Recognize cowboy failures without error codes

"The engine doesn't work," but the bike does.

Check: Open the Cowboy app and see if the kick support might just be off. This is the most common "fault" that there isn't.

Solution: Free: Enable support in the app. If it doesn't work afterwards, it's a real malfunction (see below).

The app doesn't find the bike, Bluetooth is on

Check: Is there another phone in the area that was ever connected to this bike? Cowboy connects to only one phone at a time.

Solution: Free: Remove (or disable Bluetooth) and reconnect on the old phone.

Engine cuts off on climbing or heavy kicking, comes back flat

Check: Does it only happen on bridges/slopes, or also on flat surfaces?

Solution: This may have several causes, including the sensor or a connection. Please contact Cowboy support for diagnosis. We do not offer any Cowboy engine or electronics diagnosis.

Support completely away, but the app just connects

Check: Is there a notification or banner in the app? Make it a screenshot, the literal text helps greatly with diagnosis.

Solution: Send the screenshot and your symptom description to Cowboy support. Please do not book maintenance with us: Controller, sensor and engine failures are outside our maintenance service.

"Find my bike" and the alarm stops, driving and loading is fine

Check: Is the location in the app "frozen" in an old place?

Solution: This may be related to the connection or communication module. Let Cowboy support assess the cause; we do not replace Cowboy electronics.

Belt snapped or broken (C2/C3/Classic/Cruiser)

Check: A Cowboy belt normally goes 8,000-10,000 km, check your mileage in the app.

Solution: A Gates CDX belt costs €94.99 on top of the maintenance visit. Suitability, availability and possible additional work is agreed in advance. A new gear is not automatically included.

Brake feels weak or spongy (Classic, Cruiser, Cruiser ST)

Check: the C4 generation has hydraulic brakes that need bleeding every 6–12 months. A spongy lever is the telltale sign.

Solution: alongside maintenance, brake bleeding costs €30,00 per side and brake pads cost €24,00 per side. These amounts are added to the maintenance visit, and extra work is only carried out with your agreement.

Tear at the head of a Cruiser ST (matte "Edition MR")

Check: Do you drive a matt Cruiser ST with more than ±2,500 km? Check the welding seam between head tube and saddle tube.

Solution: This is a recognized manufacturing defect for which Cowboy did a recall action in 2025, they replace the frame. We do not intentionally weld here; please contact Cowboy. Do you have any doubts? We look at it honestly during a service.

Need maintenance? We check and maintain tyres, brakes and drive at home in Amsterdam. The standard maintenance visit costs €45,00 including travel and VAT; you can see any surcharge for your address when booking. Engine, battery and electronics failures are assessed by Cowboy support. See maintenance agreements · more about our Cowboy service