What’s the best e-bike tracking technology?
Live e-bike location tracking in Comodule Companion App
E-bike tracking has become a crucial aspect of modern e-bike ownership, driven by the increasing value of these bikes and the rising incidence of theft. As e-bikes have become more integrated into our everyday activities, the need for robust security solutions has never been greater. Tracking technologies, such as Bluetooth and especially GPS trackers, play a critical role in enhancing e-bike security. Trackers are vital as an additional security measure for theft prevention and recovery. Furthermore, these technologies provide benefits in the context of insurance and bike recovery service, where certified tracking devices can lower premiums and improve the chances of recovering stolen bikes.
E-bike tracking technologies overview
This post focuses on e-bike tracking as a feature, and less on the side benefits of different products. E-bike tracking technologies can be broadly categorized into Bluetooth and GPS* trackers, each offering distinct advantages and limitations.
Disclaimer: In this blog post, the term "GPS" is used for simplicity and broad recognition, but the more accurate term should be "GNSS" (Global Navigation Satellite System) tracking. The descriptions and examples of GPS tracker functionality are mainly based on Comodule's products.
Bluetooth trackers
Description: Bluetooth and Bluetooth UWB (ultra-wideband) trackers are short-range devices that connect to nearby smartphones or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. They are best suited for localized tracking, where proximity to the user is relatively constant. These trackers are often more affordable and have longer battery life due to their lower power consumption, though they are often not specifically designed for e-bikes. However, they are limited in range and do not provide real-time tracking when the bike is outside the Bluetooth range.
Key characteristics:
Range and connectivity: Limited to short-range connectivity, typically within 100 meters of a connected device. The signal strength can be affected by environmental factors such as walls or the bike's location.
Security features: Offer basic tracking capabilities with limited security features via phone applications. Most require proprietary apps for full functionality.
Power and battery life: Tend to have long battery life, with some devices lasting several months to a year on a single charge. These trackers usually have a replaceable or rechargeable battery.
Visibility and vandalism: Often exposed to the environment, making them easier to damage or remove by a thief. Their external placement also increases their vulnerability to tampering and accidental loss.
Price: Typically priced at €30-40, Bluetooth trackers are a cost-effective and widely accessible option for consumers, offering limited tracking capabilities that provide peace of mind with minimal investment.
E-bike GPS Trackers
Description: GPS trackers offer global, real-time tracking capabilities. These devices use satellite and cellular networks to provide continuous location updates, making them ideal for comprehensive security and long-distance monitoring. GPS trackers are particularly effective in theft prevention and recovery and are often designed specifically for e-bikes.
Key characteristics:
Range and Connectivity: Provide global coverage with real-time tracking capabilities, allowing for continuous monitoring regardless of distance, making them far more effective for theft prevention and recovery.
Security Features: Include advanced security features such as movement alerts, sound alarms, smart locks, and drivetrain immobilizers. These features significantly enhance theft prevention and recovery efforts. The majority of GPS trackers are paired with a dedicated app developed by the manufacturer, maximizing the capabilities of the specific GPS tracker.
Power and Battery Life: Heavily depends on the product, but for example, Comodule’s Bonnie & Clyde, uses an automatic on-demand charging from the e-bike’s battery. The smart device itself ensures it has enough power, and even if the main battery is disconnected, a backup battery can last from a few weeks up to a month on a single charge.
Visibility and Vandalism: Designed to be securely integrated into the bike frame, GPS trackers are harder to detect and more reliable in maintaining consistent signal quality. This hidden integration makes them significantly less vulnerable to theft or vandalism, ensuring more dependable tracking.
Price: Starting at €50 to €150, GPS trackers are a more advanced option, often specifically tailored to integrate with certain bike brands. The price depends on the product sophistication and customization, whereas the lower end universal trackers offer basic tracking and notifications, and the higher end Comodule IoT products include additional security features (smart frame locks, sound alarms, drivetrain immobilizer) and other bike control and convenience features. The initial cellular connectivity subscription is usually included in the product price, after that, the subscription can be renewed by the OEM or user for a small annual fee.
Installation options of e-bike trackers
When considering the implementation of tracking devices, OEMs can install the trackers during assembly in the factory or offer a tracking device as an optional accessory to be installed at their distributors/dealers at the point of sale or post-sale. Consumers usually have the choice of equipping their non-connected e-bikes with a simpler Bluetooth or GPS device or opting for a new bike that is already equipped with a more sophisticated and reliable GPS/IoT device.
Factory-Equipped GPS Solutions
Description: For OEMs, integrating GPS tracking systems at the factory or dealer level provides a robust, seamlessly integrated solution. These systems are securely built into the bike, ensuring high reliability and durability for consumers.
Consumer: With 60% of the market seeking smart security features, factory-equipped GPS adds clear value by offering comprehensive security and convenience right out of the box. Consumers enjoy a hassle-free experience with superior protection, enhancing both the bike's appeal and overall value.
Aftermarket Bluetooth Trackers
Description: Without factory-installed GPS, consumers often turn to aftermarket Bluetooth trackers as a retrofit option. These trackers are easy to install but offer limited range and basic functionality, and they are more prone to tampering and damage due to their external placement.
Consumer: Consumers face the challenge of finding the right product and installing it themselves. They will have a less reliable and less durable solution with minimal security features. While more affordable and providing some peace of mind, Bluetooth trackers do not meet the growing demand for smart security.
Should tracking be a default feature of an e-bike?
There is clearly an increasing market demand for more secured bikes. IoT technology is advancing rapidly to offer solutions that meet consumer needs and beyond. Tracking is perhaps the most essential and tangible security feature of IoT for the consumer today, but should it become a default feature for e-bikes or remain optional?
OEM perspective
Benefits: Integrating GPS tracking/IoT devices allows OEMs to meet the rising demand for smarter, more secure e-bikes. This integration enhances the bike's value, making the bikes and the brand future-proof, justifying higher pricing and reducing potential compatibility issues with aftermarket products. The IoT ecosystem opens new business opportunities like end-user-facing brand applications for direct communication and additional smart features that differentiate their bikes in the market.
Cons: Although the value is clear, integration and maintenance might require additional resources from the OEM, who may be concerned about the increased BOM costs, potentially raising the bike's retail price. Consulting with an IoT company like Comodule can help brands assess their need and readiness to integrate IoT, the steps to take, and the resources required. Brands can choose from off-the-shelf, no-maintenance solutions to test it out with low resources or go fully customizable solutions and use the maximum potential of IoT, based on their level of knowledge, brand strategy, and vision.
Consumer perspective
Benefits: Consumers benefit from a bike that comes with built-in, reliable GPS tracking, offering immediate security without the need for additional purchases or installations. The integration within a Comodule IoT device enhances convenience, providing peace of mind and potentially lowering insurance premiums through improved theft recovery chances.
Cons: The inclusion of GPS tracking may increase the bike’s price, which might not be attractive to some consumers, particularly those who don’t require advanced security features. Considering the discounted insurance premiums and added security and anti-theft features of IoT, the added cost to the bike price is relatively low to the value received.
Conclusion
In the rapidly evolving digitalization of e-bikes, tracking is increasingly becoming a fundamental expectation from consumers. While basic Bluetooth trackers offer a cost-effective solution (as retrofit), the integration of advanced GPS tracking within an IoT ecosystem provides a more comprehensive and future-proof approach to bike security. As e-bike brands continue to innovate, the trend toward connected bikes is likely to accelerate, offering not just enhanced security but also new features and services that cater to the evolving needs of riders.
Comodule offers GPS tracking as a default security feature in all IoT solutions. Get your e-bike fleet connected and secured. If you have any questions or interest in tracking and IoT solutions, feel free to reach out.
