Battery Management
Battery life is the most important operational factor for a lock fleet. This page explains the expected runtimes, the automatic power modes, and how to plan charging across your fleet. For charging instructions see Charging & Installation.
Expected Battery Runtimes
| Model Type | Typical Runtime | Main Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth-only (C2-03-S3, DAD, DCD) | ~8–12 months idle, ~6–9 months with frequent Bluetooth connections | Locking frequency, active alarm (−5%) |
| GPS Tracking (C2-04-S1, DBD, DED) | Similar to Bluetooth-only in idle; significantly reduced by alarms and poor cellular signal | Alarm tracking events, daily status messages |
| GPS Premium (C2-04-S2, DBF, DEF) | Designed for permanent external power (e-bike); weeks in standalone low power mode | Track-All mode is only active while charging or above the battery threshold |
Poor cellular reception increases power usage. When the battery of a GPS lock drops below 40%, cellular connectivity may fail unless the signal is strong.
Automatic Power Modes (GPS Premium Locks)
Premium locks (C2-04-S2, DBF, DEF) switch automatically between two modes:
Track-All Mode (constant tracking)
Active while the lock is charging (USB-C or e-bike power) or the internal battery is above the configured threshold (default 70%):
- Lock is controllable via the REST API.
- GPS position every 30 s while riding (unlocked), every 10 s during an alarm.
- Status update to the server every 30 min.
Low Power Mode (trackLpw)
Active when the lock is not charging and the battery drops below the threshold:
- The lock disconnects from the server and behaves like a standard alarm-tracking lock.
- One status package every 24 h; GPS and cellular are only activated by an alarm.
- The lock cannot be controlled via the REST API and shows as Unknown/Offline in the portal — this is expected behaviour.
The battery level shown in the portal is not updated while the lock is charging — the server shows the last known value.
Low Battery Warnings
- 5-times beep on unlocking: The battery has dropped below its safe operating threshold — schedule the bike for a recharge immediately.
- Depleted state: If the battery drains completely, the lock freezes in its last physical state (locked or unlocked). Bluetooth, cellular, tracking, and motor actions are disabled. See Recovering from Deep Discharge for the field recovery procedure.
Charging Strategy for Fleets
- Before deployment: Fully charge every lock before mounting (button glows solid red while charging, turns off when full).
- Standalone locks (USB-charged): Monitor battery levels in the tracking portal and schedule recharges before units drop into low power mode.
- E-bike-powered locks: Ensure the wiring supplies the correct voltage (see E-Bike Power Connection); the e-bike keeps the lock permanently in Track-All mode.
- Reduce consumption: Disable the alarm where it is not required, lower the alarm sensitivity or enable the pre-alarm to avoid energy-hungry false alarms (see Alarm & Theft Tracking).
- Respect temperature limits: Charge only between 0 °C and +30 °C; charging outside this range may trigger internal protective cut-offs.