The Vodafone rear light can do a lot – but it has one crucial flaw
With the Curve Bike, Vodafone offers a rear light and GPS tracker in one
Those: Vodafone
The rear light is part of the standard equipment of a bicycle. With its Curve Bike, Vodafone has now launched its own version on the market. The device should react in the event of theft and call for help in the event of an accident. However, the test also shows weaknesses.
Vodafone’s Curve Bike is supposed to make the bike a little smarter. This works amazingly well with the combined rear light and GPS tracker. Because Vodafone has built some intelligent functions into its smart app for smartphones that are really useful for cyclists. But the concept also has a weakness, as a detailed test shows.
It doesn’t take a lot of manual skill to get the rear light on the bike. The device consists of two parts: the light and the tracker. The tracker is connected with a clamp and attached to the seat post. Since such bars are of different thicknesses, the pack comes with five rubber rings of different thicknesses.
There is also a security Allen key in the box. If the tracker is attached, the rear light can be screwed on with a 90-degree turn. The first time, users have to start the Vodafone Smart App and connect the Curve Bike to their smartphone. The device will be recognized automatically.
There are now several functions in the Curve Bike. On the one hand it is of course a – really bright – LED rear light that is even visible from the side because it has a light strip here too. But since a motion and acceleration sensor are also built in, it also works as a brake light.
The Curve Bike also works as a brake light
Those: Vodafone
If the user brakes his bike, the Curve Bike lights up brighter, which warns the following road users. In the tracker, on the other hand, there is a cell phone card that logs into the Vodafone network – and GPS satellite positioning. Vodafone brings a lot of functions out of this combination.
On the one hand, the smartphone app records every trip in an overview, with a map display, time and number of kilometers. Vodafone is working on reporting the calories consumed here in the future. This results in complete driving statistics.
On the other hand, the current location of the bike is shown on a map. In combination with the motion sensor, the user can be warned with a push message, SMS or an automatic call if the bike is being moved – for example if it is stolen. It worked reliably in the test.
Zones can also be set up on the card, for example for the home, work or school. A message is then sent to the smartphone when these zones are entered or exited. This is useful for parents of smaller children, but the children should be initiated into these functions.
Several smartphones can be connected to the rear light. For this purpose, other users are invited to the app. This is also a prerequisite for the meaningful use of impact detection. So if there is an accident, the system automatically sends a push message or SMS to the contacts connected there. The battery level of the tracker and the rear light can also be read in the app.
Conclusion
The Vodafone Curve Bike actually makes the bike a bit safer – especially because of the brake light. But the smart functions, including the theft protection with the motion alarm and impact detection, are also very useful.
However, two problems emerged in our test. First, the seat post is not a good place for a taillight. Anyone who has transported something larger on the luggage rack or has attached a basket there covers the light.
Second, the tracker’s connection to the Vodafone cellular network consumes a lot of electricity. The battery runs out quickly, especially when the bike is in motion and the location is continuously updated.
He can’t go on a bike ride from morning to evening. If the bike is stationary, the system switches to a more economical stand-by mode, which is over after a good four days. It is best to charge the light every night, especially since the small battery in the tracker is only recharged via the light.
The Vodafone Curve Bike costs 119.90 euros one-time. For the cellular connection you pay 1.99 euros per month for a term of two years.
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