Noke is the world’s first shareable bluetooth padlock, a development in bicycle security that promises an end to lost keys and may herald a new generation of secure public access bicycle parking.
The folks at FŪZ Designs were frustrated by how easy keys are to lose and the problems associated with sharing them.
To unlock a Noke, you simply press the padlock. Noke wakes up and searches for your phone or a phone you have authorised to use it. If the phone is within 10 feet, Noke will instantly unlock so you can be on your way. The system makes sharing a lock easy – If you need to give a friend access to your bike while you’re on holiday you can instatly give their their phone access.
The Noke is currently available for around £50 including shipping. British cyclists should note that the lock is not currently rated by Sold Secure and as a result many insurers will not accept its use as a primary lock. For further information about the lock and order details, see kickstarter.com/projects/fuzdesigns
A new generation of secure public cycle parking?
Carrying a heavy lock is a necessary evil, especially if you live in an urban area, but shareable Bluetooth locks such as the Noke may herald a new type of secure bicycle parking. If the padlock was combined with a heavy steel chain and housed within a robust tamper-proof wall-mounted steel shroud it could be mounted on the side of public buildings etc as open access, secure bicycle parking. The wall-mounted chain would be big, heavy and secure enough to withstand attack from thieves.
jaimes moran
seems like a good idea, but then you realise that there are hackers out there who could easily break into this given time to figure it out…
corin
and then you get to your bicycle at the end of a long day. Your phone battery has died and you can’t even phone for a cab because you can’t unlock your bike
paul
And then in the cab on your way home, you realise how stupid you were for not reading that you could have used Noke’s Quick-Click access feature.