Belgian e-bike manufacturer Cowboy has issued a recall for its C4 ST (Edition MR) due to a potential frame failure that presents “a serious risk of injuries” according to the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). This comes after reports of fatigue cracks appearing at the welded joint between the headtube and downtube after around 2,500km of use.
The recall, announced on 9th May 2025 by the OPSS affects the MR Edition of Cowboy’s step-through C4 bikes.
The bike frames do not comply with the durability and safety requirements of EN 15194 and pose a “serious mechanical safety risk to consumers”, says the OPSS.
> How does a product recall work in the bike industry?
The issue concerns the welded joint between the headtube and the downtube, where fatigue cracks may develop over time. Cowboy explains on its website, “These bikes, welded by one manufacturing partner, may develop fatigue cracks at the joint between the headtube and downtube. According to our data, these cracks can begin to form after 2,500 km. In some cases, this could lead to frame failure, which may result in a fall.”
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Cowboy has advised owners to stop using their bikes immediately until the frame is replaced, and owners have been notified via email. However, some feel that Cowboy should take further action by disabling the bikes through its anti-theft measures.
One user on Reddit expressed their concern, stating, “I think it is not just enough legally to cover their back to send us a email saying not to use the bike until the frame is replaced. They should do their best to avoid people getting injured, and a letter it’s just a excuse to be not responsible. If they have the ability to shut it down and they don’t do it I think they are responsible.”
The company is prioritising frame replacements for bikes that have exceeded 2,500km. The website states, “Cowboy is committed to completing each frame replacement as quickly and safely as possible. Bikes with the highest mileage will be given priority, as they carry a higher risk.”
Founded in 2017, Cowboy focuses on the urban e-bike market, and became the first manufacturer of e-bikes to achieve B-Corp status in 2022. After the Cowboy 3 model failed to impress in its ebiketips review in 2021, the company raised millions in funding via venture capital to finance improvements to its range. The Cowboy Cruiser ST fared much better in a 2022 review.
If you own a C4 ST MR Edition but haven’t yet been contacted, you can check if your bike is affected by its serial number and frame supplier. To check, tap the ‘settings’ icon in the Cowboy app and then click ‘advanced’.
Serial numbers and frame suppliers can also be checked here, and for refunds or replacements, you should visit the Cowboy website.
1 thought on “Cowboy e-bikes recalled after reports of cracking between the headtube and downtube, posing “a serious risk of injuries””
Sounds as if it’s well named.
Sounds as if it’s well named.