How to update the firmware on a Cowboy and what to do if the update fails
Cowboy pushes motor, battery and connectivity firmware through the app. Updates need a charged battery, a phone next to the bike and patience.
Step by step
- Charge the bike to at least 30% (the app refuses below that).
- Open the Cowboy app next to the awake bike. An 'Update available' card appears on the home screen; otherwise Settings > 'Bike' > 'Firmware'.
- Tap 'Update'. Keep the app open and the phone within a metre; do not lock the phone.
- The bike reboots one or more times; lights flash. Typical time 5 to 15 minutes.
- When the app says 'Your bike is up to date', lock and unlock once and check auto-lock and alarm settings.
- If it fails: leave the bike on, close and reopen the app and tap 'Retry'. Most failures are Bluetooth drops and succeed on the second attempt.
Tip: Update at home over Wi-Fi. The file is downloaded first, then streamed to the bike; a weak mobile signal is the usual cause of a failed update.
Can't find it?
No 'Firmware' entry: update the app itself first (App Store / Play Store). If your account is not the owner of the bike you cannot update it.
Frequently asked
The update failed and now the bike does not wake up.
Remove the battery for a minute, refit it and press the wake button. The bike keeps its previous firmware if the write was interrupted. If it stays dead, contact Cowboy support; do not open the motor.
Are updates still released since ReBirth took over?
Yes, but less often. Updates in 2026 focused on stability for Cowboy 4 / Cruiser.
Do I need to update?
Updates fixed range estimation and auto-lock reliability on Cowboy 4; it is worth doing.
Manuals and video
Videos found on YouTube and checked automatically; they are other people's work, not ours.
- Cowboy 3 in the test: half e-bike, half software CGH New Tech
- Cowboy Speedhack | Bronco Unleashed Update Cowboy tuning #bicycles #bicycle #electricbike #speedhack Netnam Channel
Other Cowboy 3 / 4 / Cruiser (Cowboy app) guides
Cowboy: switch mph to km/hCowboy: auto-lock, alarm and Find my bikeCowboy: pair the app (Bluetooth)Cowboy: Adaptive Power and assistCowboy: lightsCowboy: speed limit (25 km/h EU / 20 mph US)Cowboy: transfer the bike to a new ownerCowboy: change the app languageCowboy: ride history and trip data
Still stuck? Take a photo of the display and show it to a local e-bike workshop. Bring the bike's system name (e.g. Bosch Performance Line CX) and the exact code; that saves diagnostic time and money.