Non-bike bike gear reviewed: Linka Lasso smartphone-controlled chain lock
I’d like to think that the only thing I need to live a car-free life is my bike and my enthusiasm. But it’s the extra gear that helps me stay as two-wheeled as possible. In this regular column, I take a deep dive into some of the coolest and most interesting gadgets and pieces of kit that make it possible to swap a car for an e-bike on a daily basis. This time, we’re checking out a fascinating smartphone-controlled keyless e-bike lock called the Linka Lasso.
That’s right, there’s no physical key shipped along with the Lasso, at least not of the metal variety. There is an optional SmartMotion key that works like a fob in a keyless ignition car, but for the most part, the lock is operated completely by your phone.
I tested two versions, the Linka Lasso 8 and Linka Lasso 10 Moto. They have the same locking mechanism, but 8 and 10 mm hardened steel links, respectively. The Lasso 8 is also shorter with 100 cm (39 inch) chain length, while the Lasso 10 Moto has a larger 140 cm (55 inch) locking circumference. Theoretically, the smaller chain would be fine for e-bikes, while the larger one is meant more for motorcycles, but I’d opt for the larger one on my e-bikes just to give me more room and freedom to lock more of the frame and/or wheels to secure objects.
They both have the same Sold Secure Silver rating, though the thicker hardened steel chain links on the Lasso 10 surely stand up to attacks for longer.
The general idea of the lock is that you use the accompanying smartphone app to unlock Lasso, meaning you don’t need to put yet another key on your crowded keyring. And if you’re the kind of person that only bikes occasionally and thus don’t walk around with your bike lock’s key on you all the time, you don’t need to remember to grab the key on the way out since your phone IS the key.
And to answer the question many of you already thinking, there’s a solution for when your phone’s battery runs out. During the lock setup routine, you have to create a secret code that you enter through the single push button on the lock, which unlocks it.
Granted, that solution is a bit cumbersome to use since there’s only a single button, and so it takes a lot longer to punch in a code than with a typical wheeled combo lock. But it’s not something you’d ever do unless your phone actually died while your bike was locked up, which I imagine is a pretty rare occurrence. If you’re like me, you starting sweating when your phone battery is under 50%. If you’re a psychopath like my wife that can giggle as your phone battery dips down to 2%, you may want to remember that secret lock code.
Using the lock for the first time is kind of mind-blowing. The first time you push a software button on your phone and hear your bike chain make a whirring noise then release itself, it kind of blows your mind. It’s a real “welcome to the future” moment.
That lock mechanism feels super solid, which it better, since it’s also housing the lock’s battery and electronics. A special little magnetic charging cable is included to charge up the lock, and you better not lose that little cable because of course it’s not the same cable as the one you use to charge your phone.
As cool as unlocking your bike lock from your phone is, the device also works with smartwatches. I don’t have a smartwatch, but the Lasso is compatible with many leading smartwatches which means I wouldn’t even actually have to pull out my phone to unlock it, if I had a smartwatch.
Obviously, unlocking via a smartphone is the main trick here. But the Linka Lasso is a lot more than just a smartphone lock. The same technology that allows the smartphone-based unlocking also opens the door to a number of other cool features.
First of all, the lock has an optional SmartMotion key, which is basically a proximity tag that you can put on your keyring. But it’s not a direct replacement for a physical key – meaning it’s not just a fancy electronic version of a cut steel pin that you still have to fetch from your keychain. You don’t swipe it or hold it up to the lock like an NFC card. It can stay in your pocket while allowing the Linka Lasso to unlock from the push button on the lock simply by recognizing that the tag is less than one meter (3 feet) away from the lock. That means when you have the SmartMotion key on you, you don’t even have to pull out your phone to unlock your bike. You simply walk up to the lock and push a button. It’s basically the same idea as keyless ignition cars that recognize the key fob is sitting in your pocket.
That makes the lock super fast to use. Instead of fumbling in your pocket for keys, unlocking the lock, and then fumbling to put your keys away, you simply walk up to the lock and push a button. It unlocks instantly since it reads the SmartMotion key in your pocket. The process takes literally two seconds. Most of us aren’t so stressed that an extra 20 seconds of key fumbling is going to ruin our day, but it does feel pretty nice to skip that step and just ride away from the bike stand in seconds.
Next, the connected nature of the lock allows you to actually share unlocking credentials with other people. For example, if my wife and I share a bike, we can also share the “key” to the lock by both being able to unlock it from our phones. Or if you leave your bike at a buddy’s place, you can give him access to unlock it. You can even pair multiple Linka locks, like their Dutch-style wheel lock, to your phone to unlock them all together.
I should also mention that it’s nice to see that the lock comes with a 5-year warranty. I sometimes worry about how well electronics will hold up when they’re built into things that get knocked around every day.
What’s the downside?
The first bummer of chain locks is simply that they’re heavy. The Lasso 8 weighs 1.8 kg (3.9 lb), and the Lasso 10 Moto weighs a hefty 3 kg or 6.6 lb. My current favorite lock weighs half of that and has a higher security rating, meaning the Linka Lasso doesn’t win on a per-pound basis. But then again, it does what other locks can’t on the technology side, so the trade-off is there for each person to weigh on their own.
Next, there’s the issue of battery life. They say that the Linka Lasso’s battery will last for two months if you’re using it with the app, or up to 5 months if you only use the proximity key. That’s pretty good, in my opinion, until you forget that you need to be charging it. As long as you set a reminder to charge it once a month or so, I think it won’t be an issue. But if you ever forget, you’ll be SOL until you bring a little portable battery charger out to your bike, at which point the lock will fire right back up.
The lock will also give you notifications that its battery is running low via the smartphone app, so in all fairness, it does its best to not let you forget about it.
They’re also not cheap, not by a long shot. The Lasso 8 is currently on sale for $149, and the Lasso 10 Moto is on sale for $179. Oh, and if you want that SmartMotion key, that’s an extra $25. You’re really paying for the features here, since while Sold Secure Silver is quite good, there are higher-rated locks for lower cost. So again, it’s not a dollar per dollar basis here, but rather paying for fancier features.
Oh, and it’s got that special little magnetic charging port, meaning if you ever lose that weird little charger, you’ll also be up a creek unless you head back to the Linka to get a replacement. That’s not a charger you’ll find at the corner store.
So while there are definitely some downsides, the Lasso has some major upsides that I haven’t seen in any other lock on the market. If it was Sold Secure Gold instead of Silver, I’d be over the moon. But as it stands, I think it’s a great second lock to add your security regiment. Because you’re definitely not locking your nice e-bike up with only one lock, right?!
Read more: The strongest and most secure folding bike lock in the world
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Bobcat revealed a new, commercialized version of its battery-powered ZT6000e zero-turn electric lawnmower that promises up to eight hours of continuous runtime.
The company says its new machine can deliver up to eight hours of continuous runtime on a single charge, the ZT6000e produces zero “tailpipe” emissions while in use, and is significantly quieter than the ICE-powered competition. Perfect, in other words, for use in municipalities with strict noise regulations.
“The ZT6000e is designed for both lawn care professionals and other businesses that want to create their own professional-grade results in a more sustainable way,” said Daniel Stibral, s grounds maintenance product specialist at Bobcat. “It’s highly maneuverable, efficient, and takes on challenging mowing tasks with precision, ease and the perfect cut.”
The Bobcat ZT6000e packs a 58V, 20.4 kWh battery that can be fully recharged in about 6 hours with a 240-volt “Level 2” connection, or in about 12 hours with a “standard” 120-volt connection. Considering a full charge is enough to mow more than 23 acres, however, there should be very little “range anxiety” involved.
What’s more, Bobcat claims that, apart from routine recharge cycles, the lithium-ion battery requires no maintenance for the life of the machine.
The ZT6000e is built with a heavy-duty, dual-tubed steel frame and is powered by three electric motors to provide precise control over high and low blade speeds and make quick work of any lawn. Pricing starts at $39,199.
Electrek’s Take
Yes, the ZT6000e electric lawmower is more expensive than the 850cc gas-powered version. About 3x more expensive, in fact – but that doesn’t matter.
The fact is that more and more municipalities across the country are effectively banning internal combustion lawn equipment from lawnmowers to edgers to leaf blowers – and the ones that aren’t outright banning small engines are banning them indirectly with increasingly stringent noise regulations. Translation: if you plan on making a living in landscaping, you’re going to need to pony up for an electric mower rather sooner than later.
When you do, Bobcat’s seems like a solid choice.
SOURCES | IMAGES: For Construction Pros; Bobcat.
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Pedego announced a slew of big new bikes this month, and we got to try out our favorite, the Pedego Moto. This brawny, two-person, class 2/3 beast leaves its competitors in the dust in so many ways. As Micah would say, “Let’s check it out…”
We’ve talked about Pedego a ton here at Electrek, but it bears repeating. No other bike company is doing more to get Americans onto e-bikes. With their excellent brick-and-mortar stores, many, if not most, Americans’ first e-bike experience is renting or trying an e-bike at a Pedego store. And because Pedego stores and e-bikes are top-notch, those experiences are almost entirely good first impressions.
I have a store in my local town, and it is the go-to place to pick up bike accessories, get a quick tuneup, or fix something (on any bike!) . It is also a great place to meet like-minded bike riders. They often sponsor local bike rides and encourage train tourists to visit our town and see it on an e-bike, which is better for everyone than driving a car.
Pedego Moto
The Pedego Moto, at first glance, will remind you of a Juiced Scorpion or the many other copycats that came along in the years since it was introduced. I’m here to say this thing is different in a number of important ways.
The most obvious is that it is much bigger, and its seat is long enough to carry a second passenger without modifications. The 2nd rider foot pegs come with the bike in its default configuration. That stretched seat also lets taller riders slide back for that sweet leg extension when actually pedaling, which on the Moto, I found quite easy. That tapered seat, while comfy for long rides, also tapers at the front to allow easy pedaling.
Also, components are almost universally better, including turn signals, larger 210mm hydraulic brakes, and huge 20-inch wheels that will go off-road much better than others in this class. SRAM gears are going to last a lot longer than the Shimano Altus setup that many of these bikes have. And just look at those burley tires.
The battery is 922Wh at 48V which will power the bike for up to 75 miles according to Pedego but more typically about 40 at near full power with little pedalling. I don’t like that it is a proprietary connector but it fast charges the battery at 5A. I was genuinely shocked how far I could ride with just small battery drops and it will last weeks in between charges if you want it to.
Pedego has revolutionized unboxing!
Like the taller boxes we saw at Upway, Pedego is now using a taller box that allows it only to require screwing in pedals and adjusting/tightening the handlebars. Including removing the tape and bubble wrap, you can be riding the Pedego Moto within 5 minutes of opening the box.
While most Pedegos will be purchased (and tuned up) at stores, this makes the process easier for Pedego technicians and direct-to-consumer customers as well.
There’s no heavy front wheel to put on, cables to plug in, or other stuff to install. Most e-bikes take me at least a half hour to assemble and often more than an hour. Pedogo Moto? I was riding within minutes of the box being delivered. The battery came more than half charged and that was good for a day of play.
Moto Experience
Pedego bikes, though they come in all shapes and sizes generally follow a standard Class 2 system that allows the bike to go up to 20 miles/hour on throttle or pedal assist. Some of their bikes, including the Moto, can be enabled to go class 3, which is up to 28 miles per hour. However, this is only pedal assist, the throttle will stop applying power at 20mph.
This allows pedego bikes to be legal in the largest number of areas while also allowing a speedy 28mph option. In reality, the large size of the bike will put pedal-assist riding at about 25 mph, in my experience. Still quite fast for such a big bike with huge tires.
Other bike companies, including Pedego’s competitors, have various flavors of “off-road mode,” which allow the motors to spin at any speed but also make them illegal in many jurisdictions.
I found the Moto to be a great ride both on the road and on gravel. Those huge tires and soft suspension eat up those potholes like no one’s business. And, even with a passenger in the back, there’s no stopping the powerful 85nm torque motor in the back.
The Moto is best for cruising and riding around town. There it excels and turns some heads, especially in this blue variety.
Moto Safety
While this bike is large, it turns quite well with admirable wheel balance and a solid front fork.
The front light not only lets oncoming cars see the Moto well at night but it also illuminates the road well enough to ride without concern. Those big hydraulic brakes on 210mm discs are also great at stopping this big bike in its tracks.
The step-over nature of the bike makes it easy to get on and off, especially with packages or another rider on the back.
Maybe the most underrated safety item is the turn signals, which I think Pedego has done well, especially in the user interface department. But the backlight is hidden a little too far under the rear seat and is typically small for an e-bike. Still, drivers and riders will almost always see the bright light when at a medium-length distance away.
Pedego Moto Price
This is a Burley bike, and Pedego has to keep its brick-and-mortar stores going, so the price may surprise those used to fly-by-night dropship prices. It is $3995. Yes, it is a lot, but you get a lot, including white glove service and actual local people there to help out when things go wrong.
Electrek’s take
I like all 3 of Pedego’s new e-bikes and if you’ve got the cash, these e-bikes are built to last and a ton of fun. The Moto isn’t light but it rides like a much more svelt e-bike and is even great for carrying 2 people!
The Petego Moto in Black, thanks to Riley at the awesome local Croton Pedego store
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Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, has installed an off-grid solar tracker EV charging station for its employees.
“This solar electric vehicle charger is a part of the college’s efforts to make our [transportation systems] more sustainable”, said Marcus Welker, assistant director of sustainability at Dartmouth College [via Vermont Biz].
Solaflect Energy, based in Norwich, Vermont, designs and manufactures the Solar EV Charger. The four Level 2 charging points are powered by a 6.2-kilowatt solar array mounted on a dual-axis tracker that generates 40% more power than comparable fixed panel arrays.
The system’s 6-ton concrete foundation sits directly on parking lot lines, so it doesn’t take up any parking spaces and provides enough ground clearance for unimpeded traffic flow. Designed for climate resilience, it sheds snow quickly, stows flat in high winds, and sits high enough to avoid flooding.
Solar EV Charger operates even when the grid is down, and its transportable nature allows it to adapt as EV charging needs evolve. Here’s Dartmouth’s Solar EV Charger in action:
The off-grid solar tracker EV charger is quicker and less expensive to install than traditional grid-connected stations and avoids costly utility demand charges since there’s no need for infrastructure. Solaflect’s chargers scale easily, with one charger for every four EVs or plug-in hybrids. The company asserts that over its expected 25-year life, the system locks in 1 million miles of EV charging with minimal operating and maintenance costs.
Solaflect’s Solar EV charger is available for annual lease with no additional service costs or for purchase with a 30% federal investment tax credit. Its first installations will take place in New England, followed by a US-wide expansion.
What do you think of Solaflect’s Solar EV Charger? Let us know in the comments below.
Read more: In a milestone, the US exceeds 5 million solar installations
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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