VanMoof Kicklock Problems | Causes and Solutions

March 27, 2026

Is your VanMoof kicklock not working properly, or do you feel that your lock is unreliable?

Then you are probably dealing with a VanMoof kicklock issue.

This is a common problem with various VanMoof models and can manifest in several ways.

Important to know:

👉 A defective kicklock does not always give an error message

👉 Error 42 is relatively rare for a defective kicklock itself

What can you try yourself?

Reset the bike
Check if the kicklock can move freely
Move the bike slightly backward when unlocking
Check for dirt or blockage

Does the problem persist? Then there is likely a technical defect that needs further investigation.

What does VanMoof Error 42 mean?

Error 42 indicates a problem where the kicklock is not properly recognized by the system.

This is often related to:

The wiring

The socket (wiring harness)

The connection between kicklock and bike

👉 In these cases, the cause is often not in the kicklock itself, but in the communication to it.

👉 Not every kicklock problem is actually caused by the kicklock itself.

In practice, we regularly see that malfunctions in the socket (wiring harness) or battery affect the operation of the lock.

Kicklock problems without error message

In practice, we see that most kicklock problems occur without Error 42. We regularly encounter these types of VanMoof kicklock problems in our workshop.

Below are the most common situations:

🔧 1. Kicklock sensor problem

The kicklock no longer recognizes its position (open or closed).

What do you notice?

The bike thinks it's locked when it's not

No motor assistance while cycling

The alarm goes off when you move the bike

👉 This is because the sensor is transmitting an incorrect status

Solution:

👉 Replacement of the kicklock

Alternative:

👉 Kicklock deactivation

This permanently sets the kicklock to the open position.

Please note:

The automatic locking will no longer work

The alarm will also no longer work

An alternative lock is strongly recommended

⚙️ 2. Kicklock mechanical problem (latch / washer)

The kicklock is not working mechanically well.

What do you notice?

The kicklock does not click into place properly

The bike unlocks itself immediately after locking

The latch does not release when you want to unlock

👉 This is often due to wear or damage to internal components

Solution:

👉 In many cases, we can repair the kicklock

👉 In some cases, replacement or deactivation is necessary

Differences per VanMoof model

VanMoof S2 & X2

Similar to the S3/X3:

Sensor problems occur
Mechanical wear of the kicklock
Less complex electronics, but similar complaints

VanMoof S3 & X3

With these models we most often see:

Sensor problems (no support / alarm active)
Mechanical problems (kicklock doesn't click into place properly)

👉 Error 42 rarely occurs directly due to a defective kicklock here, but rather due to wiring

VanMoof S5 / A5

With these models, we see several types of problems.

Sometimes:

👉 The kicklock temporarily does not work and a reset can solve the problem

Other cases are similar to the S3:

Sensor problems (no support / alarm active)

But more often we see:

Problems with the latch (mechanical)
The kicklock does not lock properly
Or does not unlock when it should

👉 In these cases, replacement is usually necessary

VanMoof S6 (Open)

These models are less predictable.

Problems can also be software-related
Less known patterns (little data available yet)

👉 Therefore, diagnosis is almost always necessary

Please note:

Many S5/A5 and S6 bikes are still under warranty.

Indicate this when making an appointment and state your frame number.

When is it something other than the kicklock?

In some cases, the problem is not in the kicklock itself, but in:

The wiring

The socket (wiring harness)

👉 This is less common, but is always included in the diagnosis

Our approach: first diagnosis, then repair

We see these kinds of problems daily in our workshop in the center of Amsterdam.

At WheelGood, we always start with a diagnosis to determine:

Whether the kicklock is defective

Whether the problem lies in the wiring

Whether multiple causes are at play simultaneously

👉 This way we prevent unnecessary costs and ensure the correct solution

Is your VanMoof kicklock still causing issues or are you unsure about the cause?Book a diagnosis with us in Amsterdam so we can quickly identify the problem and prevent unnecessary costs.

When should you come by?

Schedule a diagnosis if:

Your bike is not providing assistance while not locked

The alarm goes off when moving the bike

The kicklock does not click into place properly

The bike unlocks itself

You are unsure about the cause

👉 In these cases, further investigation is needed

Does your VanMoof kicklock keep causing problems or are you unsure about the cause?

Schedule a diagnosis with us in Amsterdam so we can solve the problem quickly and efficiently.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to see Error 42 to have a kicklock problem?

No, certainly not. Most kicklock problems do not give an error message.

Can I still cycle with a broken kicklock?

That depends on the problem. With sensor problems, the bike may not provide assistance or activate the alarm. Sometimes the kicklock may no longer respond, making unlocking impossible.

Is kicklock deactivation a good solution?

This can be a practical solution for SX2 and SX3 bikes, but you will then need an alternative lock.

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