United States and Europe. The company offers shares rentals in over 40 cities globally across three continents through its three subsidiaries, Helbiz, Wheels & Mimoto.

Long-term strategy

On its website, the company says to provide new transportation options, complement public transit systems, and invest in safety infrastructure that benefits everyone. By acquiring VanMoof, the company can strengthen its own portfolio and its position in the electric urban transport market.

According to Salvatore Palella, CEO of micromobility.com, the acquisition is part of the long-term strategy to consolidate the company’s leadership in the micro-mobility market.

Upon successful acquisition, micromobility plans to leverage its advanced e-bike technology and successful subscription model to enhance its product offerings. The Company intends to continue investing in the e-bike segment, seeing significant potential in this market in the coming years.

‘Serious candidates’

Micromobility.com, founded in 2015, will report more information about the acquisition process as further developments occur. Several parties would be interested in a take-over of VanMoof. Concrete talks are being held with ‘serious candidates’ about a possible take-over.

Earlier this month, the Dutch bicycle manufacturer VanMoof went bankrupt. The company was founded in 2009 by Taco and Ties Carlier. Together, they produced hip and trendy e-bikes for urban use.

Ambitious plans

The first e-bike was launched in 2016. Despite their ambitious plan “to get the next billion earthlings to cycle”, the two brothers went broke.

Recently, the French platform for refurbished e-bikes, Upway, said to be willing to help owners of a VanMoof bicycle and repair it. Earlier this month, the Belgian bicycle brand Cowboy introduced a special app for VanMoof customers to lock and unlock their bikes.