Have you seen the press on smart locks for bikes recently? They promise handy features like unlocking your wheels with your phone. Alerting you the second some troublemaker starts tampering with your ride. Even tracking down your bike if some determined thief makes off with it!
So with bike thefts steadily rising year after year, plunking down $200+ for a smart lock probably gives you peace of mind. But before you pull out your wallet, here are 6 reasons why you may want to keep riding with that old-fashioned U-lock for a while longer.
Why you still can‘t fully trust those smart locks
Don‘t get me wrong – the tech behind smart locks seems cool as heck on the surface! But as an avid rider myself, I see some real downsides with these IoT locks that should give bikers pause:
They still depend on batteries and charging
All those smart features you‘re paying for – like crime alerts and bike tracking – rely on battery power to run. Which means you‘ve now got another device to keep charged, on top of your phone and e-bike batteries.
The Lupus Smart Lock promises 30 days per charge, for example. While the Linka Smart Lock claims up to 1 year with normal use. But unexpectedly quick battery drain could have you stranded at the bike rack unable to unlock your wheels to get home. No bueno.
Bluetooth connections flop outside 30 feet
Most smart locks connect to your phone using Bluetooth. But walk more than 30 feet away from your bike, and that connection can start fading out.
So if someone tries sawing through your lock when you‘re grabbing some kombucha across the street, that crime alert might never reach your phone in time before they make off with your wheels. Tragic.
Hackers could pick your smart lock digitally
Think how often big companies suffer major data breaches these days. Now imagine that hackability in something securing your $2,000 e-bike that you rely on for your daily commute.
Researchers have already demonstrated ways to wirelessly hack smart locks to unlock them instantly. So while digital attacks remain rare today, the risk could grow over time.
When the tech fails, your bike may be stuck in lockdown
We‘ve all suffered the Blue Screen of Death on our PCs. Your smartphone unexpectedly powering down in the cold when you needed GPS. Tech can and will inevitably fail us, even on properly charged devices with good connections.
Apply that to a smart bike lock, and something as minor as a buggy app update could have you locked out of your bike when you need to dash for a meeting across town. Not ideal.
Smart locks cost a small fortune
While U-locks sell for as low as $30, most smart locks ring up for $200 and beyond.
Spending 10% or more of your bike‘s value on a lock provides decent security. But for more affordable rides, forking over hundreds for a lock stretches practicality.
You‘re still a sitting duck for good ol‘ bolt cutters
At the end of the day, most smart locks have steel links connecting them – just like traditional locks. Which means an aggressive thief could still snap those chains with a decent set of bolt cutters and make off with your bike.
So you‘re paying big bucks premium prices for nominal security improvement against brute force methods in the end.
Okay, but how else can you keep your bike secure?
Before you give up on ever protecting your wheels from sticky fingers, here are 5 solid options that balance security with affordability:
Hide low-profile GPS trackers on your bike
Tiny GPS tracking devices attach right to your bike frame with adhesive. Costing as little as $100, they silently upload location data to the cloud in case your bike goes missing.
So even if someone snips your U-lock, the tracker would allow police to recover your Hotrock before the thief even makes it back to their lair. Now that‘s what I call smart security!
Keep riding dependable U-locks
Sometimes old faithful stays around forever for good reason. The U-lock remains most bikers‘ top choice for its hardened steel and affordable durability.
Brands like Kryptonite lead the way in foiling even pro bike thieves with their beefed-up metal and nimble form factor. U-locks just flat out work, year after year.
Share bikes with services like Lyft
In cities like San Fran and NYC, companies like Lyft and Citi Bike let you rent bikes on the fly. Pay a small fee for whatever ride length you need around town. No worries about purchasing, securing, or maintaining a bike of your own!
Bike sharing both saves you money long term AND ensures someone else sweats the theft stuff instead. What‘s not to love?
Register your bike to make it identifiable
Did you know bike serial numbers help police verify recovered bikes‘ real owners? Problem is, most folks have no idea what their bike‘s serial number actually is without the original paperwork.
That‘s where free registration services like Bike Index prove handy. Upload key details, serial numbers, and photos for police reference in case your bike turns up missing.
It takes just 5 minutes to set up, improves your odds 10X over of getting your wheels back, and puts your anxiety at ease!
Avoid the latest hot trends until truly ready
Look, I dig a shiny new gadget as much as the next intrepid rider. And maybe 5 years from now, smart locks will be just as dependable as our trusty U-locks. Fulfilling their promise of total crime protection at the tap of an app.
But the tech just seems a little too glitchy and pricey right now for my taste. For everyday bicycle security that just works, low-tech and incognito alternatives hit the sweet spot on features, price and reliability today.
Maybe revisit that smart lock once the market matures a bit more. But for now, ride simplicity all the way to the bank!
| Reasons to Avoid a New Smart Bike Lock Today |
|---|
| Unreliable power and charging needs |
| Limited Bluetooth connectivity range |
| Vulnerable to remote hacking |
| Prone to unpredictable tech fails |
| Steep premium pricing over $200 |
| No better vs. hand tools than U-locks |
Have you considered buying a smart bike lock recently? Which alternative lock methods seem most practical for your riding needs? Hit reply and let me know!
