AlterLock is a lightweight anti-theft and GPS tracking device that fits to a bike frame. Weighing just 50g, the device sits discreetly under the bottle cage mount of a road bike. It also features a loud vibration detection alarm to ward off would-be thieves, which sounds when the bike is moved.
The AlterLock device is controlled via a smartphone app. This allows user to lock and unlock, as well as to receive notifications as to when a bike is being moved.
The device, designed to have minimum aerodynamic impact on a road bike, uses Bluetooth over short distances to track before switching to the LPWA, Low Power Wide Area, Sigfox network over larger distances to stay connected.
AlterLock uses a proprietary vibration detection algorithm to detect even the smallest movements of a bike while in lock mode, sounding an alarm and sending a notification to a phone if detected.
If a bike is moved, a loud alarm will also sound in order to deter theft. Following movement, the GPS tracking is activated rather than being constantly on – in order to reduce power consumption and enable long-term tracking.
In the unfortunate event that a bike is stolen, AlterLock tracks it once-a-minute to determine its current location. If it is moved indoors where there is no GPS signal, the device uses WiFi signals to determine its approximate location relaying this back to the user’s smartphone.
Full GPS tracking is available in countries within the Sigfox service area, including Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
The new, smart AlterLock device was developed by Japanese company NEXTSCAPE, which provides IT solutions and services. On a mission to create next-level anti-theft solutions for bikes, the NEXTSCAPE team set about developing AlterLock as a way to stay more in control of a bike’s security.
Following a soft launch of the first-generation device early in 2021, generation two features an improved vibration detection mechanism as well as using WiFi signals for positioning, increasing the possibility of determining a location even indoors, where there is no GPS signal.
Featuring a long battery life of up to six weeks, NEXTSCAPE notes that the device is aesthetically designed for both user convenience and also minimal aerodynamic disruption.
For those with multiple bikes to ride, the AlterLock app allows users to control up to three devices at one time for added peace of mind.
AlterLock is available to purchase for £114.99 / €134.99 with a monthly service fee of £3.49 / €3.99, also available annually at £34.99 / €39.99. Anti-theft bolts also available for purchase with the device
