Brussels, Belgium

“We’ve stayed true to our initial vision of providing a better alternative to the car —a shift we will now accelerate and lead,” states Adrien Roose, co-founder and CEO of Cowboy.

Cowboy, maker of some of our favorite pedal-assisted electric bikes, is back with two new models for 2021.

The Cowboy 4 is a complete overhaul to last year’s Cowboy 3 while the Cowboy 4 ST features the company’s first step-through frame.

Both bikes benefit from a new powertrain with 50 percent more torque than last year’s C3 as well as a new integrated “cockpit” with Quadlock mount that wirelessly charges your phone as you ride.

The fourth-generation C4 maintains the same sporty riding position and ultra-responsive steering as every Cowboy before it.

But this year’s model has a redesigned 250W rear-hub motor that remains silent as it assists riders up to a max speed of 25km/h (15.5mph), even though it’s smaller and produces noticeably more torque.

The bump from 30Nm to 45Nm of torque is apparent on the first downstroke, with the lightest of touches propelling the slightly heavier 18.9kg / 41.67-pound e-bike forward with enough gusto to help smooth out hills.

The C4 ST has a lower saddle and higher grips that put the rider into a more upright position.

That coupled with a lower gear ratio (2.71 on the C4 ST vs. 2.85 on the C4) makes the ride feel more relaxed despite having the same motor and Gates Carbon belt drive as its brother.

The C4 ST is the model you buy for long, lazy commutes with a laptop bag, or for anyone who won’t fit the C4’s taller frame.

The C4 e-bikes, like their predecessors, offer only a single power setting with no throttle and no extra gears.

They rely on a torque sensor to adjust the power delivery as needed, which has traditionally resulted in one of the most intuitive pedal-assisted rides on the road.

The carbon belt spans smoothly, as does the road before you.

A newfound freedom in a city wilder than you once thought.

With your phone docked in sight, your bike becomes an all-knowing companion.

Connected to your every move and on the lookout for what’s ahead, now’s your chance to wander and wonder.

The embedded sensors tell you if something’s awry.

As the tread of your tyres hit the pavement, worry escapes as resilience finds its rightful place in a city that demands nothing less.

Project: Cowboy 4
Designers: Cowboy SA
Manufacturer: Cowboy SA