Instead, an app on your smartphone is used. Sometimes even that isn’t necessary because the lock can automatically unlock when you approach the bike. Locks like
I LOCK IT or LINKA bike lock even come with extras. This follows a trend we discussed in our overview article “How to find the best e-bike app for your needs”.
Sounds smart? Maybe. However, practical tests quickly show that smart bike locks often fail when it really matters.
The adjective “smart” in smart bike locks refers primarily to the (automatic) unlocking and locking of the lock. In this case, you no longer need a key for both, but only a smartphone with the right app.
However, not all smart locks are the same.
Depending on the model, you can either lock or unlock your bike automatically or in different ways. We will discuss the main differences below.
Smart locks can be distinguished according to various criteria
Like other bike locks, you can get a smart lock in different designs.
The following three variants are predominant:
Do you want to know more about the differences between different bike locks and their advantages and disadvantages? Then read our guide “Best bike lock with GPS – how to protect your e-bike”.
Many smart bike locks have an alarm function. This means that a movement sensor integrated into the lock reacts to vibrations or movements of the bicycle with a loud alarm sound.
The idea behind this: The thief escapes or is prevented from stealing by attentive passers-by. If you also receive a notification on your smartphone, you can even react yourself if you are still nearby.
Unfortunately, an alarm function is much less effective in reality than in theory. This is because professional criminals are not deterred by an alarm and quickly stop it. In addition, passers-by in large cities are numbed by constant false alarms. Therefore, the risk is high that no one will react “when your lock calls for help”.
Important note: To prevent constant false alarms and resulting neighbourhood disputes, make sure you have an intelligent alarm function that distinguishes between accidental bumps and prolonged movement.
You can usually unlock and lock a smart bike lock (such as the LINKA smart bike lock) via an app on your smartphone. In addition, some locks react automatically when you approach or move away from the bike.
If you are the rare type of person who occasionally forgets their smartphone at home, it’s best to opt for a lock that can alternatively be opened with a key or a code (in the case of combination locks). Then you don’t have to worry about a flat smartphone battery. In exceptional cases, there is a fingerprint sensor.
Smart bike locks like the I LOCK IT have a GPS function. It is used to locate your lock and thus your bike.
In theory, this has two advantages:
But there is also a big catch:
Tracking only works as long as the lock is on your bike – and is reasonably intact. If a thief is clever enough to remove or destroy it, tracking is no longer possible. For this reason, a smart bike lock with GPS is not comparable to a GPS tracker that is invisibly integrated into the motor of an e-bike.
Apart from that, GPS tracking via smart bike locks works moderately well in practice. Professional GPS trackers are also ahead in this respect.
The batteries of smart bike locks last for several months. If they recharge themselves using solar energy, you hardly have to worry about your lock running out of juice.
Finally, the apps of many smart locks come with additional smart features. Especially worth mentioning is the possibility to share your bike with friends – without having to bring them a key. For this purpose, you can add users or guest users in the app. You might also benefit from the possibility to record and evaluate routes.
Now you know how a smart bike lock works. But how do they perform in practice and is this type of theft protection worth it?
Our list of advantages and disadvantages should help you find the answer:
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If you decide to buy a smart bike lock despite all the disadvantages, we recommend a model with an integrated alarm. The alarm function does increase security – but only to a limited extent.
If you have a spoke lock, you should also buy a conventional chain lock or U-lock so that you can lock your bike to a fixed object. Otherwise there is a risk that thieves will take it away. By the way, this also applies to the I LOCK IT.
Before you reach for I LOCK IT, we recommend the following anti-theft protection for an expensive e-bike:
The headline says it all: Even the best bike locks that are advertised at great expense, such as the I LOCK IT, are only suitable for short trips to the nearest supermarket. As real theft protection, the products do not “cut a good figure”. But that is the most important function of a bike lock. If your lock is easy to pick, it doesn’t help that you can unlock it with an app.
There is nothing wrong with combining a smart bike lock with a conventional lock. However, you will then need a bicycle key again.
Of course, it cannot be ruled out that smart bicycle locks will become a real alternative to conventional locks in the future. The smart U-lock from ABUS is already showing the way. But even then, we recommend GPS tracking with a comprehensive app as a supplement. After all, a lock alone only provides limited security, regardless of the material and the alarm function.
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