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There’s no doubt about it. E-bikes are booming. By 2023, it’s expected that there could be around 300 million e-bikes in circulation worldwide.
And as the phenomenon spreads, more and more brands are producing high-spec e-bikes for assisted urban riding and effortless commutes.
The appeal of e-bikes, in a nutshell, is that you can cycle further and for longer. Journeys are no longer limited by distance, hills or individual fitness level. And riding an e-bike does improve fitness, burning only 25% less calories than a standard bike.
Competition is fierce among leading e-bike brands, and VanMoof and Cowboy remain two of the frontrunners. We’ll take a look at the differences and explain why they are two of the most popular e-bikes available.
Why is VanMoof So Popular?
The Dutch-manufactured VanMoof e-bikes are popular because of their high quality, sleek, minimalist urban design, and their superior battery life, which delivers an impressive 90+ miles on economy setting.
VanMoof bikes offer a smooth, quiet ride and versatile speed assistance. Over the years they’ve developed some serious tech, including a very effective turbo boost and an outstanding anti-theft system.
VanMoof currently offer the premium S5/A5 models and the entry-level S4/X4.
VanMoof Competitors
VanMoof’s biggest competitor is undoubtedly the Cowboy. Both bikes are similar in style but differ significantly in terms of features and geometry. Other leading VanMoof competitors include TENWAYS, Veloretti, Angell and Bird.
But there are also a number of other excellent and unique e-bikes out there. As the market booms, many mainstream and bespoke bike brands are adding an e-bike or two to their collections.
One example is the beautiful and minimal Schindelhauer with their well-earned reputation for beauty, quality and durability.
VanMoof Bikes Pros + Cons
VanMoof bikes, in spite of strong competition, remain one of the most popular e-bikes available. They offer contemporary city style along with an impressive battery life. And with highly-developed security features, they are virtually theft-proof.
Downsides (for some) could include the battery, which in spite of its impressive range is non-removable, making it less convenient to charge. They are also heavier than some of their competitors.
Pros
- Extended battery range
- Adjustable electric assistance levels
- Turbo boost
- Control display integrated on frame/handlebars in addition to smartphone app
- Premium anti-theft security
- Integrated Kick Lock
- Dock Lock for an additional battery – can charge the main battery or power the motor
Cons
- On the heavy side
- Non-removable battery less convenient for charging
- Slow battery charge
- Traditional chain – higher maintenance
Cowboy Bikes Pros + Cons
Cowboy e-bikes are powerful, agile and ideal for zipping around town and making short work of commutes. The detachable battery offers charging flexibility and the lightweight, urban design includes a rear hub motor and a low-maintenance carbon belt drive.
The Cowboy’s non-adjustable power options may not appeal to everybody, and the range is not as impressive as some of its rivals. But for city riders looking for a dynamic bike that handles beautifully, the Cowboy delivers in abundance.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Removable battery for flexible charging
- Carbon belt for oil-free low maintenance
- Wireless phone charging system
Cons
- Non-adjustable speed levels
- Lower range than some of its competitors
- No turbo charge
VanMoof S5 vs Cowboy C4
The VanMoof S5 and Cowboy C4 both boast many impressive features. They both have an intuitive power system and though the Cowboy C4 has no turbo boost, it is lighter than the VanMoof by over 4 kg. The VanMoof’s range is far superior, but the battery charging time is almost twice as long.
The Cowboy C4, with its single-speed motor, is ideally suited to city riding. The VanMoof, with its greater range and click-on extra battery (available soon), is perhaps a more versatile bike that is equally suited to longer rides and touring.
Vanmoof S5 vs Cowboy C4:
Specs
| VanMoof S5 | Cowboy 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2498 | £2490 |
| Range | 37 – 93 miles | Up to 43.5 miles |
| Speed | 15.5 mph | 15.5 mph |
| Weight | 22kg | 18.9kg |
| Rider Height | 5’1″ – 6’5″ | 5’5″ – 6’3″ |
| Battery | 487 Wh | 360 Wh |
| Charge Time | 6.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Colours | Grey | Black, Khaki, Sand |
Vanmoof S5 vs Cowboy C4:
Features
| VANMOOF S5 | COWBOY 4 |
|---|---|
| 250W motor integrated in front wheel hub | 250W motor integrated in rear wheel hub |
| Halo-LED rings in Handlebars indicate power, speed and battery levels – in addition to smartphone app | Smartphone app displays information |
| Integrated battery + additional click-on battery | Removable battery |
| USB phone charging system | Wireless phone charging system |
| 3-speed automatic gearing | Single-speed drivechain with single-speed motor |
| Integrated front and rear lights | Integrated front and rear lights |
| Turbo boost button (68 Nm) | Gates carbon belt drive |
| Classic Chain | Theft detection alert + inbuilt GPS with real-time tracking |
| Kick Lock with active-retract pinIntegrated security system with alarm and automatic lock down | |
| Automatic Rider Recognition | |
| GPS and Bluetooth location tracking | |
| Manual disarm with backup code | |
| Crash detection |
VanMoof S3 vs Cowboy C3
At a glance, the style of these two bikes is similar, both with a sleek and simple design. Beyond that, they are actually quite different, primarily in range, power options and geometry.
The VanMoof S3 has four different and adjustable electric speed options, whereas the Cowboy C3 has an integrated torque sensor for automatic assistance.
The geometry of the VanMoof S3 offers a straighter, more upright riding style, whilst the Cowboy C3 puts the rider in a more forward-leaning and sporty position, with shorter handlebars for agile handling.
Though they lack some of the extra and superior features of their successors (VanMoof S5 and Cowboy C4), they are nonetheless both popular e-bikes that remain in the top ranks of cool urban commuting.v
Vanmoof S3 vs Cowboy C3:
Specs
| Vanmoof S3 | Cowboy 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2148 | £1990 |
| Range | 37 – 93 miles | Up to 43.5 miles |
| Speed | 15.5mph | 15.5mph |
| Weight | 21kg | 18.2kg |
| Rider Height | 5’1” – 6’5” | 5’5” – 6’3” |
| Battery | 504 Wh | 360 Wh |
| Charge Time | 4 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Colours | Dark, Light | Black, Mineral |
Vanmoof S3 vs Cowboy 3:
Features
| VANMOOF S3 | COWBOY 3 |
|---|---|
| 250W motor integrated in front wheel hub | 250W motor integrated in front wheel hub |
| Matrix display integrated in top tube – in addition to smartphone app | Smartphone app displays information |
| Integrated battery + optional removable PowerBank accessory | Removable battery |
| USB phone charging system | Wireless phone charging system |
| 4-speed automatic gearing with adjustable settings | Single-speed drivechain with single-speed motor |
| Integrated front and rear lights | Integrated front and rear lights |
| Turbo boost button (68 Nm) | Gates carbon belt drive |
| Classic Chain | Theft detection alert + inbuilt GPS with real-time tracking |
| Integrated Kick Lock onboard alarm | |
| Tamper Detection | |
| Smart location tracking | |
| Remote lockdown mode | |
| Crash detection |
Is Cowboy Better Than VanMoof?
The Cowboy and the VanMoof have key differences and both have unique features that will appeal to some and not to others. Those wanting greater range and versatility may opt for the VanMoof. Those wanting simplicity, power and a lighter weight will choose the Cowboy.
One feature that may influence prospective buyers is the positioning of the motors – situated in the rear wheel hub of the Cowboy, and the front wheel hub of the VanMoof.
Some feel that a rear-positioned motor allows for better traction and control, whereas others will argue that a front-placed motor offers better weight balance and easier maintenance. Advantages and disadvantages of the two positions remains an ongoing debate.
And at the risk of sitting on the fence, in terms of which bike is actually “better”? It’s probably unfair to say.
It is fair to say that they are both exceptional e-bikes in their own right. And as to which you go for, it could simply be a question of personal taste.
