Bike Security: Tiles, Tags, and the Fight Against Theft
An innocuous $30 AirTag recently led to the discovery of a stash of stolen bikes, e-bikes and scooters, with police valuing the haul at around $50,000.
It all started when a Canberra man had his beloved bike stolen. Fortunately, he had the foresight to fit an electronic tag to the bike and track it to an inner-city apartment via an app on his phone.
Advising the police of the location, a short time later, they discovered the bike along with 15 others, including e-bikes and e-scooters, plus associated tools and parts.
So, how does a tracking tile or tag work, and how can they be securely and subtly fitted to a bike?
First up, trackers such as AirTags and the various model tiles connect to mobile phone networks via Bluetooth, enabling users to locate nearby devices. Using the AirTag as an example – when the tag is within range of an iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device, it sends a secure signal, which the Find My network detects and relays to the owner via iCloud. All data is anonymous and encrypted to ensure privacy.
To locate an item – be it a bag, set of keys, bike, or just about anything – the owner simply opens an app to see its current or most recent location.
Yes, it’s wonderful tech, but it can have one major pitfall – the fact that a tag or tile can be quite conspicuous when attached to a bike.
AirBell To The Test
Other than traditional bike security offerings such as heavy-duty chains and locks, Dyson Bikes offer several products that incorporate hidden tag holders. Ride On has recently been testing out three models: the AirBell, AirBell Pro, and AirBell AirTag Bike Mount.
First to the AirBell, and holding this small safety device in hand, the first thing that springs to mind is “where the hell is the AirTag hidden?”. The answer? Well, the bell is supplied with a mini flat-bladed screwdriver. Underneath the thumb actuator, there’s a small slot. Give that a quarter turn, and hey presto, inside is a low-profile bed to hold the tracker. The construction is sturdy, the bell is surprisingly loud, and the design is pretty ingenious.
Next up is the AirBell Pro, a very similar-looking bell with the same 22mm mount but a lot different inside. Instead of holding a tag, the Pro model features its own chip-on-board tracking hardware that’s compatible with Apple’s Find My network. Wait, what? Back in 2021, Apple announced that third-party products could use the private and secure finding capabilities of the expansive Find My network.
“The Find My network accessory program opens up the vast and global Find My network to third-party device manufacturers,” Apple announced at the time.
The AirBell Pro uses the same high-quality NORDIC chipset that Apple uses for Bluetooth tracking. All the user has to do is replace the internal CR 2032 battery from time to time.
Set up is simple: Just activate the battery via a button under the bell and scan a QR code on the box to add the AirBell to the FindMy network. This really is an impressive security device. The only thing to check is that the device’s mount, at 22mm, is compatible with your handlebar diameter.
The third Airbell item we tested is the AirTag SLOTTR Bike Mount. Again, this is a subtle and stealthy mount designed to fit either in place of or underneath a drink bottle mount.
Inside the slimline mount is a small space to fit the AirTag. Pop the two halves back together, mount it to the frame via the two slightly lengthened attachment bolts, and you’re riding with security.
Priced at $19.99, plus around $30 for an AirTag, the SLOTTER is one of the simplest bike security solutions we’ve seen.
The Airbell has an RRP of $39.90
The AirBell Pro is priced at $89.90
The AirBell SLOTTR is priced at $19.90.
All are available from www.dysonbikes.com.au
Win an Airbell – See The Summer 25/26 Edition Of Ride On magazine For Full Details
