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There is good news for bicycle owners: the number of stolen bicycles in Germany has been falling for years. Whilst nearly 400,000 bicycle thefts were recorded each year in the mid-2000s, by 2024 the figure had fallen to around 246,600 cases, and by 2025 it had dropped to around 214,000 recorded thefts.
Changes in bicycle theft: Fewer cases, more targeted offenders
However, the statistics only tell half the story. Whilst the number of cases is falling, the value of stolen bicycles is rising steadily. Professional thieves have long realised that high-quality e-bikes, e-MTBs, road bikes and gravel bikes yield significantly higher profits than traditional everyday bikes. Rather than striking at random, many thieves now take a more targeted approach and focus on particularly attractive items.
This is exactly where modern security solutions come into play. High-quality locks, bike registration schemes and GPS trackers make theft more difficult and increase the chances of recovering stolen bikes. Given that today’s premium bikes often cost four or even five figures, the question of how to protect them effectively is becoming increasingly important – we’ve got twelve effective solutions ready for you.
12 Bicycle locks and GPS trackers
- Hiplok Z Lock and Hiplok Trak
- Kryptonite Evolution Ground Anchor
- PAJ GPS LED Bicycle Finder 4G*
- Litelok X3
- PowUnity BikeTrax GPS Tracker
- NooMii 550*
- Ottolock Cinch Lock
- Abus Yardo Fingerprint 7807F
- Rockbros Smart NFC Bike Lock
- BikeFinder Gen2 Tracker
- Hiplok DX1000
- Prophete U-lock with fingerprint sensor
Hiplock Track+
Dynamic duo
The Hiplok Z Lock and the Hiplok Trak are the ideal combination for short breaks whilst out and about. A steel-core cable tie secures the bike during a coffee stop. An Apple AirTag can be placed in the handy magnetic mount for the bottle cage, which will pinpoint the bike’s location in the event of theft.
Weight: 140 grams
Price: 39.99 euros >> available here
Kryptonite Evolution
Anchorage
Whether in the communal cellar or on the flatbed of a pick-up: The Evolution Floor Anchor It stands firm when the wave of theft strikes again with relentless force. Its 14-millimetre-thick shackle, made from special carbon-alloy steel, can be secured with four extra-strong wall plugs and provides a secure anchor point for the bike chain.
Weight: 950 grams
Price: 59.99 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
PAJ GPS LED Bicycle Finder 4G
Undercover investigator
PAJ conceals a GPS sensor within the StVZO-compliant rear light. This triggers an alarm as soon as the bike is moved. The integrated SIM card enables real-time tracking worldwide. Using the app, you can set up a ‘safe zone’ – effectively an invisible boundary fence. If the bike leaves this area, tracking starts automatically. A fall sensor provides additional safety and, in an emergency, alerts emergency contacts to call for help.
Price: 49.99 euros >> Available here at a reduced price*
Litelok X3
Classified information
The British developers of the Litelok X3 brings out the big guns against heavily armed thieves. Whether it’s a cordless angle grinder or a monster pair of pliers – the Litelok bracket is made from an alloy that drives any cutting disc to despair. ‘Barronium’ is the magic word – a composite armour, presumably from Q’s research lab. Its composition is, of course, ‘top secret’.
Weight: 2.1 kilos
Price: 329 euros >> available here
PowUnity BikeTrax GPS Tracker
Secret agent
With BikeTrax, you can stay relaxed, even if you’re sitting in a café watching your bike disappear round the corner. The GPS tracker shows your current location in real time and simultaneously sends an alert via the app as soon as the bike is moved. This smart anti-theft device can be easily connected to many modern e-bike motors and doesn’t rely on a separate battery.
Price: 199.90 euros >> available here*
NooMii 550
Identification number
The NooMii 550 is the lightweight champion of smart locks. It’s incredibly flexible and ideal for popping to the bakery to pick up some bread rolls or securing your helmet to the frame without feeling like you’re lugging around a medieval anchor chain. It only unlocks when the owner identifies themselves via fingerprint or the app, and can be conveniently recharged via USB. However, it’s not for commuters who leave their Pinarello parked at the underground station all day.
Weight: 385 kilos
Price: 62.90 euros >> available here*
Ottolock Cinch Lock
Roll-top closure
Opportunity makes thieves: Sometimes all it takes is a quick pop into a petrol station for a snack, and you never see your bike again. The compact Cinch Lock helps prevent spontaneous theft. It fits in any jersey pocket and is available in lengths of 46, 76 and 152 centimetres – suitable for your own bike or even your riding partner’s.
Weight: from 145 grams
Price: from 69.95 euros >> available here
Abus Yardo Fingerprint 7807F
Skilled with one’s hands
Left your keys behind, forgotten your PIN – no problem at all with the new Yardo. You’ll always have your unique fingerprint with you. The capacitive sensor recognises up to 20 different fingerprints. The 7-mm round chain meets the high Security Level 8 standard and is available in lengths of 85 or 110 centimetres.
Weight: 12.5 kilos
Price: 99.95 euros >> available here
Rockbros Smart NFC Bike Lock
Keyless Go
These days, our smartphone is our constant companion – anytime, anywhere. So what could be more natural than unlocking your bike lock via an NFC connection? Simply hold your mobile phone up to it and the shackle will release. A single battery charge is enough for around 1,500 locking cycles – but you shouldn’t forget to charge it regularly. The soft silicone cover protects the frame, whilst a high-strength aluminium alloy keeps thieves at bay.
Weight: 564 grams
Price: 92.99 euros >> available here
BikeFinder Gen2 Tracker
Supplementary insurance
The BikeFinder is the elite unit of GPS trackers. It is discreetly concealed within the bike’s handlebars, secured with a special tool, and provides precise location data via a sophisticated triangulation system combining Wi-Fi, GPS, LPWAN and Bluetooth. The Gen2 tracker is only available in conjunction with Berkley cycle insurance, but this ensures you’re fully covered at all times, even in the event of theft.
Price from 5.99 euros (per month)
Hiplok DX1000
Admission ban
A lock with the aura of an incorruptible bouncer. The DX1000 has been specially developed for high-end bikes, e-bikes and motorbikes. Whether the thieves turn up with an angle grinder or a hacksaw – instead of deep gouges, the Hiplok will only sustain cosmetic scratches. With Sold Secure Diamond certification, it also meets one of the highest security standards on the market.
Weight: 2.6 kilos
Price: 360 euros >> available here
Prophete U-lock with fingerprint sensor
Social distancing
With this lock, your finger is the key – or at least one of them, as the Prophete can store up to 30 fingerprints in total. Measuring 23.5 centimetres in length and featuring a 14-millimetre-thick shackle made of hardened steel, the lock is ideal for securing your bike to a cycle rack. The battery is rated for 2,500 unlocking cycles, but if in doubt, one of the two laser-cut keys will also get you out of a tight spot.
Price: 69.99 euros >> available here
Stefan Frey
Editor