Gadget of the Week: BitLock, Bluetooth & GPS bike locks of the future

Our gadget of the week series brings you new and extraordinary technology or cool gadgets that make life easier or just more fun. This time we’ve discovered something really cool for urbanists, bike enthusiasts and open-minded people: BitLock, the first keyless bike lock which pairs with your smartphone.

What is BitLock?

BitLock is unlocked with your smartphone and thanks to Bluetooth, you don’t even need to whip your phone out from your pocket or search laboriously in your purse, a button on the lock is all you need to activate it. Using GPS, you are also able to locate your bike and because the app will allow you to set up many more than one user, the intelligent lock works also as a great bike sharing program. BitLock is double reinforced: made with heat-treated steel, lock cutters have no chance and thanks to the use of digital encryption, as used for online banking, BitLock has you saying bye bye to hackers.

BitLock is a Kickstarter campaign which has already reached the halfway mark of their 120,000 US dollar goal. With 24 days left, getting support for their project seems to be really promising.

How does it work?

BitLock consists of a well designed, 12 mm-thick U-lock made from cut-resistant steel that cannot be cracked with a bolt cutter or a hacksaw. The weatherproof mechanics are built into the cylinder and the gadget is run by a powerful battery which is said to last five years or up to 10,000 locks. Of course, the app will let you know when the charge is getting low, at which point in time the battery needs to be replaced. On your smartphone, the app communicates with the BitLock via Bluetooth, so that the lock detects when you are nearby. In order to lock and unlock it, you don’t need to physically operate your smartphone, pressing the button on the bar piece of the lock is enough, since it detects that you are one of the allowed users and easily pops open. Alternatively, a 16-digit code can be entered on the lock if the battery on your phone happens to crap out.

What makes it so cool.

BitLock is more than just a super anti-theft lock. Using GPS, it marks where you have parked your bicycle on a map. This not only helps you to easily locate your ride, the exact position can also be shared with friends. With more than one person using the app, many can benefit from the lock: BitLock has laid down the foundation for a bike sharing program, complete with access times and maps. The software will also let you know how you have been contributing to sustainable, environmental and healthy living: you’ll be provided with information on kilometers traveled, calories burned and the amount of  CO2 gas emissions you’ve reduced​​, all of which can be broken down into statistics.

The Verdict

The BitLock project hasn’t yet reached the end of its Kickstarter campaign. Those interested can get themselves a lock for 99 US dollars. The chances that the Bitlock project will succeed in becoming a reality are looking good and you’ll find a ton of extensive and informative documentation on the lock’s technical aspects right on the Kickstarter page, along with a explanatory teaser video.