The bicycle has come a long way from its mechanical roots. As the world embraces smart mobility, bicycles are no longer mere frames and pedals—they are now embedded with GPS trackers, Bluetooth connectivity, mobile app integrations, electronic shifting, and even artificial intelligence. From commuters navigating through smart cities to athletes relying on performance-tracking systems, connected bicycles—or “smart bikes”—are redefining how we ride. Yet, with every connection comes a new vulnerability. Cybersecurity, once the concern of software engineers and data scientists, is now a critical topic in the world of cycling. As bikes get smarter, the question looms: are they also becoming less secure? In this article, we explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in connected bicycles through expert insights and real-world risks, and offer comprehensive recommendations for both manufacturers and cyclists.
The Rise of Connected Bicycles
Connected bicycles are equipped with technologies that enhance safety, performance, and user experience. These include onboard computers that sync with fitness apps, anti-theft GPS systems, remote locking mechanisms, voice command integration, and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication systems. Riders can now adjust suspension settings via a mobile app, receive turn-by-turn directions through handlebar displays, or get real-time traffic updates while cycling through urban areas. However, every data packet transmitted between a bike and the cloud represents a potential entry point for cyber threats. According to Mikael Johansson, a senior security analyst at CyTech Mobility, “The more features we add to bikes, the larger the attack surface becomes. Every Bluetooth connection, every app sync, is a potential vulnerability.”
Mapping the Vulnerabilities in Smart Bicycles
Several types of vulnerabilities plague connected bicycles, and most fall into three main categories: communication-based, application-based, and hardware-based threats. Communication-based vulnerabilities stem from insecure protocols such as unencrypted Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals. Hackers can intercept these connections to extract sensitive user data or even send malicious commands to a bike’s firmware. Application-based vulnerabilities often originate from poorly secured mobile apps that control bike functions. These apps may store passwords in plaintext or fail to validate user identities, enabling attackers to hijack sessions or access private ride histories. Hardware-based vulnerabilities are the most severe. Bikes with embedded chips that control braking systems, electric assist motors, or geofencing features can be targets of direct firmware manipulation. In one white-hat experiment conducted by cybersecurity researcher Eliza Green, a custom-built antenna was used to remotely unlock an e-bike’s smart lock system within 60 seconds using intercepted signals from a user’s smartphone app. “It wasn’t hard,” she says. “Once we identified the command structure and the encryption flaw, the bike was open.”
Why Hackers Target Smart Bicycles
While it may seem far-fetched that someone would go to the trouble of hacking a bicycle, the reality is more nuanced. First, many connected bikes are high-end models priced well above $3,000, making them attractive targets for theft. Once hackers gain remote access to unlock features or disable tracking systems, stealing and reselling becomes easy. Second, user data harvested from bike apps is surprisingly valuable. Ride patterns, geolocation history, biometric data, and usage behavior can be sold on the black market or used in phishing schemes. Lastly, in rare cases, sabotage is a concern. Competitive athletes and teams using IoT-enabled gear can be targets of cyber-espionage, with rival parties attempting to disrupt training routines or collect performance intelligence. As bicycles become integrated into broader smart transportation systems, they also represent a potential backdoor into larger connected infrastructures. A compromised bike may serve as a low-security access point into a city’s mobility network or a user’s home Wi-Fi.
The Manufacturers’ Responsibility
Cycling brands have begun to wake up to the implications of insecure systems. Leading companies like Bosch, Specialized, and VanMoof have started implementing encrypted communications, regular firmware updates, and multi-factor authentication in their connected offerings. However, the industry still lacks standardized cybersecurity protocols. While automotive cybersecurity benefits from ISO/SAE standards, the cycling industry has yet to adopt a unified framework. According to cybersecurity consultant Rajiv Mehta, “What we need is an industry-wide commitment to cybersecurity design principles—from code audits to device encryption and secure OTA (over-the-air) updates.” Manufacturers also need to prioritize user awareness. Many cyclists are unaware of the digital risks their smart bikes carry. Instruction manuals should include best practices for password management, software updates, and suspicious activity reporting.
Expert Recommendations for Cyclists
Experts suggest several practical steps cyclists can take to minimize their vulnerability:
- Update Firmware Regularly: Just like with smartphones, firmware updates patch known vulnerabilities. Cyclists should check apps and manufacturer websites frequently for updates.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid default passwords and opt for long, complex passphrases. Never reuse credentials used for other services.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: If your smart bike app supports it, activate two-factor authentication to add a layer of protection.
- Turn Off Bluetooth When Not in Use: Leaving your bike’s Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on in public spaces allows attackers to scan and probe for vulnerabilities.
- Be Cautious of Third-Party Apps: Only use official or verified apps to control or monitor your smart bike. Unverified apps may contain malware or poorly secured backends.
- Check Access Logs: Some smart bike ecosystems allow users to check login history or connection logs. Unusual access times or IP addresses should be investigated.
The Role of Governments and Policy Makers
Regulatory bodies in Europe and North America have started to explore frameworks to govern IoT device security, including bicycles. The UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regulation mandates security updates and transparency in consumer IoT devices. Meanwhile, the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) aims to enforce cybersecurity standards in hardware and software sold across member states. While not bicycle-specific, these laws are expected to apply to connected bikes and e-mobility platforms. Government agencies also have a role in funding public awareness campaigns. As connected cycling becomes part of urban mobility solutions, municipalities must educate riders on securing their digital infrastructure. Some experts propose mandatory certification for connected cycling products, similar to CE or FCC labels, that verify a baseline level of cybersecurity.
Future Challenges: AI and Predictive Cycling Systems
As AI begins to integrate into connected bicycles—providing predictive maintenance, adaptive suspension systems, or AI-generated training suggestions—the cybersecurity stakes get even higher. These systems rely on cloud-based data processing and continuous learning loops. If compromised, they could deliver false instructions or misguide performance recommendations. Dr. Leona Brooks, an AI and mobility researcher, notes that “as bikes begin to think for us, the consequences of malicious AI manipulation grow more serious. It’s not just about stealing data anymore—it’s about potentially putting riders in physical danger.” In the future, AI-enhanced bike systems may require not just encryption but also behavioral anomaly detection systems that flag and respond to unusual command patterns or data anomalies.
Securing the Ecosystem: Beyond the Bike Itself
Cybersecurity in cycling must also address external dependencies. Smart bikes often integrate with third-party services like Strava, Apple Health, or Google Maps. Each integration introduces another vector for attack. If any connected service suffers a breach, all dependent devices—including bicycles—can be affected. Experts recommend that cycling app developers practice “zero trust” architecture, wherein each data request is authenticated and every data exchange is encrypted end-to-end. Furthermore, manufacturers should vet third-party APIs and plugins carefully, ensuring that integrations comply with security best practices.
Conclusion: Pedaling into a Safer Digital Future
The promise of connected bicycles is undeniably exciting. From smarter commuting and enhanced fitness tracking to better anti-theft features and urban navigation, these bikes represent the future of cycling. However, as with any digital innovation, that future must be built on a foundation of trust and security. Cyclists, manufacturers, developers, and policymakers all share the responsibility of ensuring that the bike of tomorrow doesn’t become the breach of tomorrow. Cybersecurity in cycling isn’t just about protecting devices—it’s about protecting riders, data, and the integrity of a rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem. As our bikes get smarter, so too must our approach to keeping them safe.
Discussion about this post