Best GPS Bike Trackers: find and follow your stolen bike
Millions of bikes get stolen every year - these little bike trackers can help you keep an eye on yours and make it more retrievable if it is stolen
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Unfortunately bike theft remains a common problem for many cyclists. Statistics show that a bike is stolen every seven minutes in the UK. And it’s worse in the US, where an owner returns to find their bike gone every three minutes.
The frequency of these thefts makes locking up your bike more hazardous than it should. Even if you’re equipped with one of the best bike locks these numbers prove that bikes are going missing despite the best intentions of their owners. But while bike theft isn’t entirely preventable, you can pair your lock with another device that might help to keep it safe; the best bike trackers help you to track and retrieve your bike if it's stolen.
Essentially GPS trackers come in two types: small, more affordable units that use a Bluetooth connection, and larger LTE GPS units that can provide details on their location regardless of how close the nearest mobile phone is. The former don’t require a subscription whereas the latter do, with the main difference between the two being the accuracy of the data provided. As with most things, when it comes to the best bike trackers you get you what you pay for.
That said, having tested a wide range of trackers we have found some affordable options that are well worth considering and we’ve included them in this guide alongside more expensive LTE options. As well as the price tag we’ve also considered the size of the tracker, how easy it is to use and its durability.
Knog uses Apple’s ‘Find My’ technology, so you get all the benefits of tapping into that extensive network. However, the Knog Scout is USB-C rechargeable, which will be a deal clincher for some.
Super lightweight at just 11 grams, the AirTag makes it particularly easy to stash discreetly on your bike. Being an Apple product, the setup and integration are remarkably smooth and straightforward.
Tile has been in the Bluetooth location game for much longer than Apple - and the Tile app works on both Apple and Android devices, broadening its user base. The Tile network is well-established and continues to grow.
The Invoxia tracker offers a slim design and an alarm, but like most devices, it requires a subscription to reach its full potential. This is quite reasonable compared to the competition. It’s primarily let down by not being water-resistant.
While a little more bulky at 82 grams, LandAirSea’s tracker is both water- and dustproof. Although it can be a little tricky to find a good place to keep it on your bike, it is one of the cheapest.
At a hefty 249 grams, the Cycloop tracker is something of a heavyweight - and it’s certainly not discreet. That said, it attaches nicely to a seatpost, and the battery can last for up to a year - making it a set-and-forget device.
Device Name:
GPS tracking?
Bike specific?
Alarm?
Weight
Battery type
Subscription?
Apple Airtag
No
No
Yes
11g
Replaceable
No
Knog Scout Bike Alarm
No
Yes
Yes
25g
Rechargable
No
Tile for Bikes
No
No
Yes
6g-17g
Varies by model
No
Invoxia Real Time GPS Tracker
Yes
Yes
Yes
30g
Rechargable
Yes
Land Air Sea 54
Yes
No
No
82g
Rechargable
Yes
Cycloop tracker
Yes
Yes
No
249g
Rechargable
Yes
The Knog Scout, uses a USB-C for recharging which will be music some people's ears
Our expert review:
The Scout Bike Alarm and Finder is a slim 25g rechargeable Bluetooth tracking device. It can be discreetly mounted under a bottle cage and connects to the Knog Scout app, which allows you to 'Arm' and 'Disarm' the device, trigger an 85db audio alarm and send a notification to your phone when it detects motion. If your bike does go missing, using Apple’s ‘Find My’ app will show you the trackers location using Apple’s "Find My Network”, which benefits from millions of Apple devices.
I really like the Knog Scout for several reasons, and why it gets the vote here as best overall. Firstly the design of the Knog Scout means it's not obvious it’s there when sitting under a water bottle cage. The Knog app is easy to use, while the audio alarm is genuinely loud, and the most audible in this guide. The battery life is also impressive, lasting up to six months, and it's easily recharged via a USB-C charging port; a small LED displays the current battery life and it takes about four hours to fully charge.
Other noteworthy attributes include anti-tamper screws attached to your cage mounts, an optional neon yellow silicone cover to deter thieves and a waterproof IP66 rating, which means its water-resistant rather than waterproof.
The Knog Scout includes anti-tamper screws to mount securely and an included optional neon yellow silicone cover to deter thieves. The device has a waterproof IP66 rating to keep it functioning during its lifetime. You can get two to six months out of the USB-C rechargeable battery in addition to the small LEDs showing alarm status and battery charge.
Despite this tracker having no real time GPS tracking built in it’s a great step up from an AirTag and an excellent choice to add peace of mind when leaving your bike unattended for a bit without worrying about any monthly or yearly subscription plans.
Our expert review:
The Apple AirTag is the second smallest Bluetooth tracker on this list. It is a quarter-sized, shiny 11-gram, almost weightless tracker, designed to be used with Apple iPhones 6 running its latest IOS software.
It uses Apple’s “Find My Network”, which is made up of hundreds of millions of Apple devices around the world. It uses a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices. Once that signal is detected, Apple’s advanced end-to-end encryption uses the device's location to then give you, the owner, a fairly accurate location of the AirTag.
It’s well-suited to be placed discreetly on a bike. If stolen you can track the bike using Apple’s ‘Find My’ app. While the thief is passing by buses, cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists, the chances of at least one of them having an Apple device that helps ping the location of your AirTag (bike) is highly probable, especially in big cities. While it has its limits, there are many happy stories from AirTag owners able to retrieve their belongings.
You must have an active Apple ID and be able to link the AirTag to your phone, so this is one for iPhone users only. But if you are, you can benefit from a device that’s simple to set up, light and runs on standard coin-shaped CR2032 battery, which can last up to a year. AirTags are also water, splash, and dust resistant with a rating of IP67 up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Overall Apple’s AirTag is an easy investment into bike security and an entry-level way onto trackers.
Our expert review:
Tile devices are Bluetooth non-GPS trackers utilizing their own large Tile Network. They are offered in different shapes and sizes that can be placed anywhere on a bike. Sizing ranges from 27mm x 7.8mm to 59mm x 34mm x 7.7mm, giving you options to choose from depending on your needs and budget.
When you buy a Tile, you must connect it to your phone through their free Tile App. You can then ping it to make a sound as you see the green rings on the app fill the closer you get; each Tile has a different Bluetooth range built-in between 250 ft and 400 ft, so as long as you are within that distance, you can ping your Tile.
If your bike gets stolen, you can view the Tiles' most recent location on a map. When you activate 'Notify When Found' on the app, the network will anonymously use every IOS, Android, FitBit, and Bose device running the app to give an updated location.
All Tile devices are water-resistant with an IP67 rating and all offer an audible ring. While only the Tile Pro model lets you replace the CR 2032 battery, the Tile Mate, Slim, and Sticker, have a long lasting 3-year built-in non replaceable battery.
I like the sizing of the Tiles because they are all small enough to place anywhere on a bike. In my experience the Tile app always runs smoothly and shows all of your Tile trackers connected to it, giving you quick access to ping them when necessary.
While all Tiles come with a Standard plan right out of the box, if you want to get smart alerts and 30-day location history, you will have to subscribe to their monthly Premium plan that costs $2.99 a month or $29.00 a year - with this plan you'll also be reimbursed up to $100.00 if Tile cannot find your item. Above that there is the Premium Protect plan for $99.99, which can reimburse you up to $1,000 if you Tile cannot find your item.
Our expert review:
Invoxia is a 30g slim-sized rechargeable Cellular GPS tracker that fits in the palm of a hand. It offers outdoor positioning via low-power GPS, indoor and via Wi-Fi, as well as proximity positioning via Bluetooth technology.
The Invoxia will locate and track with updates every 2, 5, 10, or 30 minutes while it is in motion. You also get the option to activate “Real-Time Boost” in emergencies with updates every 30 seconds for 30 minutes. With the help of the integrated Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Positioning and GPS the device will transmit its position to their servers via 4G LTE-M cellular networks.
You can set the device to alert you in real-time if movement is detected after five minutes of it being stationary. This feature comes in handy when locking up your bikes outside a café, school, or work. Another nifty feature is the 'virtual fences', which allow the set up of geographic areas like home or school. The app can alert you if the tracker has exited or entered the specific area you have set up.
Perhaps my favorite thing about the Invoxia device is that it comes with a free one year subscription. You can then renew and get six months for $29.95, one year for $49.95, or two years for $79.90.
Downsides? I wish the radar ‘ringer’ on the tracker was a bit louder. Additionally, I would have liked the device itself to have some sort of waterproof and dust rating like many GPS trackers in this guide.
Our expert review:
The Land Air Sea 54 is a subscription based two inch puck-shaped real-time GPS device that fits in the palm of your hand that weighs about 82g.
It uses 4G LTE and GPS tracking technology to get you the best possible real-time location of your belongings. You can choose from 3-second to 3-minute updates, depending on which plan subscription you select based on your needs.
The LAS 54 gives you access to its phone app and website to check on your devices through a secure log-in. You can, of course, see the current location of the device, number of stops, and idle time. Additionally, you can create Geofence alerts, speed alerts, battery alerts, and turn on the ShareSpot feature, allowing you to share device location to friends and family. The historical playback is helpful to see where your property has been.
The device is waterproof and dustproof once you place the small rubber grommet on. There is also an internal magnet that allows you to stick on metal surfaces you may have on your bike, such as basket,
The LandAirSea 54 GPS offers a relatively entry level priced international real-time tracking device with various no contract subscription options to choose from. So long as you can find a place for it on your bike then you can take full advantage of its features. Lots of utilization possibilities like tracking a friend or loved one while they are out cycling, tracking your bike gear or bike travel bags when flying!
Setup is easy through the app, but you can also use their website to set up, view, and manage your device(s) if you happen to lose access to your phone. This company has been in the GPS technology game for 20 years, so it's definitely worth considering their GPS tracker.
Our expert review:
Cycloop is a 249g international anti-theft GPS system for your bike. The two piece design allows you to securely clamp it onto your seat tube via four specially designed screws. This anti-tamper design cannot be easily removed and in the attempt of tampering, Cycloop will alert you via App notification.
The Cycloop comes with a key fob that is linked to the Cycloop itself, when the key fob is not near the bike, any movement the Cycloop detects will make it go into “Alarm mode” which will notify you via a phone call and send its location to the app.
Cycloop takes an interesting approach when it comes to GPS tracking devices. The device implements GLONASS and GPS technology for better global tracking and accuracy along with LTE CAT-M1 connectivity (via built in eSIM card) to communicate to the network. What is a bit different about Cycloop is that it is not a 'real time' tracking device, as it does not have a constant connection to the LTE network.
Cycloop is significantly larger than most GPS trackers on this list, but has a built in 1,930mAh rechargeable battery. This allowed Cycloop to integrate LED lights at each side of the device to make the rider more visible when around traffic. Using the LED lights can lower the battery duration to three months compared to 12 months when having the LED lights off. This is quite a neat integration in my opinion.
What I like about the Cycloop is I feel like it is a 'set it and forget it' device. Once fully charged and correctly placed on your bike, all that needs to be done is to carry the Key Fob when going for a ride and charge the device when the app notifies you. I also like that the app lets you adjust device motion sensitivity and key fob signal range.
I am no designer myself, but the size and shape of the Cycloop can stand out a bit and make your nice pricey bike look not so sleek. A small price to pay for security, I suppose.
It’s a shame the device doesn’t sound any loud alarm when stolen; sometimes a loud alarm in a public place is enough to make the thieves ditch the bike and run off.
As with all the products we review here at Cycling Weekly, our primary focus is on the product's function. For the best GPS bike trackers, we consider the ease of installation and setup, as well as how well any extra apps and supporting software work.
Testing GPS bike trackers for accuracy can be challenging, but the simplest method we've found is to cross-reference data across several devices and apps. This involves placing the device next to a monument in an open area, such as a farmhouse or trig point, and repeating this process multiple times while comparing the readings with other known-to-be-accurate devices. Typically, these reliable units integrate GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO positioning systems for maximum accuracy, similar to how the best bike computers will track you.
It's also beneficial to test multiple units at once, allowing for a comparison against each other.
For more information on how we test, visit our comprehensive guide.
Daniel Palma's cycling interests span gravel and mountain biking, racing and long-distance adventures. Having tested a wide variety of GPS trackers in direct comparisons, he's got an in-depth and detailed knowledge of the current market and technology.
Once you’ve determined your budget, you’ll need to consider both the kind of bike you have and the features you deem important.
A tracker needs to be discreet, so matching its mounting options to your bike is advisable.
If you keep your bike locked up outside or commute year-round, then waterproofing will need consideration. Look for trackers that have an IP (ingress protection) rating of 65 and above.
Connectivity is another feature you’ll need to consider. Cheaper options are likely to use Bluetooth to connect to your phone, which means a greatly reduced range compared to those that use GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), which are typically far more expensive. Remember, trackers that use a SIM card that sends information straight to your phone require a subscription.
Let’s backtrack a bit and look into what a GPS actually is. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has been around since the 1970’s and there are currently about 30 GPS satellites orbiting the earth at about 7,000 miles per hour, 12,000 miles above us.
A GPS tracker/receiver uses GPS satellite technology to track an object's current location and trip history. With a GPS receiver, users can quickly determine precise latitude, longitude, and at times altitude. “GLONASS” are additionally satellites offering GPS location and some devices implement it in many tracking devices for more accuracy based on location. Most GPS data can be sent to a computer, smartphone, or tablet and be shared with whomever you’d like.
There are several available styles of anti-theft tracker. The Apple AirTag uses Bluetooth, and relies upon an Apple user being within close proximity of the device. More expensive options use GPS tracking - this is more effective in remote areas, however, it still relies upon a wireless network covering the location of your missing steed.
The best location for a GPS tracker is one where it won't be found. Some come with fixings designed to 'blend in' with the bike, they may look like a standard bike light or bottle cage attachment, which will work provided the thief isn't aware of the brand. They may come with tamperproof bolts to make their removal difficult. Others can be hidden inside the frame, such as in the seat tube or bottom bracket shell.
Bike thieves have become adept at disabling trackers. This is why it's vital that you buy a tracker that you can hide discreetly on your bike. If you regularly lock your bike up in areas where bike theft is common then it's worth considering a tracker that's disguised as a component, such as Alterlock, which sits underneath your bottle cage, or Vodafone's Curve, which has the tech built into the bike light.
The team here at Cycling Weekly believe so, yes! Of course, they will never replace one of the best bike locks, and certainly not one certified by organisations like Sold Secure. It is also worth still considering some of the best bike insurance, just in case. However, as a way of potentially recovering your bike, especially if it holds a significant amount of sentimental value, you can pass that information to the police at the very least.