Bicycles

Linka's Lasso gives chain locks the "smart" treatment

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The Lasso can reportedly withstand 2,100 lb ft (2,847 Nm) of pulling force, and will work for over 5,000 lock/unlock cycles
Linka
The locking mechanism electronically releases the chain when it receives a user-specific Bluetooth signal from a nearby Apple or Android smartphone, or from an Apple Watch
Linka
The Lasso is claimed to wirelessly unlock in less than two seconds
Linka
The Lasso can reportedly withstand 2,100 lb ft (2,847 Nm) of pulling force, and will work for over 5,000 lock/unlock cycles
Linka
The Lasso is presently on Kickstarter
Linka
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While there are now a number of smart electronic bike locks on the market, almost all of them are rigid U-locks. The Lasso is different, in that it's a flexible chain lock … but it can still do the usual things like wirelessly unlocking, sounding a theft alarm, and more.

Currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, the Lasso is made by California-based startup Linka Technologies.

It incorporates a bolt-cutter-resistant hardened manganese steel square-link chain, which is encased in a polyethylene sleeve and combined with a stainless steel locking mechanism that's covered in an impact-resistant TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) shell.

That mechanism electronically releases the chain when it receives a user-specific Bluetooth signal from a nearby Apple or Android smartphone (running an accompanying app), or from an Apple Watch. Users can additionally utilize a SmartMotion Key, which is a motion-sensitive rectangular Bluetooth fob that simply has to be moved near the lock.

The Lasso is claimed to wirelessly unlock in less than two seconds
Linka

In the event of a dead battery in the mobile device of choice, it's also possible to unlock the Lasso simply by entering a numeric code via a physical pushbutton on the locking mechanism. The electronic lock itself should reportedly be good for up to three months of use per charge of its lithium-ion battery – the app alerts users when the battery is getting low.

The app can additionally be utilized to arm the Lasso's theft-deterrent system – which will sound a 100-decibel alarm if the lock is moved while left unattended – plus it can be used to remotely grant lock-access to other people's smartphones. All of the electronics are IP67 water-resistant, meaning they can withstand being submerged to a depth of 1 meter (3.3 ft) for half an hour.

The Lasso is presently on Kickstarter
Linka

The Lasso is being offered in three models – the 1.8-kg (3.9-lb) Series 8, with a 100-cm (39.4-in)-long 8-mm chain; the 2.4-kg (4.4-lb) Series 10, with a 100-cm-long 10-mm chain; and the motorcycle-oriented 3-kg (6.6-lb) Series 10 Moto, with a 140-cm (55.1-in)-long 10-mm chain.

Assuming everything goes according to plan, a pledge of US$119 will get you a Series 8 (planned retail $194), $129 will get you a Series 10 (retail $204) and $159 will get you a Series 10 Moto (retail $224).

The lock is demonstrated in the following video.

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Source: Kickstarter

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