Test / E-Performance: With the PowUnity BikeTrax we are looking at a GPS tracker for e-bikes - specifically, we tested the variant for the current Bosch Smart System.
Unfortunately, bicycle theft is still an extremely relevant topic in 2022: Despite the pandemic, more than 2021 thefts were reported throughout Germany in 230.000. Especially in times of e-bikes, which quickly cost several thousand euros, the question of suitable protective measures arises. In addition to safe accommodation and high-quality locks, GPS trackers are also becoming increasingly popular, especially on e-bikes, where the necessary power supply can be ensured. Although these are only suitable to a limited extent as direct theft protection, they can help to find the stolen bike and also to communicate with the police and insurance companies. Nevertheless, only models from a few manufacturers are supplied with such trackers ex works - in most cases, the only option is to retrofit them after purchase.
One of the first manufacturers in the field of GPS trackers for e-bikes is PowUnity. The Austrians now offer their system for almost all common e-bike drives and systems. We have the version of the BikeTrax Tracker for the new Bosch Smart System installed and extensively tested over a period of time.
PowUnity BikeTrax: How does it work?
Before we delve deeper into the subject, a few words about the basic functionality of the PowUnity BikeTrax. The connection to the satellites is established via a GPS transmitter and the corresponding antenna, which in most cases can be used to determine the position very precisely. An eSIM card permanently integrated in the tracker also dials into the 2G mobile network. In this way, the connection to the central server is established, through which the position of the tracker can be retrieved from the smartphone or via the browser. In addition, the 2G network serves as a (less precise and slower) alternative for positioning if there is no GPS signal. A mobile phone contract is required to operate the SIM card, which is included in the price of the tracker for the first year after purchase and is valid for the entire EU. After that, it costs 39,50 euros per year.
Even if the 2G network is comparatively old technology, it (still) has a huge advantage: Even in the mobile communications developing country Germany, the network coverage is almost 100% and this is unlikely to change in the next few years. If it does, however, PowUnity is prepared: since parts of the 2G network have already been switched off in Switzerland, for example, they are currently working on a variant of the tracker that works in the 4G network. This should be available by the end of this year.
In order for all this to work, one thing is needed above all – electricity! No problem with the e-bike, right? Of course not at first, after all, the tracker only uses a tiny fraction of the energy that an e-bike draws from the corresponding battery. But what if the e-bike battery is empty? Or is it removed while the e-bike is in the basement or garage? Especially in such situations, the risk of theft is not insignificant and it would be extremely impractical if the tracker did not work then of all things. That's why the PowUnity BikeTrax also comes with a small buffer battery, which according to the manufacturer should ensure operation for around 20 days, regardless of the e-bike.
The entire system is usually connected directly to the motor using a suitable connection cable. This means that when changing bikes, the tracker can be "taken along" in most cases and it is only necessary to exchange the direct connection cable.
installation and commissioning
End customers can easily obtain the tracker from the PowUnity website, for example – but have to take care of the installation themselves. This is not extremely complicated and the manufacturer's instructions in paper and video form help. For completely inexperienced screwdrivers, however, we recommend going to the dealer.
Installation of the tracker
In the case of our test bike with the Bosch Smart System, the left crank arm has to be removed first. For this you need the appropriate puller, which you can either order directly from PowUnity or which already has its place in your home workshop. Then it's time to remove the plastic cover from the motor. For this you need a Phillips head and a T20 Torx key.
Various connections appear under the cover - the BikeTrax must be plugged into the yellow/orange coded AUX 12V connection. A bit of tact is required, as the small plug only fits into the socket in one position. But then the biggest challenge awaits: all the components and cables have to be stowed away in such a way that the cover fits back onto the engine. The Bosch CX doesn't have much space here, but you can find a spot with the included cable ties and a little patience. There are two things to note: The PowUnity logo should face outwards for the best possible reception, as the antenna is directly underneath. When putting on the plastic cover, make absolutely sure that there are no cables in the mounting holes that could be damaged when screwing on.
Please note with the Bosch Smart System: Depending on the manufacturer of the e-bike, it may be necessary to have the AUX 12V connection activated by the dealer.
Pairing the smartphone
The tracker can then be linked directly to the smartphone or account. After installing the free app and registering with PowUnity, you scan the enclosed QR code, after which the tracker is permanently connected to the user account. After the initialization, which takes a few minutes (and requires GPS - so it's best to go outside!), you're actually ready to go.
Features of the app
We tested the app on a current Android smartphone. However, judging by the official videos and screenshots, there shouldn't be any significant differences to the iOS version.
After successful registration, you will find yourself on the intuitively operated home screen, on which a map with the current location of the tracker takes up most of the space. The last known position of the bike is always displayed here. When moving, the tracker sends a signal every ten seconds, and if it is stationary for a longer period of time, it goes into energy-saving mode. As soon as movement is detected, it starts transmitting location data again. The routes are saved automatically and can be recalled at any time. The BikeTrax can also be used as a regular GPS tracker, for example to record tours.
alarm function
The tracking function is simple: the last known position is shown on the map, and there is also some additional information, such as when the bike was last moved. The alarm can be activated via a lock symbol in the middle of the screen. As soon as a movement is detected, the app notifies the smartphone via an alarm signal and a push message, so that appropriate measures can be taken quickly.
Fact sheet and theft report
A profile can also be created within the app for the registered bike so that all important information is at hand in the event of theft. All relevant data can be stored, from the bicycle manufacturer to the color and frame number. Photos can also be uploaded directly. A PDF file can then be generated directly from the app at any time, in which this information is recorded, including the last known location of the bike. In the event of theft, this document can then be sent directly to the police, the insurance company or shared via social media.
Connection to smart home systems
Somewhat hidden, but perhaps of interest to some buyers, is the option of integrating the tracker into your own smart home system. You get a few commands for this, which can be used, for example, to switch the alarm on and off. Depending on the individual infrastructure, it would be possible, for example, to activate the alarm automatically when the garage is locked or depending on the time.
PowUnity BikeTrax in practical use
All in all, the PowUnity BikeTrax was able to convince us in practice. The tracking is usually very accurate and extremely reliable. The localization is accurate to within a few meters outdoors, but it becomes significantly less precise in cars or closed rooms. This can be problematic when tracking a bike in densely populated areas, but it is not directly due to the PowUnity Tracker, but rather to the underlying GPS technology. If you want additional security, you could, for example, also place an airtag somewhere on the bike, so you would be protected for a wide variety of scenarios. However, if you only want to rely on one type of security, we would strongly recommend a GPS tracker such as the BikeTrax due to the seamless network coverage.
We were positively surprised by the very responsive alarm function. Even if the tracker was in standby mode, i.e. the wheel was not moved for several days, the alarm will go off within about 10 seconds if movement is detected. In most cases, that should be enough to possibly prevent the theft – provided you are nearby. For a reliable function, you should definitely make sure that the smartphone does not force the PowUnity app into power-saving mode, which in our case (Xiaomi Mi 11) led to a delayed alarm of over a minute in some cases.
Buffer battery with limited running time and inaccurate display
We have some reason for criticism in view of the backup battery. For our taste, this should be a bit larger, even if it makes it a little more complicated to store it on the bike. Because we could not quite reach the 20 days specified by PowUnity in our test and in our limited test period it was over after an average of 14 days. That's still a long time, no question - but if you store the bike in the basement or garage over the winter without a battery, you have to regularly remember to use the battery to charge the tracker.
Addendum: PowUnity has pointed out to us that it is also suitable for longer storage or idle times an optional extra battery that can simply be "interposed" and should theoretically double the runtime. We would recommend this in any case - if only to not have to worry about a possible running out of the tracker battery while on vacation (without a bike) or during the winter.
In addition, the battery indicator integrated into the app was not always reliable. Again and again she reported an empty battery, but after a short movement of the wheel the display then jumped to 100%. It would be great if the app offered the option of also sending a push message if the charge level of the BikeTrax battery falls below 5% - then you wouldn't have to check it manually on a regular basis.
