Cycle thieves will soon face Skylock – a smart technology-equipped D-Lock that texts its owner if it is being tampered with.
While the fundamental design of the bicycle has remained unchanged for 100 years, a range of recently launched high-tech accessories promises to keep you and your bike safer on the roads.
Helmet cams provide a cheap and effective means of gathering video evidence in the event of a crash, and more expensive, but very much more sophisticated, is the Hövding cyclist airbag.
21st century technology now looks set to transform the humble D-Lock into the Skylock – a solar-powered, smart device.
Should the Skylock’s robust dual-locking mechanism be tampered with, it your phone a text. And if you fall from your bike and fail to respond to a signal from the lock, it contacts the emergency services automatically.
All these features consume power, but the lock’s solar panel can capture enough energy for a week’s use and a fully charged battery lasts up to a month for average users.
Make money from your bicycle
The Skylock app allows users to lend or hire their bike to anyone in their trusted network or the Skylock community while keeping track of it.
Compare the cycle insurance market
Cycle insurance from the ETA includes all the following benefits, with a standard excess of only 5%.
| Cycle insurance from the ETA includes | Does your policy match up? |
|---|---|
| New-for-old replacement – free race cover | No matter the age or condition of your bicycle |
| Cover for accidental damage – free race cover | Much like fully-comp car insurance cover |
| Cycle Rescue breakdown cover for bike and rider | If you are unable to continue your journey due to an accident, vandalism or mechanical failure, a van comes to get you |
| Third-party cover up to £5million | You don’t need to join a cycling club to get third party insurance – it’s included with this cycle insurance as standard |
| Personal accident cover | Pays up to £20,000 |
| Cycle hire | In the event of a claim, keeps you on the road |
| 90 days’ worldwide cover | Covers your bike on holiday |
| No-claims discount | Up to 40% |
| 20% discount for folding bikes | This type of bike is less likely to be stolen, so you shouldn’t be paying the same rates as non-folding cycles |
Caroline
Was wondering can I buy one?