The market for urban electric bikes is booming. After the new Specialized Turbo Vado SL, Angell, Gogoro Eeyo 1 and VanMoof S3 and X3, it’s Cowboy’s turn to draw. The Belgian brand has just unveiled the third generation of its VAE which has built a good reputation thanks to a distinctive design and good value for money. The Cowboy 3 essentially retains its sleek and elegant aesthetic, with its removable battery integrated into the seat tube, its LED lights and its minimalist display system incorporated in the aluminum frame. The electric motor housed in the rear hub is still a 250W developing 30 Nm of torque. The battery does not change either (10 Ah, 360 Wh), with a announced maximum range of 70 km. The charging time is always 3.5 hours. The Cowboy 3 is a bit overweight compared to its predecessor (16.9 kg against 16.1 kg). This is probably related to the new tires which incorporate a puncture-resistant coating. We find the carbon belt transmission instead of a conventional chain, less dirty and maintenance free for 30,000 km, promises the manufacturer. The Cowboy 3 is now available in two other anthracite gray and mineral gray colors in addition to satin black and you can buy optional mudguards at 89 euros.
More expensive than the Cowboy 2
The main technological developments are to be found in the electronics and mobile applications. Cowboy says he has reworked torque management for faster starts and easier uphill climb. Remember that the bicycle uses an automatic transmission managed by an algorithm which adapts the level of pedaling assistance. Four new features are arriving on the mobile application: the automatic unlocking of the bicycle as soon as the smartphone is detected nearby; a theft alert if someone tries to move it; accident detection with automatic call to an emergency contact; measurement of air quality. Finally, Cowboy announces a new mobile service with repairers who come to your home free of charge during the 2-year warranty period. The program already exists in 24 cities and will be extended over the summer. We now come to the price which has unfortunately increased compared to the 2019 model and goes to 2,290 euros against 1,999 euros. It is difficult to understand the reason for this inflation in view of the mainly software developments. Especially since the mudguards are charged as an option. Suddenly, the Cowboy 3 is a little less well placed than the VanMoof S3 and X3 which remains below the 2,000 euros mark and poses as a formidable competitor.
