Skylock Bike Lock Alerts You When Someone Tries to Steal Your Bike

Even the toughest bike locks won't stand up to the most determined and well-equipped bike thieves. But a new startup is trying to prevent bike thefts altogether with the Skylock, its connected bike lock that can be controlled with a smartphone and sends real-time alerts when a lock is tampered with.

Velo Labs, the startup behind the device, launched a crowdfunding campaign on its website on Thursday to raise $50,000 for the production of its app-enabled lock.

"People have these emotional connections with their bikes," Gerardo Barroeta, cofounder of Velo Labs, told Mashable. "We think an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

The Skylock pairs to a smartphone via bluetooth and will automatically disengage when users get close to their bikes. It works in conjunction with a smartphone app, which will be compatible with iOS and Android handsets.

The lock is equipped with an accelerometer that enables its crash and theft alert systems. If the sensor detect a lot of motion around the bike, like someone tampering with the lock, the app will send a notification alerting the bike's owner.

Crash detections also relies on the lock's accelerometer. The sensor communicates with data collected by a user's iPhone to determine when a rider gets in an accident. If the crash or fall is severe, the app will send a push notification asking the user to confirm that he's O.. If he fails to respond, the app will alert emergency responders and users can designate up to three emergency contacts who will also be notified.

The lock is solar powered so users don't have to to worry about recharging. The creators say one hour of sunlight is enough for about a week of regular use. It also has a built-in touchscreen that can be used as a backup locking and unlocking method, should a person not be able to use his phone.

Velo Labs is also building bike sharing functionality into the app that will allow cyclists to rent out their bikes to others; prices will be determine based on the demand of each location.

The Skylock will ultimately retail for $249, but you can snag one for $159 during the crowdfunding campaign. The founders say they anticipate shipping the first units by early 2015.