How to transfer a Cowboy to a new owner (and what to do if the seller is unreachable)
A Cowboy is locked to the seller's account until they release it in the app. Without the release the buyer cannot unlock the bike. Since the ReBirth takeover, support-assisted transfers are slow and require proof of purchase.
Step by step
- Seller: open the Cowboy app, connect to the bike, go to Settings > 'Bike' > 'Transfer ownership' (older app: 'Remove bike').
- Seller: enter the buyer's email (the buyer needs a Cowboy account with that email) and confirm. The bike is unlinked from the seller's account.
- Buyer: open the Cowboy app, tap '+' or accept the invitation, and scan the QR code on the frame (under the top tube or under the battery).
- Buyer: check that lock, alarm and Find my bike work, and review whether the connectivity plan is still active.
- Hand over the charger, the battery key (Cowboy 3 / 4 battery lock) and the invoice.
- Both parties: keep the app open until both see the bike in the right account; do this before payment.
Can't find it?
If 'Transfer ownership' is missing, update the seller's app. The seller can also remove the bike from the web account at cowboy.com > My account.
Frequently asked
The seller is unreachable. What now?
Contact Cowboy support (help centre in the app or [email protected]) with proof of purchase, the frame number (under the bottom bracket or on the invoice) and a photo of the bike. They check the bike is not reported stolen and move it to your account. Since the 2026 takeover this has taken several weeks; without proof of purchase they will refuse.
Can I ride the bike meanwhile?
Only if it was handed over unlocked. As soon as it locks (auto-lock or the seller locks it remotely) you are stuck.
Does the previous owner keep seeing my GPS location?
Not after the transfer. Until then, yes: another reason to insist on the transfer before paying.