Theft protection
Protective measure: Alarm systems for bicycles increase security
Every year around 300,000 bicycles are stolen in Germany alone
© D-Keine / Getty Images
Have you ever had a bicycle stolen? And did you ever see it again? Every year, countless thefts are reported to the police – but there is still no trace of the perpetrators. It’s hardly surprising why more and more people are turning to mobile alarm systems. Even on her bike.
Although the number of bicycle thefts in Germany is declining slightly, the amount of damage caused as a result continues to increase. This is partly because more and more people are buying expensive bikes: E-bikes in particular are currently particularly popular. The right bicycle lock is intended to prevent rapid theft, but they usually don’t really act as a deterrent – in contrast to a mobile alarm system, which is intended to expose the potential thief with the help of a loud signal tone. We present you three different models in different price ranges.
Bicycle alarm system: three models in comparison
1. Fosmon alarm system
This waterproof model is simply attached anywhere on the bike, preferably on a clean surface: for installation you either need an adhesive (included) or you can use cable ties. The mobile alarm system is activated via a remote control, which you can use to set seven different sensitivity levels. The device then responds to vibrations or movements with a 113 decibel alarm signal. Here you can get the Fosmon system.
2. Alarm system from Abus
It is significantly more expensive to purchase Bicycle alarm system from Abus a so-called “3D position detection” – i.e. the sensors it contains detect even the smallest vibrations in all three dimensions. The small box is attached using metal straps that can be shortened and are included in the scope of delivery. If someone tries to steal the bike, a signal sounds at a volume of 100 decibels, which is roughly the same as a circular saw. The alarm is activated at the push of a button and deactivated with a key.
3. M-Wave alarm system
This alarm system is installed on the bicycle using a pipe attachment. A three-digit code must then be entered to activate the device – different levels of sensitivity can also be set here. The integrated motion sensor sounds an alarm as soon as someone tries to steal the bike. Equipped with 120 decibels, the warning signal is extremely loud and a deterrent for thieves. You can get the M-Wave system here.
Volume: What lies behind the decibels?
To better understand how loud an alarm signal is, you will find information about the volume unit decibel (dB) in the following table:
Sound level (dB) | Sound source: |
30dB | to whisper |
60dB | normal conversation/lawnmower (10 m distance) |
80dB | Edge of a traffic road (5 m) |
100dB | Circular saw, discotheque |
140dB | Airplane takeoff |
So you see that one Bicycle alarm system is extremely loud at over 100 decibels when it emits a warning signal. In other words, not only the thief hears the alarm, but also one or two neighbors. Ideally, a thieves will quickly get off the bike and disappear quickly – without a bike.
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