Bikes fans are growing day by day, and people are switching more from cars to bicycles, since they are more environmentally friendly, and have many advantages on health physically and psychologically.
Unfortunately, nowadays, bikes theft has become one of the widespread phenomenons around the world, in fact, it existed since ancient times but the rate of robberies has become high in the last few years; that’s why the GPS tracker for bikes was invented, it is a small device that determines the coordinates of the bike, and transmits them to its owner.
The task of the bike gps is to minimize the risk of bicycle theft or to facilitate the search if it has occurred; This accessory is able to protect the bike from theft, it makes it easy to track it down. It has a compact size and ergonomic shape, the gps tracking device for bikes can be easily disguised as a flashlight, keychain, or a spare part of the bike, if necessary, moreover it does not emit anything in standby mode, it is impossible to detect it with detectors and scanners.
In this article, you will find all the information you need to know about the locators, it uses the way to control its types, the working system, choice standards, and other interesting things, as you will find some suggestions for the best bike gps trackers below.
Uses of the Gps trackers:
- If you are a bike owner, there is a risk that your bike will be stolen; The locator in bike will not protect the car from theft, but it will help to find the stolen bike.
- If your kid loves to ride bikes, but you’re busy with work and you can not watch him; just put the Gps tracker on his bike, and you will know at any time where he is, and where he went.
- If you’re on a trip to the mountains and you’re afraid to get lost, just put the ship on the bike and link it to friends or relatives; Now, even if you get lost between mountains they will be able to find you wherever you are.
The Gps tracker device cannot be used only on bikes but also on cars; as they can be placed on children’s wrists in case they run away, or old people in case they have Alzheimer, on yourself if you if you’re heading to a dangerous place, and also if you have a dog and you’re afraid to lose it; in fact, these trackers are very useful and it makes you feel more comfortable about the object or the person you’re worried about.
The device’s settings:
Before installing the tracking device, you need to enable and configure it. In general, the device is configured in the following order:
- Charge and/or install power supply elements.
- Install a SIM card with GPRS connected (any mobile operator can be) and “clean” memory. In addition, the SIM card must support the “Caller ID” mode and not require PIN code entry when enabled.
- Switch on the device. Within 40 … 45 seconds, it should start receiving GPRS and GSM signals.
After the device begins to receive signals from navigation systems and cellular communications, they begin to configure it. As a rule, this process is carried out using SMS messages sent in accordance with the instructions set out in the operating manual of the device.
How vehicle gps tracking systems work:
Any tracker model consists of a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is based on the Jeepies global satellite system. It receives a signal from satellites in low-Earth orbit and thus determines the exact coordinates of the object. The GPS tracking system itself is free and can work without the Internet, but cellular communication or GPRS may require payment – such communication formats are used by the transmitter. The function of this module is to transmit the signal received by the receiver to your computer or smartphone.
Also, the design of the tracker includes an antenna and a battery. The antenna can be internal or external, that is, hidden in the device body or located outside. Battery-powered models are called self-contained, or universal models that allow you to choose the type of power. The best option is a stand-alone or universal model. Such a tracker can operate on battery power for years, it is easier to install and harder to detect by an outsider.
Where can I install my gps in bike?
It is quite easy and simple to install the tracking devices; you just need to take it, choose a place where you want to hide it, for example:
- It can be placed under the anchor: Directly into the steering column. Typically, these trackers do not exceed one inch in size, eliminating the need for complete disassembly. This mount is simple but reliable. It makes it possible to secure a good battery and allows you to receive a high-quality signal. Thanks to the ability to activate the steering mode by simply bringing the key to the steering wheel, it is not striking and therefore invisible. However, this mounting point is the most common and therefore can be detected by robbers. It is quite difficult to find the required size of the device, and charging requires the partial dismantling of the bike.
- In the Seatpost: In this case, trackers are used with the same shape and size as in the previous example. The beacon fits into the Seatpost, where there is enough free space to locate the device. The location is not obvious enough and it is highly likely that even a professional hijacker will not be able to find the device. Nevertheless, this method is not without its drawbacks: recharging the device is not easy, the signal quality is often reduced due to the severity of the frame.
- Into the tail light: The easiest to install and maintain, the dimensions do not change, the signal is excellent. But the hijackers are well aware of this trick – the tracker can be quickly recognized and disabled.
How to control a bike tracker?
The most convenient way to control the tool is to use the manufacturer’s gps tracker app. With its help, the sensors are configured, the frequency of notifications of interest is set, additional operating modes are activated, etc. Nevertheless, other control methods are used today no less often.
For example, tracking by receiving GSM notifications is a fairly common management method. This requires a SIM card slot. The work of the sensor, built-in this way, is carried out through the operator’s station. The disadvantages of this method are that notifications are paid, and the battery consumption is maximum.
locating modes:
There are two main tracking modes to the Gps tracker for bike:
- The first is the monitoring mode, which allows you to determine not only the place where the bike is, but also monitor its movement. In devices with this mode, most often there is an internal memory, which allows you to memorize the coordinates with some frequency, by the type of DVRs and, if necessary, you can track it on a computer.
- The second is a beacon mode, that allows you to determine the current position of the bike. It is usually in sleep mode, which conserves battery, and turns on when it receives a signal when the bike starts to move.
Types of trackers :
GPS trackers with GPRS or 3G connection
These devices use 2G and 3G technology, even though the correct nomenclature would be GPRS (for 2G) and UMTS (for 3G). Their main advantage is the signal, which is generally very good because it uses the same communications infrastructure as mobile phones so it is available in almost all corners of the world. In the same way as phones, they use a SIM card to function, so depending on the company that supplies it the cost may vary each month- other aspects that make the cost variable are according to location, as some companies charge extra when using it in other countries.
Some devices work with data, like current phones, and others work through the sending and receiving of SMS messages to inform users of the device. This method may prove expensive if the company charges a fee per message.
This technology has the capacity of transmitting large amounts of data in relatively small amounts of time, thanks to bandwidth. This allows, for example, to display the route of the vehicle in a very detailed way. Additionally, other sorts of information on the vehicle can also be sent- but only if the necessary devices are installed that allow capturing this type of information.
On the other hand, this technology has its own disadvantages. The main one is the battery consumption and the cost of the SIM- especially when comparing these two metrics with the other available options. Additionally, this type of technology is easy to block with signal jammers, that block the signal and don’t allow communication with the device.
Because they use a lot of batteries, there are two options: charging it every day or plugging the device into the battery of your vehicle. This option requires the installation by a specialized technician and in some cases, might cause problems with the battery of the vehicle and may discharge it if it’s not used in a long time.
Briefly:
Advantages:
- Broad coverage.
- Allows sending large amounts of data, so the user\s experience can be improved.
Disadvantages:
- Monthly costs are high.
- Fees when traveling.
- Needs professional installation.
- Consumes a lot of battery.
- The connection can be lost in the presence of signal jammers.
GPS trackers with LPWAN (Sigfox):
This mobile gps tracking device is identical to those that function with GPRS or 3G except regarding the communication technology it uses. Instead of using a SIM card to connect to the telecommunications network, it uses a communication module with the technology known as Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN).
This technology is very new and is designed for the development of applications in the field of the Internet of Things. The main idea is that this gps tracker works online, and communicates with each other through this frequency.
In Spain, the network with Sigfox technology is employed by Cellnex, the company that oversees TV signals. Another use case of this company is Securitas Direct for its alarm system.
The advantages of this technology are, on one hand, its coverage (very similar to GPRS systems) and the fact that it is present in several countries. Additionally, the annual cost for users is significantly reduced and fixed, so there are no extra charges for sending more information or going abroad.
It is also important to note that the battery discharge rate is significantly lower. This allows for the creation of devices with their own battery that doesn’t require installation by a professional and that must not be connected to the battery of the vehicle.
This technology through radiofrequency allows creating smaller and more autonomous designs, with a lower maintenance cost. Additionally, the devices that use this technology are not susceptible to the blocking done by signal jammers.
Unfortunately, not all characteristics of this technology are advantages… These systems tend to have a low capacity to send large amounts of data. The implications are that for example, they offer less detailed routes. Additionally, it is not possible to obtain a GPS location in closed spaces like homes or garages.
Briefly:
Advantages:
- Broad coverage without additional charges.
- Lower price.
- Lower discharge rate.
- No need for installation by a professional.
- More mobility (because it doesn’t require installation).
- Immune to signal jammers.
Disadvantages:
- Higher bandwidth, which means it can send lower amounts of data (offering less detailed routes for example).
- Less precise location in interior spaces.
GPS trackers with Bluetooth:
It is very common to see devices that use Bluetooth to locate objects or persons. This technology is useful for the location of objects that are placed in short distances of 10 meters or less.
These devices use phones to determine the position which means it is one of the portable gps tracking devices, warning the user if they are inside or outside the covered area. Their main advantage relies on the small size of the device and minimal battery consumption (they use button batteries with around one year of duration). Additionally, they are usually very cheap and don’t require a monthly subscription.
If everyone had the same Bluetooth location application, this technology could be used to locate vehicles or people all around the world, but in fact, the truth is that they are only useful to determine if a certain object, animal, or person is close by. So, this would be useful to inform users if they forgot their keys for example, but not to determine the location of a stolen object
These devices don’t use a GPS, but instead, use the one on your phone- so it is not possible to determine a location if there isn’t a mobile phone close by.
Briefly:
Advantages:
- Reduced cost.
- No annual communications cost.
- Small size.
Disadvantages:
- Only locates objects in a 10-meter range.
Where can I buy a good bike gps tracker?
The easiest way to purchase a good hidden gps tracker is through online stores; you will find a fairly large variety of bike lighthouses there, which will differ in their price range and their functions and appearance.
It is very easy to order this device on the Internet, you do not need to make much effort, and after waiting a week or two, you will receive it in a package. But you can also go to stores that specialize in the sale of such devices, where you can immediately purchase this device, and you will not have to wait long for it to be sent to you; and the prices will differ depending on the functions and varieties of the beacon, the more additional functions, the more expensive this anti-theft equipment will cost.
How to choose bikes gps trackers:
- The key points to look for when buying a personal gps tracker are the presence of a power source, we must always bear in mind that the device can have an autonomous and combined power supply; because this later allows you to disguise the device and make it invisible to strangers. The downside of this option is the limited battery or rechargeable battery life. It is necessary to take this fact into account and change the battery in a timely manner. when discharged, the tracker will stop functioning. The importance of the first point is easily explained by the fact that it allows you to receive satellite signals reflected from metal surfaces even when the weather conditions deteriorate when the tracker becomes completely useless. In this case, the error in the calculations will not exceed 50 meters.
- And it is best to give preference to a device that works online, in other words, directly communicating with the satellite. Offline models are still found today, and they are not too expensive, but the efficiency of their work leaves much to be desired, especially in the field of the accuracy of determining the location of the car. Another serious drawback is the inability to find out where the car is if the cellular connection does not catch.
Amazing devices to locate your bike:
The designers from Britain were the first to think of disguising the tracker as a lantern, and this is probably the best camouflaging device and does not look like an anti-theft locator. It is a simple bicycle light that attaches to the seat post. hashes The advantages of this method are the ease of installation and replacement, ease of use, and high signal quality.
It integrates a small slot to insert a SIM card with data to emit the GPS signal and communicate with your mobile to know the position of your bicycle in case of theft.
The Invoxia GPS tracker for bike is one of the tops that you can find and that is specifically adapted for the bicycle. It has a dimension of about 10 cm x 3 cm wide and a weight of only 30 grams; due to its shape, many cyclists, especially urban ones, hide it in the Seatpost. Although under the saddle it can be camouflaged quite well.
The most surprising thing for me is the autonomy of the battery, it can last up to 6 months and you receive a warning when there is less than 20% left. It is charged through a micro-USB. The installation of this device is very simple and easy. You just have to follow a couple of steps with the official app to pair it with your smartphone. The most interesting part is that you do not need a SIM card because it works through Sigfox, an alternative to GSM / 3G / 4G.
This device can be used not only to track bikes but also cars, trucks, children, the elderly, dogs, cats… and it can be placed in your pocket, backpack, under a car, or under your bike seat.
Tracki has a SIM that works worldwide, and also a magnetic waterproof box with a Lifetime warranty. Its battery lasts for 2-3 days if it was tracking in real-time every 1-5 minutes; If the real-time tracking is not needed, the battery lasts 30 days tracking 2 times/day.
It works with GPS+GSM outdoors and with Wi-Fi indoors.
The XCSOURCE locator supports Android/ IOS, Web/WAP, as it sends the instruction and the location via SMS.
to protect your privacy it requires a password every time you want to make or change any setup; moreover, It can accurately locate the position even when the signal is weak.
Multi-purpose mini bike tracker made with a strong magnet and has a waterproof and dustproof design, it can be used anywhere, locate vehicles, kids, luggage, key, and all sorts of important things. It is linked to the Google Map, this way you will always know where they are; it works for free, all you have to do is to download the App on your Android or iOS device.
Another advantage of this locator is that it is easy to install, it can be attached to a key chained by a lanyard hole, placed in a bag, or stuck to any iron surfaces.
This gps locator for bike comes with a free global sim card, and it works indoors and outdoors, with GPS+LBS and WiFi.
- Matches the IDs to Google’s Wi-Fi database for accurate location.
- Sends alerts about the tracker’s movements via App notification, SMS, or email.
- This personal gps tracker has powerful magnets inside, it can be placed on any metallic surface.
- The battery life depends on how often the device has been used, but it can stand by for 60 days if we didn’t use it.
Tips:
- When buying tracking devices with an additional SIM card, it is worth remembering that it may need additional activation. Information about this can be found in the instructions.
- When installing a gps tracker for bike it is better not to disclose its location to anyone, even close friends. This minimizes the likelihood of theft.
- When using a bicycle in extreme conditions, it is important to ensure that the device is reliably protected: from dust, dirt, and moisture, mechanical damage.
Conclusion:
The gps tracker for bikes is one of the most useful devices ever, and it has become commonly used all over the world, and very popular among people due to the countless advantages it provides.
- It allows you to track the route of movement of the stolen vehicle, and to quickly identify the intruder, and reduce the time to find him.
- It provides accurate location information using the global navigation satellite network and receives data from 27 satellites scattered around Earth’s space; as it gives information about the location of the bike according to the set settings.
The gps trackers are not limited only to bikes and cars but also to a variety of objects, and they can be very helpful to track older people, children, those with special needs, and even dogs, that is the main reason that makes the locators great and very practical.