The Belgian start-up Cowboy have unveiled a smart e-bike that they say will "transform the urban commute". The frame has a minimal design, and smart features include built-in lights with a rear brake light, an integrated SIM card and intuitive assistance with no buttons or gears needed.
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The frame itself is aluminium, and only available in a large size suitable for riders 170-195cm tall at the moment. Weighing 16kg for the full bike, it has a lean look with integrated cables and a 2.4 kg removable battery with a 70km range. The rear-wheel custom designed motor has a 250 watt limit to comply with EU e-bike rules. The motor also has automatic assistance that senses when the rider needs more power and adjusts accordingly, without the need to switch gears.
A belt drive reduces the need to do much maintenance day-to-day, the 42mm Gravelking Panaracer tyres will cover you for mixed terrain riding and hydraulic disc brakes are specced for extra stopping power.
There is integrated front and rear lighting, with the back light increasing in intensity when you brake. Another handy feature is the built-in SIM card, that allows you to track your bike with GPS should a thief take a shine to it. It's all controlled via the Cowboy app (for iOS and Android) and you activate the bike with a digital key. A live dashboard keeps the rider informed of the status of the ride in terms of speed, duration, distance and battery level. The app also allows users to turn the front light on and off and has an integrated navigation system. There's also a remote diagnostic system that sends push notifications to alert you about any maintenance that needs doing.
The bike is retailing at 1,990 euros, available to pre-order directly from Cowboy with a 100 euro deposit. It will be available to buy in the UK later this year, head over to their website for more info.
