Belgian Cowboy just launched the 3rd generation of its signature connected city electric bike. There are improvements and revisions of some of the features, especially in the smartphone app, and the price went up by 300 euros.
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New Cowboy 3 e-bike and its competition
Cowboy is a famous Belgian cycle brand that specializes in electric bicycles. As the situation with connected city e-bikes is evolving fast, the main competitors of Cowboy are French Angell e-bike and Dutch Vanmoof Electrified. Similar to both Angell and Vanmoof, Cowboy aims to provide a beautifully designed e-bike at a reasonable cost, to satisfy riders, who are looking for connected city e-bikes to take them places.
Cowboy has started with a simple e-bike and with a minimalistic design. This e-bike model is easy to use and the purchase configuration is really simple as well. When making your purchase, you only have to choose the color (only 3 colors are available) and mudguards.
While the rival brands were busy selling their new e-bike models, Cowboy launched the third iteration of its signature e-bike with an automated speed system and a belt, instead of a chain.
This choice to integrate an automated speed control system is what both Angell and Vanmoof have already thought of for their own recent models. An automated speed control system is starting to replace traditional e-bike speed levers.
What has changed in the third generation of Cowboy?
Well, nearly everything is now controlled using a custom-built smartphone app. Unlike Angell, for example, Cowboy e-bikes do not have a control display. All that needs to be done with the e-bike (locking, unlocking, battery capacity, navigation, etc.) as well as all route info can be managed and is controlled via a dedicated smartphone app.
Removable battery
One further advantage of Cowboy’s 3rd generation is its removable battery, which comes hidden in a strong aluminum frame. This is a good move, as a removable battery is a real advantage for a connected city e-bike.
Removable battery choice allows for more flexibility with charging – you can take your battery with you to your apartment or office, and with e-bike weight – relatively easier to carry this e-bike without its battery.
E-bike tires, saddle, and other accessories are advertised as in-house designs but, in reality, they are personalized by Cowboy, and that’s all.
Read also: What are the differences between e-bike batteries? And, How to properly store an electric bike?
Frame design
The design of the frame did not change. Previous generations of Cowboy, as well the current one have a comfortable frame design that is well suited for riders, who are around or above 1m 75 cm (68,9 inches). Overall, the design looks pretty sporty.
Belt instead of chain
Cowboy has also taken good care of the belt (which replaces the traditional bike chain) and has put a carbon one. Such a belt has a lifespan of 30,000 km. The automatic gear system on the e-bike had improved, the tires are wider and include puncture protection.
According to Cowboy, starting the motor has become easier in this model, as the motor is able to deliver the higher torque right from the start. So, this would be an ideal e-bike to choose if you will have to tackle significant climbs on your journey.
Renewed smartphone app
As was mentioned above, Cowboy has made some serious improvements in its smartphone app. The apps enable the user to unlock the e-bike automatically just by approaching it. There are other quite interesting functions, such as accident detection, quick theft alert, and more.
In addition to the traditional information that most of the e-bike smartphone apps would display (range, distance traveled, etc.), the app also enables you to see the tire air pressure before you take off on a ride.
Cowboy has never compromised on e-bike security. The current version incorporates a low energy consumption GPS chip to help the rider locate the e-bike.
Read also: Here is why e-bikes are really cool. And, How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)?
Vanmoof S3/X3, Cowboy 3, and Angell – how are they priced?
Cowboy 3 price is quite comparable, considering the competition. In the segment of e-bikes designed to be electric and connected, there are currently Vanmoof S3/X3, and Angell (along with its Angell/S model).
Prices of all three rivals fall between 2,000 and 3,000 euros. E-bikes have somewhat different characteristics though. If you decide to compare components and accessories of each model, take into account integrated control display, mobile application, and removable (or integrated and not removable on Vanmoof) battery, it may not be easy to decide, which one is better and suit your personal needs.
Read also: Why are electric bikes so expensive? And, Does it make sense to buy the cheapest electric bicycle?
300 euros more for Cowboy 3?
While Vanmoof has significantly reduced prices for its X3 and S3 models, Cowboy has added 300 euros to Cowboy 3, as compared with Cowboy 2. The price is now 2,290 euros (without the mudguards) and 2,379 euros with mudguards.
Here is the price comparison table from Cowboy, Angell, and Vanmoof S3/X3.
| Model | Cowboy 3 | Angell and Angell/s | Vanmoof S3/X3 |
| Prices | 2290 euros (without mudguards), 2379 euros (with mudguards) | 2690 euros (without mudguards) | 1998 euros (with mudguards) |
Cowboy 3, Vanmood S3/X3, and Angell e-bikes compared
Here is a summary table that will help you compare and decide:
| Model | Cowboy 3 | Angell | Vanmoof S3 |
| Weight, wheel size, ergonomics | 16.9 kg (35.3 pounds) 28 inches Rider height: 170 – 200 cm (68,9 – 78,7 inches) | 13.9 kg (28.7 pounds) 28 inches Rider height: 165 – 195 cm (64,9 – 76,8 inches) | 19 kg (41.9 pounds) 28 inch Rider height: 170 – 200 cm (68,9 – 78,7 inches) |
| Brakes | Tektro, Hydraulic, HD-R 290 callipers | Tektro HDR 310-disc brakes | Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes |
| Tires | 42mm custom puncture-resistant | Michelin Protek 700X35C puncture-proof | Schwalbe Big Ben puncture-resistant tires |
| Lights | Integrated front and rear lights | Made to measure SPANNINGA | 40 Lux LED automatic lighting system |
| Engine and torque | 250 W Max. 30 Nm | 250 W Max. 50 Nm | 250 W – 350 W 59 Nm (with Boost) |
| Speeds | Automatic gear system | No gears, single speed with 4 levels of electric assistance | 4 integrated automatic gears Electronic automatic gear change |
| Battery capacity/ autonomy announced | 10 Ah, 360 Watts Up to 70 km (45 miles), removable battery | 70 km (45 miles), removable battery | 504 Wh, 60 – 150 km (35 – 95 miles), non-removable battery |
| Charge | 36V 3A 3.5 hours for a full charge | 36V 4A 2 hours for a full charge | 36V 4A, 50% charge in 80 minutes, full charge in 4 hours |
| Security | Locking/unlocking secured by digital key via a personal application | Automatic locking Automatic user recognition High-frequency alarms Anti-theft monitoring by GSM and Bluetooth | Keyless locking, Touch Unlock Automatic user recognition Integrated alarms Anti-theft tracking via GSM and Bluetooth |
| Geolocation and connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy GPS GSM 2G | Bluetooth Low Energy GPS GSM 2G | Bluetooth Low Energy – GSM 2G |
| Control display | No screen | 2.4-inch color touch screen | Matrix screen |
| Smartphone compatibility | Smartphone connected with the e-bike via an app | Smartphone connected with the e-bike via an app | Smartphone connected with the e-bike via an app |
Which company is more experienced?
Out of all three contenders, Vanmoof is the most experienced company. The Dutch company was created in 2009 and has specialized in bicycles since then. The first Angell e-bikes were unveiled in 2019 by Marc Simoncini (co-founder of Meetic) and are yet to be seen on the market. Cowboy was founded in 2017 and has just delivered its third generation of a connected city e-bike, which we have taken a look at above.
Insurance coverage
Cowboy proposes two insurance offers to take advantage of. One of the offers, which is called Easy Rider, allows the rider to be alerted in the event of theft. Moreover, it ensures that you get a new Cowboy e-bike if yours is never found. Such insurance costs 10 euros/month and also includes damage insurance coverage. Similar services are also offered by the competitors – Vanmoof and Angell.
Read also: Check out reviews of popular models of electric bikes.
