GPS Bike Trackers: The Ultimate Guide to Securing Your Ride in 2025

Bike theft is an epidemic affecting millions of cyclists worldwide. In the UK, for example, data from 2022/2023 showed that 77,148 bicycles were stolen which is a bike stolen every 7 minutes. In Europe these numbers are estimated at around 4 million bikes stolen every year — that's a theft happening every 8 seconds.

So what does the environmentally-conscious, bike-lover do?

Get a Bike Tracker

Unlike traditional locks which should prevent theft (and they do... sometimes), the bike tracker provides continuous awareness and extra security for your bike's whereabouts. Delivering precise location data through satellite systems and WiFi-sniffing, GPS trackers are quite the powerhouse.

While it is a hard figure to measure, the "KissMyBike" project estimated that about 5% of bicycles are returned in general, that is of the 4 million stolen European bikes. The article is not specific about the method of recovery, but it is definitely a low number.

For Copenhagen Trackers we argue that creating the possibility to recover one's bike is worth considering, and maybe even worth purchasing.

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Bicycle wheel locked on a bike rack, without the rest of the bike.

Isn't a Lock Enough?

As seen in the image above, where just the wheel of a bike is what remains, with the rest of the bicycle being gone, is not an uncommon sight. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) concluded in one study that in 40% of bicycle thefts, the bike was locked by a chain, cable, shackle, D lock or similar.

Unfortunately, it is also showcased by the study of Carl Ellis that the average bike owner only spends £20 on their bike locks.

Thieves are used to locks, but are they used to bike trackers?

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Close-up of a bicycle seat with a Gemstone Bike attached at the seat post.

Meet Gemstone Bike (GPS Tracker)

"But you can see it!"

We know! And it works!!
Attached with safety screws around any pole that is up to about 25mm in diameter, this bike tracker holds on to your bike for dear life.

Features:

Up to 6 years of battery life with one track a day.
No subscription or trial period, just precision tracking - always.
Coverage in 150+ Countries.
Positions are sent through 4G/LTE (unlike other "airy products".. euhm).
Customisable Geofence zone + Movement alert.
Can even track indoors and in some parking garaging (Premium Feature)

Okay, perhaps you need more convincing for this tracker...

Real-world Recovery Story Using Bike Tracker

See how Copenhagen Trackers helped a family get back their precious cargo bike here: Stolen Cargo Bike Recovered in Copenhagen Thanks to GPS Tracker

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Mother on her cargo bike, driving her two children in the front.

Bike Trackers are Worth the Investment

GPS trackers, such as Gemstone or Gemstone Bike can be placed anywhere on your bike, even in some unexpected places.

Even if visible, a bike tracker might act as a theft deterrent if the thief even recognises what it is. And if you want Gemstone Bike off without the provided L-tool, you'll need to carry around a hammer - not very inconspicuous.

In general, the most frequent type of bike theft is from the "opportunist thief", who may not even be intending to steal, but happens to come by just when you forgot to lock your bike. A bike tracker gives you the possibility of recovery.

A combination of good locks and a GPS tracker will require a lot of work for the common thief to quickly grab your bike, and it also keeps your bike protected should you forget to lock it.

Keep track of what matters most to you with Copenhagen Trackers 💛