By Lars Hundley
Knog, a manufacturer of cycling accessories, has launched the Scout, a compact and lightweight device designed to provide advanced security for bicycles. The Scout combines an 85-decibel motion-sensitive audio alarm with Apple’s “Find My” app, enabling cyclists to deter theft and quickly locate their bikes if stolen.
The Scout can be armed or disarmed in two ways: using the button on the side of the device when the connected iPhone is within 1.5 meters, or via the Knog app when the device is within Bluetooth range. Once armed, any movement of the bike will trigger the alarm, alerting the owner through the sound and a notification sent to their iPhone when in Bluetooth range.
In the event that a bike equipped with the Scout is moved from its original location, the owner can use Apple’s “Find My” app to quickly pinpoint its whereabouts. The Scout is compatible with iOS devices only.
The device features a compact design, measuring 10.7 x 2.5 x 0.8 cm and weighing just 25 grams. It can be mounted discreetly underneath a water bottle cage using the supplied tamper-proof security screws. A neon yellow silicone cover is also provided for more overt protection. The Scout’s dual-function LEDs indicate the alarm status and battery charge level at a glance.
The Scout is USB-C rechargeable and boasts a battery life of two to six months, depending on usage. Low battery notifications are sent when the remaining charge reaches 20%. The device has a water-resistant IP66 rating, making it wash-proof.
With its combination of a loud audio alarm, precise location tracking, and discreet mounting options, the Knog Scout offers cyclists an advanced solution for protecting their valued bicycles from theft. The Scout is available at an MSRP of $59.95 and comes with a USB-C charging cable.
I have used three Knog Scouts since November 2022. The scouts are always armed, apart from when I am riding. I get four to five months battery life out of each Scout.
Arming and disarming each Scout from my iPhone is easy and fast.
There have been two firmware updates since I got my Scouts. Both updates went without a hitch..
I recommend the Knog Scout. Note that the Scout does not stop you from mounting your bottle cage the right way round. Unlike the bottle cage on the Hunter frame in the middle photograph above ?.