The purpose of vehicle trackers is to monitor and track a vehicle with information such as how many miles they do, and where they go. However, the majority of generalised vehicle trackers suitable for cars, lorries and other vehicles, simply aren’t suitable for motorbikes.
Motorbike trackers monitor the location of a motorcycle just like a standard vehicle tracker. They can give you the information about where your bike is 24 hours a day. The result is heightened security, potential reductions in insurance premiums, and peace of mind. Additionally, in the event your bike is stolen, a motorbike tracker will aid the police in recovering it.
However, in order to do this a motorbike tracker needs distinct features that make it different from a regular vehicle tracker. A motorbike tracker needs to address the unique problems of a motorcycle or scooter:
- That it is small and exposed to the elements, so it needs to be weatherproof and discreet
- A motorbike can be easily stolen or removed, even without starting the engine, by physically manoeuvring
- Motorcycles can be hidden, for example in a shipping container or in an underground carpark, limiting standard GPS signals
We’ve compared customer reviews, features and prices to find the best motorbike GPS trackers on the market today. Read on to find out who came out on top.
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Best Motorcycle GPS Trackers Reviews
The best motorcycle GPS trackers are: Tracker Motorbike Monitor, Datatool Evo Alarm and Road Angel Group Biketrac.
| Tracker Motorbike Monitor | Best for accuracy | Read Review | ||
| Datatool Evo Alarm | Best for value | Read Review | ||
| Road Angel Group Biketrac | Best for discretion | Read Review |
1. Tracker Motorbike Monitor
Best for accuracy
Tracker Monitor is a fantastic motorbike tracker using solely VHF technology. It is not affected by signal disruptors, such as a shipping container, or high rise buildings, in the way that traditional GPS trackers are. Furthermore, it comes with a built-in motion sensor which will be triggered even when the motorbike is moved without the ignition being started.
The Tracker Monitor for motorcycles is Thatcham insurance approved and receives support from all UK police forces. A Tracker Monitor will ensure you have tracking coverage across the UK but also in parts of Europe. With subscription comes access to the Tracker Direct 24 hour emergency call centre. Tracker Monitor motorbike trackers can be fully installed for £361 and come with various subscription packages starting at £179 for one year.
Pros:
- Unaffected by typical signal blockers, such as high-rise buildings
- Thatcham approved, so will lower insurance premiums
- Supported by UK police forces
- 24 hour emergency call centre
Cons:
- One of the more expensive trackers available
2. Datatool Evo Alarm
Best for value
The Datatool Evo Alarm is a motorbike specific alarm. Retailing at £99 and being easy to self-fit, it’s an affordable option for protecting your motorbike. The Demon Evo is suitable for motorbikes and scooters with a 12v battery. The alarm plugs in to the bike’s battery and is activated through a motion sensor.
In addition, the Datatool Evo Alarm can detect if there is a rise in the voltage output of the battery if the engine has started without authorisation, and can also sense if the bike is in motion even without the engine starting (for example if placed in a van by thieves). The loud alarm will deter would-be thefts and can also be triggered remotely via remote control.
Pros:
- Easy to install at home
- Only costs £99
- Loud alarm to deter thieves
- Will activate even when the ignition hasn’t been started
Cons:
- Doesn’t have tracking capabilities
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3. Road Angel Group Biketrac
Best for discretion
The Biketrac motorbike tracker is an advanced piece of kit that will help ensure the security of your bike. Like the Tracker Monitor, it is Thatcham approved which should prove favourable to your insurance premiums. The Biketrac unit is small and discreet and works by being wired to your motorbike battery.
Another benefit to the Biketrac is that there’s no chance of the tracker draining your bike battery simply because it has its own inbuilt back-up. Once you’re wired up you’ll be able to use the Biketrac online portal to keep a track of your bike including mileage, routes, speed and location with a three month history.
This is real-time monitoring using GPS technology that has a high success rate in returning stolen bikes to their owners. Furthermore, Biketrac sends notification of a suspected incident or accident providing extra peace of mind. The Biketrac costs £299 plus installation, and then requires a monthly subscription of £9.99 per month thereon.
Pros:
- Thatcham approved, so will lower insurance premiums
- Real-time tracking using GPS technology
- Will send you notification of any suspected incidents or accidents
- Can also track mileage, routes and speed
Cons:
- Weaker GPS tracking than the Tracker Monitor
Expert verdict
If you are interested in knowing more about prices to buy or lease a vehicle tracker for your motorcycle, then fill out our simple form and a selected group of excellent suppliers, most suited to your needs, will get in touch with you. Expert Market will analyse your web form answers to match you with the suppliers who best fit your profile. This ensures that your business requirements are met and means that we can help you save time and money.
FAQs
1. How do motorbike trackers work?
A good quality motorbike tracker uses a combination of GPS satellite technology and mobile technology to ensure complete tracking coverage whether the bike is on the road, or hidden out of view. However many now go above and beyond even this, to include VHF tracking.
VHF stands for Very High Frequency, and is tracking using radio waves in their most basic form. This form of tracking and communication is in fact the ‘tech’ behind the maritime band at sea, and is used in all sorts of applications including Air Traffic Control.
The reason VHF tracking is ideal for motorbikes is that it works even when GPS and mobile technology fails. Through a small antenna on the device it can transmit over an enormous area. Given the small and concealable nature of motorbikes, most importantly, a VHF tracker can transmit reliably through walls, concrete, and even metal. In short, these trackers can still work when others have their signal jammed – either intentionally or not.
Furthermore, a good motorbike tracker will use geo-fencing and movement detection to keep an eye on the bike, or a fleet of bikes, at any one time.
2. How do motorbike trackers protect against theft?
Motorbikes are frequently not only an individual’s pride and joy, but increasingly a business asset. With congestion in British cities rising, there is a strong trend for motorbike-based fleets where possible. Companies such as Deliveroo have had great success using motorbike and scooter fleets.
Motorbike crime is a big concern whether you’re a private individual looking after your method of transport or beloved hobby, or whether you need the motorbikes to run your business.
A recent survey by the National Crime Intelligence Service highlighted some worrying trends. Using police reporting figures, they have shown that more motorcycles are illegally obtained via theft than those that are bought new. In addition, they have reported that it can take a criminal a mere 20 seconds to remove the bike.
Additionally, the Home Office released figures this year which show motorbike thefts have risen by a staggering 44% in London alone. It’s thought that this is in part due to the increased numbers of bikes on the road, but also due to the fact the car industry has come up with tougher theft-prevention techniques. It’s time for the motorbike industry to do the same. In short, if you want to keep your motorbike or fleet of motorbikes safe, you need a dedicated motorbike tracker.
3. Which kind of vehicle tracker do I need?
GPS technology can be used to track motorbikes just as it can to track other types of vehicles. There are some things to watch out for when choosing a tracker for your motorbike though, as normal car trackers can’t be installed on bikes.
Commercial grade vehicle trackers, such as those used by fleet drivers, feed into a central system to be monitored by a fleet manager. They are usually professionally installed in a car or truck and are powered by the car battery. The wires connecting the tracker to the battery run inside the dashboard. None of these components are manufactured to withstand harsh weather conditions and so they cannot be used on a motorbike, where they wouldn’t be protected from wind or rain.
This means that if you are looking to track the motorbikes in your fleet, you need to be looking at special motorbike tracking devices.
4. How much do motorbike GPS trackers cost?
Motorbike tracker prices will vary depending on the sophistication of the system and monthly subscription charges are normal.
Motorcycle Tracking Devices Prices
The price of a GPS tracker for business bikes can vary depending on the way it is purchased and what features are available. Motorcycle tracking devices are not limited to simply being tracking devices, as they can also include messaging systems, an integrated alarm and the ability to remotely disable any stolen bike. Prices to purchase an individual tracker can start from under £100. If a company has a number of bikes, it may look to leasing trackers for the company.
The main benefits of leasing are that the cost is spread over several months and that the business can upgrade or increase the number of trackers as the needs of the business dictate. Leases are available for between two and five years with the former being the more expensive. For a five year lease, prices can start at under £1 per bike per day with options such as remote disabling facility adding to the cost. GPS trackers can also be purchased for any bicycle the company uses for less than £100 per tracker.
Prices For RFID Trackers for Motorbikes
RFID trackers can be purchased for motorbikes and bicycles. In London the so called “Boris Bikes” are fitted with RFID tracking technology. RFID tracker systems require a tracker to be fitted to the bike and then a scanner is required to locate the vehicle. RFID can give a much more accurate location of a bike than traditional GPS trackers.
The costs vary; some more expensive trackers include GPS and RFID technology. The most basic RFID trackers can cost from under £100 increasing up to £300-£400. There will generally be an annual payment to be made to the suppliers for the system too.
