Key-less bike lock lets riders remotely hand access to friends

Lock8 is a bike accessory currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter — offering keyless unlocking, location tracking and access sharing.

This is part of a new series of articles that looks at entrepreneurs hoping to get their ideas off the ground through crowdfunding. At the time of writing, each of these innovations is currently seeking funding.

We’ve seen numerous updates to the bicycle that use smart technology to make them more secure and practical — take the Helios handlebars, which enable users to track performance, for example. Now Lock8 is another bike accessory that is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter — offering keyless unlocking, location tracking and access sharing.

The Lock8 features Bluetooth capabilities as well as a GSM connection that means it can be continuously in contact with the owner’s smartphone anywhere there is cell coverage. Once the bike is secured, users can swipe to electronically lock the device, or set it to automatically lock when their smartphone moves out of its proximity. The Lock8 is equipped with a number of sensors that make it more secure than a traditional lock. First, its GPS locator allows riders to check where their bike is at all times. The lock also features a silent alarm in the form of push notifications to their phone. The smart cable will raise the alarm if it’s been cut by thieves, the accelerometer senses if the lock is being forced with a saw or drill, and the thermistor triggers a warning if a blowtorch is being used.

Since the device uses a smartphone to lock itself, owners can grant access by sending their ‘e-Key’ to others via Facebook. They can then check the bike’s location and unlock it through the Lock8 app. This also enables bike owners to create their own Airbnb-style rental program, whether they’re an individual or a small business. The following video is from Lock8’s Kickstarter campaign:

Having already hit its target of GBP 50,000, Lock8 is still open to backers for the next seven days. Are there other ways to integrate smartphone tech into offline devices such as bikes?

Kickstarter: www.kck.st/1dhnJ4H

Spotted by Murray Orange, written by Springwise