Artificial intelligence has bequeathed an endless supply of high-tech gadgets to humans that have drastically enhanced our quality of life. Today we’ll take a look at whether bike GPS trackers are one of those high tech gadgets that are worth the investment.
From devices as small as a razor to cars and high-performance gears, AI has provided something or the other for every aspect of human life. And needless to say, all of those automated systems have only been beneficial when used wisely. Out of all the high-caliber devices, one that has really stood out and allowed humans to protect their automotive belongings is the oh-so-advanced GPS tracker.
Automobile theft is one of the most rampant criminal practices in America. In 2018, 748,841 vehicles were stolen in the United States of America.
Auto theft is a pretty lucrative risk that pays off well if things go as planned, and an encounter with the owner doesn’t happen, which in most cases doesn’t as vehicles are typically stolen when parked driverless.
Stealing cars in this day and age with the kind of tools that are now available is not a problem, but what’s even easier nowadays is stealthily taking bikes.
Since bikes are relatively lightweight and easy to stow and move around, they are swiped quite easily. According to the statistics, each year, over two million bikes are stolen in North America, which means a bike goes missing every 30 seconds. Pretty shocking, right?
But even with such staggering numbers, bike owners don’t consider investing in bike GPS trackers, assuming that those might not be as effective as the trackers embedded in cars. Plus, since cycles don’t cost as much as a car does, people think buying a bike tracker is not really worth it.
Yes, maybe a bike is not as expensive as an automatic vehicle, but it’s your property, nonetheless, and nobody should take it without your permission.
So if there’s a way to mitigate the chances of that happening, why not take it?
Bike GPS trackers are excellent for keeping tabs on your pride and joy all the time.
Some might argue that most high-performance, expensive bikes come with immobilizers and alarms that are enough to prevent the occurrence of theft. But just as bike manufacturers have gotten smart, so have the thieves.
They devise sly solutions to work around the pricey bike alarms and immobilizers within minutes, disappearing the bike in no time. But with exclusive bike trackers, you can find out the exact location of your bike at any given time, retrieve it, and put the thief behind bars.
How is all that not worthy of investment?
You get so many benefits out of a bike GPS tracker, why would you not want that?
That just doesn’t make sense.
Okay, we get that you are not sure how a bike tracker would work when there aren’t any digital systems like in a car. That’s a common concern people raise when it comes to buying a bike tracker.
Most bike owners do not understand how a tracker on their bike would function, if at all? So, to put all your worries to rest, we are going to break down what a bike tracker looks like and how does it work.
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What are bike GPS trackers?
Bike GPS trackers are devices that feature an accessory, which is attached to a bike to track the location of the vehicle.
They are great at reducing the chances of bike theft by alerting the owner of their bike is tampered with or moved. Some bike trackers can even ascertain a bike’s speed and performance remotely, further enabling an owner to know exactly what’s happening with their cycle.
Most GPS bike trackers are lightweight and easily attached to a bike’s handlebar or the saddle‘s underside.
The physical extension of a bike tracking device is connected to an app on the user’s phone. When anyone attempts to steal the user’s bike, they get notified on their mobile, so that they can track the location and get their ride back.
Most GPS bike trackers are attached to the seat frame, but you can also get models that can be slipped into the handlebars or placed in the light. Having a tracker inserted in your bike’s lights is the most discreet way of keeping tabs on your bike’s location.
However, that could also mean that without any visible tracker add-ons, thieves would more likely attempt to swipe your cycle, deeming it an easy target. But little will they know that they are being tracked and that you will pounce on them any second to reclaim your bike.
In theory, all these features of a bike tracker seem all too appealing, but how do they work in real life?
Well, let’s find out.
How do GPS bike trackers work?
As mentioned earlier, the incredible gizmo that is the GPS bike tracker is essentially a setup that works with the collaboration of a physical device and a smartphone app. A bike owner attaches the tracker to their bike and connects it to their phone using the smart app.
Now the oh-so-intelligent app is what does most of the tracking magic. It uses google maps to provide real-time data about the bike that’s being tracked. You can share the provided information with the police to ask for assistance in getting your bike back.
Most GPS bike trackers can be installed without help from a professional, but if you go for an ultramodern prototype, then you might have to ask an expert to put it on your bike.
Whether you install a bike tracker on your two wheels yourself or ask a professional to do the job, you’ll have to connect it with the app on your phone for the system to work.
Most, if not all, tracker apps are compatible with IOS and Android software so that all smartphone users can utilize the fantastic technology.
You can download the app, follow the instructions to link the device to your phone. And needless to say, you’ll need a functional WiFi connection to work your GPS bike tracking application during setup and future tracking.
The majority of bike trackers charge a monthly fee, which is aside from the cost of the device.
Typically, the amount of monthly fee ranges between 25-50$ depending on the brand and model you buy. Naturally, if you purchase a high-end tracking gadget, you will have to pay a high initial cost and monthly fee.
Investing in an expensive bike tracker may seem a bit extravagant, but it’s not because it offers a host of perks. For starters, you can learn not just your bike’s location but also the speed it’s being run on and the performance graph.
And all of that with only one device. Moreover, high-quality bike trackers are waterproof and built to last, meaning you don’t have to worry about the weather disrupting the device’s tracking ability.
One exceptional feature on most high-tech bike trackers is that they notify the user’s emergency contacts if the bike gets into a crash.
So, you don’t just know if your bike is safe when you’re not around, but your loved ones will also be updated if you’re safe or not when riding your bike. That kind of peace of mind is worth every dollar spent on a pricey GPS bike tracker.
And if you like to bike in groups, some tracking devices will allow you to stay in touch with all the fellow cyclists so that you feel safe and connected at all times.
We know some of you must be half-convinced now that investing in a bike tracker is a good idea, but you want to know if it’s going to be a long-lasting investment or not. That’s a pretty valid concern, so let’s discuss it in detail.
How long do bike trackers last?
Just like any other machine, a GPS bike tracker can be unpredictable when it comes to service life.
However, most good quality trackers last about 2-3 years, if used properly. If you’re not careful enough and the device keeps falling off your bike, then the lifespan will surely shorten. So cautious use is key to enjoy the benefits of a bike tracker for a long while.
Moreover, if you spend money on a high-class bike tracker that offers multiple features and is well-constructed, then it might last for up to 4-5 years. But then again, you will need to be a responsible user for your tracking device to last.
Whether a bike tracker lives for three years, four years, or even just one year, it’s a prudent investment as it will bring you peace of mind by keeping your sweet ride safe from thieves.
The Bottom Line
A bike is usually someone’s first ride that they buy with their own money, or is a gift from the parents for performing well in school; in any case, making provisions to ensure your cycle’s safety is the right thing to do.
So, if the bike you have is either your very first personal ride, a gift from your parents, or just another addition to the list of your vehicles, install a tracker on it to truly value and cherish your two wheels.
Last Updated on May 29, 2023 by Danijel Cakalic
