Did you know that bikes are one of the most common vehicles that get lost or stolen? Yes, according to different reports, two-wheelers are the easiest ones to steal. For that reason, most of the thieves target these.
And no matter if your two-wheel is a bit cheap, you should take proper measures if you want to prevent it from getting into the wrong hands. Well, that is where the best GPS tracker for bike steps in.
These small devices are easy to install, and most importantly, these will offer you the location information of the cycles if it gets stolen. Many even provide real-time location as well. And with one of these, you would be able to find the exact location of it and claim the ownership back.
7 Best GPS Tracker for Bike Review
Not all of these devices would be suitable for bikes. Many will be large in size, which will make them a tad difficult for you to install in your two-wheeler. For your convenience, we have picked the ones that are actually ideal for this kind of use and offer good performance. They are:
1. Garmin Edge 530
When it comes to fitness devices, Garmin has always been among the top dogs. And they are now offering a versatile device for tracking bikes as well, which is this one.
To start with, it integrates an advanced GPS chip. The chip will offer you advanced GPS mapping features. It will enable you to navigate different unknown roads and terrains without having to worry about getting lost. The Cycle Map that it integrates will enable you to browse through different popular routes.
Aside from the GPS chip, it has a reasonably large touchscreen on the front. The touchscreen is highly responsive. For that reason, navigating through the UI of the device will feel like driving a hot knife in a slab of butter. And the back to the start feature that it has will enable you to easily get back to your home.
Alongside that, it integrates a lot of safety features. It has an alarm system that will prevent your two-wheeler from getting lost. Also, it has a group messaging system, which will enable you to communicate with the biking buddies when you are out on the road.
Other than that, the package includes rearview radar and lights. You can install those on your cycle to make it safer on the road. Also, you will find the mounts that are required to install it. It even includes a three-button knob, which will enable you to control the attachments. You will not need anything extra to set it up.
Apart from that, the battery that it packs is relatively high in capacity. It can last for up to 20 hours in GPS mode. And with the power pack, you can make it run for up to 40 hours.
Pros
- Features an advanced mapping system
- The touchscreen is highly responsive
- Sports a unique cycling map
- Lasts for up to 20 hours
- Boasts an alarm system
Cons
- Display does not have any protector on the top
- Accuracy of the GPS is not that praiseworthy
2. XCSOURCE Vehicle Real Time
Real-time tracking is what you are going to need if you want to track your stolen bike as fast as possible. And this one that is being offered by XCSOURCE has that feature baked into it.
As we have mentioned, the unit sports a real-time tracking feature, thanks to the integration of Google Maps. It can provide precise location information about the bike if it gets stolen for integrating such a mechanism. And the processing is totally automatic, which means you will not have to fiddle with anything to make it work.
On that note, it bundles with a mobile app. The app works with both the Android OS and iOS. And even if you do not want to use any mobile apps, you can use the available web app. You would be able to enjoy all of the features right on the web. However, the mobile app would have a smooth interface.
Talking of which, it puts proper emphasis on privacy as well. Both the app and the web version require a password. You would have to put that in if you want to change anything or if you want to disable the tracker. So, it would be quite impossible for someone to disable it, even if they find the device.
Aside from the bundled app, there is a built-in switching power supply. It supports a wide voltage input range. It will work with most of the vehicles and power packs. And you will receive all of the installation cables with the package. The setup process is pretty simple and straightforward as well.
Lastly, the GPS chip that it integrates is quite efficient. It would be able to offer you precise location information even when the signal is weak.
Pros
- Sports real-time tracking mechanism
- Bundles with a mobile app
- Offers a web version of the tracking system
- Packs a built-in power supply
- Requires password to operate
Cons
- The app has a tedious setup process
- Only works with 2G sims
3. Family1st Mini GPS
Bikes do not generally have that much space to install other attachments. That is why, if you are really going to install something on it, you would need to get something that is small in size, like this device from Family1st.
First of all, the chip that it integrates is exceptionally fast. Thanks to the 4G LTE network that it utilizes, it should be able to offer you location information at a rapid pace. In fact, there is an option that will provide you location info every five seconds.
Aside from being fast, the network reception ability of the chip is quite efficient. It can pick up signals even when it is in a poor network area. And because of how small and compact the form factor is, it will be quite easy for you to install this one discretely. The chances of thieves finding it would be quite slim.
Other than that, the housing of the unit is reasonably sturdy. It features a proper seal, which makes it resistant to water. That seal does a proper job in resisting dust as well. So, even if you do tread on reasonably harsh terrains, the functionality of the unit will not degrade because of the environmental elements.
Apart from that, the installation process of the device is reasonably straightforward. The magnets that it packs are considerably powerful. As there are two of them in the package, you would be able to plant this one in your bike without any issues.
Alongside that, the battery that it packs is reasonably high in capacity. The unit utilizes a 600 mAh Li-Po battery. It can last for up to 2 weeks in the high-speed update mode.
Pros
- Uses 4G LTE network
- Capable of receiving networks in poor reception areas
- Housing is waterproof
- Boasts a straightforward installation process
- Lasts for up to 2 weeks with a single charge
Cons
- The bundled app is pretty slow
- Has some hidden subscription fees
4. MoniMoto – Smart Motorcycle Tracker
Looking for something that will not only provide you location information but also will act as an alarm to keep the thieves away? Well, what you were probably looking for is this one.
To start with, it has a reasonably simple installation process. In fact, the process is that easy that it would only require 10 minutes. It does not require any sort of wiring, nor will you have to use any other accessories to make it operational. That means you are not going to need anything extra for this.
Aside from that, the package that will ship to you will have all the required stuff. It includes batteries and a sim card. The subscription fee of the service is $3.5 for a month. And when you first install it, the first two months would be totally free, which not all of the manufacturers offer.
Other than that, the sensors that it integrates are quite efficient. They do not consume that much amount of power. With the included batteries, you can expect the device to work for up to 12 months. There will be no need to replace the batteries that often.
Alongside that, the device integrates Ublox Celllocate technology. Combined with the 3G sim that it comes with and the highly efficient GPS chip, it should be able to offer you precise location information. The real-time location feature that it has should make the information more accurate.
Apart from that, the unit bundles with a mobile app. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. You will also be able to call alerts of the sim in the app. It even has an alarm function that will offer you feedback after 1 minute of movement.
Pros
- The setup process is simple
- Does not require any wiring
- Comes with batteries and a sim card
- Runs for up to 12 months with fully charged batteries
- Offers real-time location information
Cons
- Might not work for some of the regions of the US
- Some of the features of the app are not polished
5. SINOTRACK ST-901W
You are most likely to tread through different harsh and tough terrains with your bike. Considering that, you would want to get something that has reasonably durable housing. Well, SINOTRACK had factored that criteria when they were manufacturing this unit.
To start with, it utilizes quality materials for the construction of the housing. Because of the high-quality materials that it is of, it achieves a reasonably high level of durability. It can withstand harsh and tough environments at ease. Also, it does a proper job of resisting water and dust from the interior.
Other than the build quality of the housing, the GPS chip that it utilizes is quite efficient. It can offer real-time location information. And the information that it is going to provide you will be relatively precise. Monitoring your bike after it gets lost or stolen will be an effortless task for you.
Apart from that, the bundled app is compatible with plenty of devices. You can use it on Android and iOS. Also, there is a PC version, which you can use if you do not have access to a smartphone. It has an anti-lost alarm mode, which will send you a notification if the device goes outside of the geofence region.
Alongside that, the app has a history section. In that function, you would be able to view all of the location histories. You can view the information from the past two years in an organized manner. Also, the built-in battery can make the system run for a long amount of time.
Besides that, the form factor of the unit is quite compact and small. For that reason, it would be quite easy for you to set this one up discretely. And as the app requires a password, you will not have to worry one bit if the thief does find it on your vehicle.
Pros
- Offers real-time location
- Sports a durable housing; can resist dust and water
- Features a geofence alarm mechanism
- Bundled app is compatible with a plethora of devices
Cons
- Setup instruction of the app is pretty poor
- It only supports 3G sims
6. Invoxia Cellular Tracker
Setting custom alert zones when you are parking your bike in a specific spot can allow you to get notified about the theft a bit faster. And you will be able to do exactly that with this unit that is being offered by Invoxia.
Unlike some of the other trackers that are out there, this one will offer you the ability to select a particular zone. You can set up that perimeter after you park or keep your bike somewhere you will not be near. And it will offer you a quick notification once it goes out of the area.
Aside from the geofencing capability, the unit packs a high-capacity battery. However, the battery life will depend on the operational mode you are operating it at. You can set it up in four different modes. One of them will offer you only alarms, and the other ones will update you in five, ten, and thirty minutes intervals.
Apart from the different operational modes, it does not require any sort of monthly fees. After purchase, you will have select annual plans. The plans are just $39.99 per year. And there are no hidden fees that you have to pay if you decide to use it for a long amount of time.
Alongside that, it works with multiple networks. Depending on the area that you are in, it will use LTE-M, 4G, or Wi-FI only. So, even if you have parked your cycle in a place where there is no 4G coverage, you will not have to worry that much.
Other than that, the unit is reasonably small in size. Because of the device’s compact nature, it will be quite easy for you to install this discretely. It is considerably lightweight as well.
Pros
- Offers a geofencing feature
- Boasts different operational modes
- Does not have any hidden subscription fees
- Compact and lightweight
- Works with different networks
Cons
- Takes way too long to recharge
- Some of the devices might ship dead
7. TKSTAR TK906
If you were looking for something that does not require any sort of subscription fee, then TKSTAR might have the right thing for you.
To begin with, it works with a plethora of networks. Starting from GSM and GPRS to 2G, it works with all of them. It can even work in GPS-only mode in the areas where there is poor network coverage. And the sim that you would have to install in it will not require that amount of fees. It would only consume 30 Mb per month.
Aside from the networking modes, the device has a geofencing mechanism. It will offer you the ability to set up small perimeters. And after you have set up the perimeters, it will send you an instant notification once the bike goes out of it. So, you can start taking necessary actions faster when it gets stolen.
Other than the geofencing mode, the unit also has an overspeeding alarm. It will also send your sound alarms when someone is tinkering with your bike when you have it parked. Also, it sounds an alarm when the battery level is close to the bottom.
On that note, the device packs a 1200 mAh battery. Because of having such high capacity battery, it would be able to last for days without any recharge. That means you will not have to worry about it dying on you when you are on a road trip. Also, it will act as a headlight, thanks to the LEDs that are on the front.
Besides that, you will be able to integrate it directly on the Google Map app that you have on your phone. You can even use the available web-based platform.
Pros
- Works with plenty of networks
- Sports a geofencing feature
- Packs different operational modes
- Features alarm modes
- Compatible with Google Maps
Cons
- Does not work with 3G and 4G only sims
- Some of the units may have a wrong IMEI number
Things to Consider Before Buying
Before you do jump into making a purchase decision, you will have to keep a couple of factors in mind. By considering them, your chances of getting something efficient will be reasonably high. That being said, the factors that we are stating here are as follows:
Build Quality
First and foremost, you need to consider the build quality of the housing. As you are most likely to travel through harsh and tough terrains, you would want to get something that can withstand such kinds of environments. In other words, you will have to opt for the ones that utilize high-quality materials for the housing.
If you happen to get something that has flimsy housing, there is a high chance that it will stop working after a couple of months, which you would not want, would you? For that reason, you should shoot for the ones that have reasonably high build quality.
Working Networks
Aside from the build quality, you should consider the operating networks. The ones that we would recommend for this are the ones that can work with a different set of networks. Those will be able to offer you location information even when you are in an area where there is no coverage of a certain network.
Efficiency of the Chip
Another factor that you need to consider when you are shopping for these is the efficiency of the chip. The more efficient the chip, the better the signal reception is going to be. With those, you should be able to get location information even if the thief goes to an area where there is low network coverage.
Geofencing Mechanism
The geofencing mechanism that most of these devices sport can come in handy. It enables you to set up small perimeters. And the device will send you a notification when it goes out of the area. With those, you can get instant notifications when the bike is out of the parking area.
As a result, you would be able to take instant action. So, the chances of the thief getting away will be pretty minimal.
Battery
These devices will utilize a battery to operate. However, the capacity of the battery will not be the same for all of the units that you will stumble upon. Some will have a small-sized battery, while some will have an extensively large battery.
We would recommend shooting for the ones with a large battery because those will run for a long amount of time without requiring to be recharged. As a result, you would not have to worry about it dying on you when you do not have any charging solution with you on a long road trip.
GPS Accuracy
The accuracy of the location information that you are receiving is quite important. It can be a deal-breaking thing when you are trying to locate your stolen bike. For that reason, we would suggest shooting for the one that offers real-time location information. Those have the highest accuracy.
Bundled App
Last but not least, you should consider the app that it comes bundled with. Make sure that it is compatible with the phone that you are using. And even if it is not compatible with your mobile device, ensure that there is a web-based version.
If you happen to get one that does not offer that, the device would be pretty useless to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all of the bike GPS trackers have a subscription fee?
Ans: It depends on the networking system that the brand is going to use. Most of them are going to utilize a proprietary networking system, which will require a subscription fee.
On the other hand, there will be many that will require a separate sim card. With those, all you have to do is buy a data pack each month. Most of them will require about 30 Mb per month. So, the cost per month will be pretty low for those.
Q: Are all of the location trackers waterproof?
Ans: Not really. The waterproofness will depend on the housing of the unit. If the housing has a proper seal, it should be able to resist water reasonably well. Alongside that, those would be able to resist dust as well.
For that reason, it is quite important for you to get something that has durable and sturdy housing if you are planning to tread on harsh and tough environments.
Q: What should I do after I find the location of my stolen bike?
Ans: Most of the work is done if you can find out the location of your stolen bike. After you have tracked it, you should go to the location and claim your bike back.
However, if you are not sure that you can approach the thief by yourself, you should take the help of the officials. File a report, offer them the location, and they should do the rest of the tasks.
Q: Is installing a tracker on a bike worth it?
Ans: According to us, it is absolutely worth it to invest in a bike tracker. With one of these planted in your two-wheeler, you will have peace of mind whenever you are parking it somewhere.
Q: Are there any smart location trackers available for two-wheelers?
Ans: Yes, the manufacturer Garmin is offering many of the GPS devices that are smart. Those are some of the versatile two-wheeler accessories that you will be able to use to track your two-wheeler if it gets lost or stolen.
Final Words
You might never know when your two-wheeler gets lost or stolen. That is why it is always a good idea to get yourself the best GPS tracker for bike. And we would like to assure you that no matter which one you purchase from our picks, you will be satisfied with the one that you are going to end up with.
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