VanMoof Is Our ADE Ride Or Die
ADE week is upon us, and Amsterdam is once again gearing up for one of the biggest weeks in electronic music anywhere. For seven days, artists, dancers, late-night believers, and jet-lagged industry insiders descend on the capital and transform it into a citywide festival of sound and movement.
This year, Highsnobiety is stepping into the energy with its own programming—including a special night with Honey Dijon and the ZO! Gospel Choir inside the hallowed halls of De Nieuwe Kerk. And as any Amsterdammer will tell you, there’s only one way to survive the surge: the bike. Preferably an electric one.
Which is where VanMoof comes in. Together, we spent an off-day with Amsterdam-based creative Eben Badu, riding the new VanMoof S6 through the city and tracing the everyday rituals that keep him grounded—the café stops, studio run-ins, and unexpected corners that define a personal map of Amsterdam. Before he hits the chaos of ADE, Eben takes us through his Amsterdam.
How important is cycling to someone in Amsterdam, and especially during ADE?
“We are fortunate when it comes to the infrastructure of Amsterdam. It’s very easy and handy to go from A to B cycling. ADE is a busy week with a lot going on, so the best way to move is definitely with the bike.”
What’s the first place you ride to when the festival kicks off?
Felix Meritus to collect my ADE pass. And after that, the TNO store to set up for the store event.
How does the city feel different by bike?
On a bike, there’s never just one route — there are nine different ways to get anywhere. You end up seeing parts of Amsterdam you’d miss otherwise.
Any secrets to mastering biking through Amsterdam?
Be focused on the road and your environment.
Any memorable detours your S6 has taken you on?
Sometimes the night shifts and you realise you can bring someone along for the ride—the bike makes room for good company.
And when the festival winds down? Where does the final ride take you?
Oost West Dapper is always the best! Chopping some nice food at the Zeedijk.
Feeling like giving the VanMoof S6 a spin? Learn more about their latest here.
