Don’t Let the Thieves Win: Top Bike-Tracking Devices Reviewed

By Adam Marsal

Worried about losing your bike to theft? If the unthinkable happens, wouldn’t you give anything to be reunited with your beloved two-wheeler? With these bike tracking devices, ranging from €30 to €200, you can keep tabs on your bike and increase the chances of recovery. Let’s explore some of the affordable digital “guard dogs”.

Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag has revolutionised GPS tracking. This small, circular tracker can be discreetly attached to your bike using a variety of mounts. With Apple’s “Find My” app, you can track your bike’s location with ease. The AirTag emits a secure Bluetooth signal that is picked up by nearby devices in the Find My network, anonymously and securely transmitting the location to iCloud.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to a year before the replaceable coin battery needs swapping. You’ll receive a notification when the battery runs low. The AirTag can be shared with up to five people, making it a collaborative effort to keep your bike safe. If your bike is stolen, you can mark it as lost in the app, and anyone who finds it can tap the AirTag with their smartphone to access your contact info. Mounting solutions range from under-seat holders to handlebar attachments, with SBS Mobile even integrating it into a rear reflector for added stealth.

Price: €32 (single) / €90 (pack of four)

Knog Scout

The Knog Scout is a water-resistant, rechargeable tracker with an integrated alarm that makes an impressive 85 dB racket if someone tries to steal your bike. This compact device mounts discreetly under your bottle cage and syncs with Apple’s “Find My” network for real-time tracking. With USB-C charging and a battery life of up to six months, the Knog Scout is a reliable, hassle-free solution for bike security.

Price: €60

AlterLock Gen3

AlterLock Gen3 is designed to blend into your bike setup by mounting under the bottle cage. If a thief attempts to take your bike, a loud 95 dB alarm is triggered. This tracker uses advanced GPS, WiFi, and Sigfox connectivity, allowing you to locate your bike over long distances – even if it’s hidden indoors where GPS signals are weaker.

The sensitivity of the motion detection can be adjusted to prevent false alarms, and it also works seamlessly with Bluetooth when you’re nearby. Alerts are sent straight to your phone if the bike is moved while you’re out of range.

Price: €134.95–€139.95

I Lock It

Disguised as a traditional frame lock, I Lock It combines robust security with cutting-edge tracking. If your bike is moved without authorisation, the device sounds a 110 dB alarm and tracks the bike in real time through an app. Bluetooth and radio signals ensure a reliable connection while the 1,000 mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery is easily charged via USB-C.

The tracker includes two years of free tracking, after which you can continue for €2.90 per month.

Price: €259

BikeTrax eBike Tracker

BikeTrax
© BikeTrax

Tailored for e-bikes, BikeTrax is installed directly into the motor housing, making it invisible to thieves. In case of theft, GPS tracking activates immediately, sending alerts to your smartphone and providing real-time updates on the bike’s location. The app also lets you create a “bike passport” to assist law enforcement in case of a theft. BikeTrax operates independently of your e-bike’s battery, lasting up to 14 hours on its own charge.

Price: €199.90

Bikefinder

Perfect for road bikes, Bikefinder fits seamlessly into drop bars, remaining completely hidden. It’s compatible with handlebars ranging from 15 to 27 mm in diameter and can only be removed with specialised tools. The tracker connects via GPS, GSM, and Bluetooth, offering accurate tracking. Its USB-rechargeable battery lasts up to eight weeks per charge.

If your bike is stolen and not recovered, Bikefinder’s insurance will compensate you as part of the package.

Price: €185 (device) + €2.99/month for tracking services