A smart electric bike can increase security in the daily lives of its users by providing monitoring through connectivity and security features physically built into the bike. GPS tracking, motion sensors, and access to an app allow users to detect strange occurrences and monitor the bike, but these features work best with a good lock and proper parking.
The ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro is a great example of how the technology of a smart e-bike can be utilized for daily monitoring.
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Get ENGWE deals & e-bike tipsWhat Makes a Smart Electric Bike More Secure?
The presence of connected features makes it easier to control the e-bike rather than make it unstealable. Among useful connected features are motion detection, app notifications, GPS location, and status of the bike. The actual lock remains the first layer of security, as connected features do not physically attach the frame to anything.
The specifications of the current GPS-enabled e-bike by ENGWE feature an IoT module that includes GPS, 4G, and Bluetooth, as well as the possibility of control via app. According to the comparison made by ENGWE, the IoT features are motion detection, GPS tracking, and app control.
Connected security thus becomes an additional layer rather than a substitute for the lock since the risk of theft depends on many factors, including parking location, stopping time, and attachment of the frame to something immovable.
How Does GPS Tracking Help Protect an E-Bike?
GPS helps by providing the rider with location information when the bicycle is out of their reach. It becomes especially helpful in case of sudden movement since the rider will be able to verify if the bicycle is still at its original position.
In the ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro electric bicycle, the IoT technology used for connected monitoring consists of GPS, 4G, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The use of an electric bike with gps tracker allows obtaining location information via a connected service, and app monitoring makes it available for the user. Location information can be inaccurate under some signal conditions, and GPS itself doesn’t physically prevent theft.
The provided security kit demonstrates real-time GPS tracking, location viewing on your phone, motion alerts, and app monitoring.
Should the bicycle be reported as stolen, location information might prove useful when reporting the issue. In any case, it is not recommended to handle the suspected thief alone. Screenshotting the location information might also come in handy when submitting the report to relevant authorities/insurance company.
How Does a Smart Electric Bike App Improve Security?
A smart electric bike app could enhance accessibility to security information through alerts, status information, and connected control options on the user's phone. The security offered by the system, through the app, includes:
● Motion alerts: Alert upon movement of the bike.
● Immediate notifications: Faster response to unusual events.
● Status of the bike: Access to the available information on the bike through the connected system.
● GPS location: View the position data using GPS, wherever applicable.
● Connected control: Management of the bike functions available through the manufacturer's app.
The provided security image of ENGWE, in particular, showcases motion alerts, immediate notifications, status of the bike, GPS tracking, and app monitoring capabilities. The official specification document for the product has confirmed the availability of an app control option.
This would be beneficial for commuters parking their bikes at a distance from their house, while an efficient lock is indispensable. App access becomes handy if one wishes to keep track of the bike before going back to the place where it was parked.
How Does an Electric Bike Anti Theft System Work?
An electric bike anti theft system is most effective if physical and technological factors work together. The presence of a lock hinders and delays the process of removal, whereas the connectivity aspect offers notifications and insights in case something happens.
A technology factor helps collect proof and gain awareness; however, it does not ensure finding a bike. Detection of movement informs about the movement of the bike, whereas the GPS can track the location of the stolen bike, but none of them secures it physically.
Therefore, the most effective method of ensuring security would be to combine physical and connected factors of security. A noticeable lock will deter someone from interfering, whereas the technological aspects will provide additional insight in case of failure.
Is GPS Enough to Prevent E-Bike Theft?
No. The GPS is certainly helpful in the case of tracking and knowing where something is, but must not be considered as a total solution in theft prevention. The GPS gives you information on where a bike may be; a lock prevents the theft itself.
The motion alerts also give you information and do not act as a barrier against theft. If you have time to leave your bike somewhere for a while, make sure that the frame is secured to a fixed object, and any removable accessories are taken away if possible.
An electric bike with gps tracker is also helpful since location data will be provided even after the bike moves.
GPS can be used for tracking and awareness but should not become an excuse for using a lower-quality lock. The rider must pick a good point to lock his bike anyway.
What Should You Do After Receiving a Motion Alert?
It is necessary to check the bike's condition and location instead of assuming that each movement alert means that the bike is being stolen. The bike might be moved accidentally or affected by other cyclists, or some activity might happen near the bike parking; therefore, the alert is a trigger for investigation.
In case of an unexpected notification, the cyclists can use the following algorithm:
● Check the bike on the app: check the current status and location of the bike.
● Check the GPS location: if there is a possibility of tracking the location of the bike, check whether the bike stayed at its place.
● Make sure that the situation is typical: it is possible that the activity in the vicinity of the bike might be the reason for triggering the movement alert.
● Save all the necessary information: take screenshots or keep the location information if the bike is moved unexpectedly.
● Avoid confrontation: Do not try to confront the thief by yourself.
Movement alerts are important since they decrease the time between the unexpected movement and the rider's knowledge about it by the rider. The location of the bike can provide more information about whether the bike has been moved somewhere.
Thus, movement alerts and GPS informationprovide extra information in case of unexpected movements.
Which ENGWE Smart Electric Bike Is Best for Security?
For those who care about connected bike functionalities, the ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro is a better option since there is mention of an IoT module that includes GPS, 4G, and Bluetooth connectivity in the ENGWE specs. The ENGWE L20 3.0 Boost also has app control via a Bluetooth screen, yet lacks GPS in the UK specs.
ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro
The ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro variant integrates its intelligent security features with the 250W mid-drive motor that is equipped with a maximum torque of 100 Nm. The motor is powered by a removable 48V 15Ah 720Wh battery and has a claimed maximum range of 160 km. It has also incorporated full suspension along with hydraulic dual-piston brakes with 180 mm rotors and 20 x 3.0-inch tyres.
For security-oriented cyclists, the most important benefit lies in the incorporation of the IoT kit in the bike, which includes motion sensing, GPS tracking, and app control.
ENGWE L20 3.0 Boost
The Boost has a 48V hub motor with torque of up to 75Nm, a 48V 13.5Ah 648Wh battery, torque sensor, full-suspension frame, hydraulic dual-piston brakes, and 20×3.0-inch tyres. It has a 3.5-inch display with Bluetooth capabilities, while according to ENGWE, the app control function is available.
It has the advantage of connectivity for everyday riding, rather than GPS for security purposes. For riders who decide on an electric bike anti theft system device with GPS integration, the Pro model would be better to opt for under the current specifications.
Pick the Pro in case you need GPS location and motion security; pick the Boost for app connection and commuting purposes.
How Should You Secure a Smart Electric Bike in Public?
A smart electric bike should be locked just as well as an e-bike that lacks any type of connected technology. The addition of smart monitoring provides extra data, but the most important aspect is to make the bike hard to take away.
As for public parking, secure the frame of the bike to a stationary object, park it in a visible area, and take out all possible accessories that can be taken away. The connected services are the next step and include alerts to movements, GPS, and app availability.
Consistency is crucial even in short stops; lock your bike properly every time and maintain the connected technology if necessary. It will make it less likely that one part of the security routine is forgotten during several errands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GPS stop an electric bike from being stolen?
Does GPS stop an electric bike from being stolen?
No. While GPS can aid location tracking, it doesn't actually deter any thieves from taking the vehicle. It is best when used alongside a secure lock and intelligent parking.
Can I track an e-bike from my phone?
Can I track an e-bike from my phone?
Yes, provided the bike is equipped with a connected GPS system and app. The security solution explained in this article allows phone monitoring and GPS location capabilities for the GPS-enabled version of the bike.
Are motion alerts useful for e-bike security?
Are motion alerts useful for e-bike security?
Yes. The motion detector will notify the owner that his/her parked bike was disturbed or moved. They must still be used along with a lock, since the mere alerting function isn't going to prevent someone from moving a bike.
Is app control the same as GPS tracking?
Is app control the same as GPS tracking?
No. App control is the tool used to connect to the connected features, and GPS is the technology that determines a position. A bike can have an app even if it lacks a built-in GPS module, and vice versa, so check carefully what the bike specs are.
Is a smart electric bike worth it for commuters?
Is a smart electric bike worth it for commuters?
The usefulness of Connected e-bikes lies in the added awareness that commuting riders get from various alerts, status, and location features.
