COWBOY

Connected electric bikes for city riders come from Cowboy, a Brussels company founded in 2017 by three start-up founders. The company sets out to change the category, which it says has been seen as expensive, cumbersome and poorly designed, by combining design with affordability and technology. Its bikes link to a mobile app that holds a secure digital key, live statistics and GPS tracking.

Motor assistance that responds to the rider

Cowboy's motor assistance uses sensor technology that measures speed and torque. It adjusts to the way the rider pedals and adds a boost at key moments, such as when pedalling starts, when the rider accelerates and when the road climbs. The company describes its AdaptivePower system as sensing incline, wind and weight, adjusting power in real time.

Battery, frame and lights

The battery is integrated into the frame under the saddle and can be removed easily. The bike has integrated front and rear lights, and a brake light that comes on when the hydraulic brakes are used. The company describes safety as its top priority, alongside design and efficiency, and says the bike and battery together are among the lightest electric bikes on the market.

The Cowboy app

The app offers on-board navigation, so riders can reach a destination more easily, and an on and off control so that only the owner can open the bike. It also gives a data dashboard that tracks speed and progress, and it lets owners locate the bike and receive alerts when it moves.