These new smart locks promise to curb Kelowna bike thefts

Okanagan-based E-Kruise has launched an innovative new bike lock system in Kelowna to help curb rising theft.

The company has installed a test set of Bikeep locks outside the high-traffic downtown Safeway, an area E-Kruise founder Ashton Olsen said is known for bike thefts.

The aim is to provide a more secure and user-friendly locking mechanism, addressing the shortcomings of traditional bike locks.

“We wanted to bring it here for the first one and just showcase what it can do and help protect the customers of Safeway," Olsen told Kelowna10.

Olsen said the system already has two million users worldwide. Other companies around the globe have launched the same tech, and he said only two bikes have been stolen from the system, both due to operator error.

The system has several layers of security, including a smart lock and high decibel alarm. Cyclists can use a mobile app or contactless card to access the bike rack.

The lock is designed so that if one of the two bars are cut, an alarm sounds, and then the bike owner and RCMp are notified.

If the Safeway location proves to deter theft, the company is looking to install more in the Okanagan and across the country.

“I think one of the biggest things why people don't ride their bikes is because they're worried about theft,” Olsen explained. “If we had this infrastructure upgrade to our whole system, then, I think, it'll encourage a lot more people to get out of their cars and get on to their bikes.”

Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Michael Gauthier said bike thefts increased during 2022, and the RCMP commends local innovations like these to help curb that number.

“The importance when you own a bike is securing it properly,” Gauthier said. “This is a proven locking system, and we encourage those when they do secure their bike to use something that's proven and will successively keep your bike locked.”

The bike rack parking stations also include an e-charging dock and are affordable to use.

E-Kruise is introducing the service for free for the first three months. Following, it will cost $1 to lock up, or avid users can buy a monthly subscription for $8.