Last Updated on July 25, 2023 by Emmanuel
Statistics show that more than two million bicycles are stolen in North America yearly, but you can still fight against this abuse with a good GPS tracker.
We felt compelled to share an article about the GPS tracking devices for bikes that can add to your bike’s anti-theft arsenal fails.
Table of Contents
GPS Tracking Devices For Bikes
Top GPS tracking devices let the bike owner and other interested parties know its location when stolen.
These appliances also usually feature a supporting app you can install on your phone to alert you if your bike is tampered with or moves without your knowledge.
The app also lets you trace and alert law enforcement of your bike’s whereabouts.
Generally, the sizes of GPS tracking devices are small and lightweight; one would hardly notice it mounted on your bike.
Are Bicycle Trackers Worth It?
Your bike is your property; nobody should take it without your consent.
Unfortunately, the number of stolen bicycles yearly continues to increase; installing a bicycle tracker is clever.
Your bike may already have a fancy lock and alarm, but that won’t stop thieves from stealing it in most cases.
Your alarm can’t help you retrieve your bike when it has disappeared, but a GPS tracker can help you trace its location and reclaim it.
Are All Trackers Legal?
Trackers are legal, but you can't use a GPS tracker to violate the privacy of others. If you lend your bike to other people, remember to inform them that it has a GPS tracking device installed.
Can I Put A GPS Tracker On My Bike?
You can put a GPS tracker on your bike, regardless of the brand or type; Many GPS trackers have different sizes and features.
Consider the right place on your bike to mount the device when deciding which GPS tracker to use the tracking.
Besides, check security features and device sizes to ensure you purchase a GPS tracker that suits you best.
Although a good bike tracker has complicated technology under the case, it must be easy to install and set up.
The device must also have an effective, long-lasting battery that fits your bike.
Ensure also that the product is from a reliable company to avoid the software being compromised and not working.
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Where Should I Hide My GPS Tracker On My Bike?
Where Should I Hide My GPS Tracker On My Bike?
It would be best to hide your tracker for apparent reasons, but you won’t probably find much space to hide an object on a light bicycle.
However, depending on your device’s shape and size, you can put it in a few places on a bike.
- Handlebar stems have places to fit tracker devices.
- The seat post makes your GPS tracker invisible.
- Some tracking devices mimic bike lights or reflectors.
Be aware that there are two tracker technologies; a Geo Positioning System and Bluetooth.
Which Tracker Is Best For Bikes?
With each technology having a different tracking approach, you may ask which GPS tracking device for bikes is the best for you.
So, let’s break it down and give you the best answer.
Bluetooth technology can communicate directly with your smartphone for a limited range of 400ft.
Once your bike separates from your smartphone more than 400ft, you wouldn’t be able to track it anymore.
GPS trackers use a satellite to communicate with your smartphone and usually require a SIM card.
The advantages of GPS technology are accurate real-time information and unlimited range coverage.
How To Connect Your Bike Tracker To Your Phone?
While installing a GPS tracking device on your bike sometimes requires a professional hand, connecting a bike tracker to your phone is relatively easy.
You can find your tracker app on your smartphone app provider, iOS App Store, and Android Play Store.
- After installing the appropriate app, open it to begin the connection process.
- Ensure your phone has an internet connection via mobile data or WiFi.
- Opening the app for the first time will take you straight to the connection process.
- Follow the instruction shown by the app.
- Your phone will then connect to the tracking device quickly.
Are Electric Bikes Tracked?
When talking about electric bikes, many think they feature built-in GPS tracking systems.
This belief is because electric bikes generally have large battery capacities and frames, but tE-bikes would be three times more likely to be stolen than standard ones.
A built-in GPS tracking device will make sense, but many manufacturers don’t include these tracking devices in their electric bike products.
You can install one on your electric bike; we have shown you where to find the top-rated GPS tracking devices.
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How Do I Make A GPS Bike Tracker?
If you feel adventurous, build a DIY GPS bike tracker! This DIY GPS tracker needs a key component called Arduino MKR GSM 1400.
Arduino MKR GSM 1400 is a development board with the ATMEL SAMD21 microcontroller that can send SMS messages through a GSM network.
You will also need other components like GSM/GPRS 3dBi mini antenna, battery pack, and Li-Po battery control circuit, to name a few.
This project also needs a soldering iron; ensure you know how to use it.
A DIY GPS tracker will periodically send the current location information to you once it detects your bike movement.
How Do You Make A Homemade Tracking Device?
Many don’t own soldering irons or know how to use them; building a GPS bike tracker from scratch can overwhelm you.
You can use an old smartphone to make a GPS tracker; use any SIM card with a data plan that suits your budget.
When everything’s ready, reset your phone to delete all your info.
Set up a new dummy Gmail account for the phone and turn off the background data of all apps except Google Play Services and Google Play Store to reduce battery usage.
Next, you will activate a “Share my location” feature on Google Maps and share it with your primary email.
How To Set Up A Homemade Tracking Device On A Bike?
Many don’t own soldering irons or know how to use them; building a GPS bike tracker from scratch can overwhelm you.
You can use an old smartphone to make a GPS tracker; use any SIM card with a data plan that suits your budget.
When everything’s ready, reset your phone to delete all your info.
Set up a new dummy Gmail account for the phone and turn off the background data of all apps except Google Play Services and Google Play Store to reduce battery usage.
Next, you will activate a “Share my location” feature on Google Maps and share it with your primary email.
RELATED: Surprising facts about battery chargers for electric bikes.
How Much Does A GPS Tracking Device Cost?
PS tracking devices have various features; the price tag varies per device and its benefits.
A suitable GPS tracking device in the US costs one hundred dollars or over unless you want a cheaper option that is not efficient and lasts only a short time.
Cheaper options might be tempting, but be careful as they are unreliable occasionally.
An inefficient GPS tracker will give inaccurate tracking information while not being durable.
On the other hand, the expensive ones will provide more accurate tracking information in real-time and better durability because they have good-quality parts.
Do All GPS Trackers Have A Monthly Fee?
PS tracking devices have various features, and the price tag varies per device and its benefits.
Generally, a suitable GPS tracking device in the US costs one hundred dollars or over unless you want a cheaper option that is not efficient and lasts only a short time.
Cheaper options might be tempting, but be careful as they are unreliable occasionally.
An inefficient GPS tracker will give inaccurate tracking information while not being durable.
On the other hand, the expensive ones will provide more accurate tracking information in real-time and better durability because they have good-quality parts.
Most GPS trackers require a monthly fee to do their job, which varies per brand.
Other factors that determine the cost of a GPS tracker are the model and features of the device you purchase.
Brands demand twenty-five to fifty dollars monthly, but high-end devices cost more than entry-level ones.
Are There GPS Trackers Without SIM Cards?
You will likely find a GPS tracker that requires a SIM card in your nearest tech store.
Connect the device to your phone to send location information; a SIM card eases communication between them.
Besides, a SIM card tracks your bike’s location; most GPS trackers use SIM cards to work, while others don’t.
GPS trackers for bikes with SIM cards typically offer limited functionality.
For example, it logs the bike position on internal memory for later viewing when connected to a computer.
Does A GPS Tracker Need A Battery?
A GPS tracker needs electricity to power the device to send information through satellites to your phone.
However, electricity for a GPS tracker does not necessarily have to come from a battery.
There are three GPS trackers: plug-in, hardwired, and battery-operated; use your bicycle battery charger to power your GPS.
You can use the plug-in or the hardwired ones for a vehicle like a motorcycle or a car, as it has electricity.
The battery-powered GPS tracker’s downside is charging it regularly.
How Far Can A GPS Tracker Work?
GPS trackers depend on the signal to work more effectively. Theoretically, it has no distance limit if it runs under a good GPS signal.
When a GPS tracking device is under the perfect satellite’s line-of-sight and cellular coverage, the tracking can be within 6 feet of accuracy.
However, the accuracy can get unpredictable when there is an interference in the satellite line-of-sight.
Things like dense forests, hills, high buildings, or lack of signal can interfere with the accuracy of a GPS tracker.
Meanwhile, you can also read this article that reviews the best Chirp Wheels-designed home exercises to relieve back pain.
How Does Location Tracking Technology Work?
Let’s break down the process of a GPS tracker to determine something or one’s location.
Trilateration determines latitude, longitude, elevation, and time, including three or more satellites from the Global Navigation Satellite System network.
A GPS tracker works by communicating with satellites to execute the trilateration process.
It follows signals from satellites to determine the tracker’s distance from them.
After collecting distance information from three or more satellites, the GPS tracker will find an intersection point between those distance information.
That intersection is the estimated location of your GPS tracker. The more satellites are involved, the more accurate the GPS tracker is.
How Long Will A GPS Tracker Last?
Like any other device, a GPS tracker can’t help you keep tabs on your bicycle forever.
The time will come to replace your device with a new good one, probably after two or three years of lifespan.
However, a high-end GPS with multiple features found can last up to five years or more; take care of your tracker because falls or bumps can shorten its lifespan.
Mount your GPS tracker firmly to ensure it does not rattle when riding; you must also be able to remove the device easily to charge it.
Can I Track A Stolen Bike?
Most people might freak out when their belongings are stolen, but keeping calm is helpful.
That way, you can think clearly of possibilities to track your belonging.
If it is a bike that was stolen, first check with the parking staff to make sure your bike is not towed instead.
You can also ask for security footage to see if there is a helpful clue.
Furthermore, checking advertisement websites like Craigslist or Kijiji helps to find stolen items.
Will I Get My Stolen Bike Back?
Other than advertisement websites, check flea markets and pawnshops in the area.
Register your bike with the National Bike Registry for them to return your bicycle to you if the police find it.
Bike thieves usually break stolen bikes into parts to minimize the risk and make them easier to sell, which can make retrieving your stolen bike impossible.
Tracking your bike immediately after it is stolen will help; file a police report to maximize the chance of retrieving it.
The police return only around five percent of stolen bikes due to the difficulty of finding other owners.
File a report so the police have the data to return your bike should it be found.
Final Thoughts.
That’s all about a GPS-tracking device that increases your bicycle’s safety.
If you plan to get one for your bike, check what makes a good GPS tracker to pick the most appropriate one.
Ensure also that you can connect the tracker to your phone correctly to locate your cycle quickly needed.
Furthremore, you can make a GPS tracker from an old smartphone if you don’t want to purchase a new one.
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