Motorcycle theft is a growing pain that owners have to deal with. Every year, over a hundred thousand bikes are stolen in the US alone. This can lead to financial and emotional distress.
If you want to safeguard your motorcycle from theft, consider getting a GPS tracker. A device that can alert you in case your bike is on the move without you being around.
One such GPS tracker, designed specifically for motorcycles and cars, we will review today is the Monimoto 7.
The device is a combination of a GPS tracker and a key fob. It also needs the Monimoto app to function. You can place the tracker on your bike with the help of zip ties. Its primary function is to detect movement and alert you about the event. It then sends location updates until the bike stops or you turn off the alarm yourself.
The tracker can be expensive, and it needs a subscription to work. Correct device placement is essential, or the tracker may not function. So, is the device worth investing in?
Let us start with our Monimoto 7 smart GPS tracker review to know more.
| Product Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Monimoto |
| Model | Monimoto 7 Anti-Theft GPS Tracker |
| Device Dimension | 3.7 x 2.4 x 0.7 inches |
| Key Fob Dimension | 1.6 x 0.3 inches |
| Device Weight | 3.35 ounces |
| Device Battery | 2 Lithium AA 1,5V 3000mAh |
| Key Fob Battery | One 3V Lithium CR2032 |
| SIM Card | Embedded SIM Card included |
| SIM Card Coverage | Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Others (Currently 51 countries covered) |
| Protection Rating | Device and Key Fob have an IP65 rating |
| Price | $161.29 |
| Subscription | Starts from $49 (Annual subscription price varies as per country) |
| Warranty | 2 years limited |
| Customer Support | Chat, Email, Support Portal |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 out of 5 (90 ratings) |
Our Rating
About Monimoto
The team at Monimoto are passionate riders and have a decade of experience working on motorcycle anti-theft solutions.
The company was started in 2016. The flagship product of Monimoto is the battery-powered smart motorcycle GPS tracker. The product has undergone several design changes and innovations, with Monimoto 7 being the most recent model.
Monimoto’s support portal is well-organized, with documentation and videos on specifications and features.
Who is the Monimoto 7 Smart GPS Tracker For?
If you often participate in local or international riding trips, the security of your motorcycle can be a significant concern. Riding on long routes and rugged terrains can be a challenge in itself. You do not want to constantly worry about the safety of your bike as well.
A GPS tracker like the Monimoto 7 is a device that can provide you with peace of mind. The tracker and key fob are powered by batteries, so you do not have to worry about charging the devices. They can have a battery life of up to a year or about 500 location pings.
If your bike is moved when you are not around, the tracker will notify you and send GPS coordinates. Monimoto performs periodic checks, which can include battery status and location updates as per your settings.
You can also use it for day-to-day use to ensure your motorcycle is safe at all times.
5 Important Factors We Tested the Product On
We installed the tracker on our bike and tested it for different scenarios. For example, we left the key fob home and took the bike outside. Or we left the bike on the street and manually moved it. We checked for factors like ease of setup, alarm mode, and location accuracy.
Here is how the Monimoto 7 performed.
1. Design
The Monimoto 7 is a combination of a GPS tracker and a key fob. You will additionally need a compatible device for the tracker and app to work.
The tracker is on the bigger side compared to other vehicle GPS devices. Its dimensions are 3.7 x 2.4 x 0.7 inches. The key fob is a circular-shaped device with dimensions 1.6 x 0.3 inches.
Your Monimoto 7 purchase will include the GPS tracker, the key fob, two FR6 batteries, one CR2032 battery, and two releasable zip ties.
Both the tracker and the key fob are IP65-rated. This means they are dust-resistant and can withstand water exposure from low-pressure sources. So, the tracker should continue to work in light rain or snow.
The LED on the tracker can flash red or green depending on the task it is performing. For example, if the light is flashing red every second, the tracker is connected to the app. If it flashes red and green, it is searching for an LTE signal.
The tracker includes an embedded SIM card. The SIM card provides coverage in about 50 countries across the globe.
2. Battery
Two lithium AA batteries power the tracker. It has a capacity of 3000 mAh. The CR2032 button battery powers the key fob.
Monimoto claims the battery can last for up to a year. This, of course, depends on the tracker mode and frequency of location updates.
For example, if your motorcycle often goes into alarm mode, the location updates can drain the battery quickly. Monimoto also performs regular periodic checks on the tracker. By default, these checks are for battery statuses. But you can make changes to these checks to include location details.
Thus, Monimoto recommends you use location updates only when necessary.
In the above scenarios, the battery may not last a year but gets depleted in six to eight months, which is still good enough. You do not have to worry about charging the tracker every other day. You receive a notification when the battery falls below 20%.
Monimoto recommends batteries from Energizer and Varta. Do not use rechargeable batteries or brands like Duracell and Panasonic.
3. Usability
The tracker can be used with devices with iOS 9.3 or Android 5.0 and above. Your device should also support Bluetooth 4.0+ functionality.
Download the Monimoto app and set up your account. You must pair the tracker and the key fob through the app. Please do not use your phone’s Bluetooth directly, or the app will be unable to pair the devices.
Once the setup is complete, you will receive a text message from the tracker. Save the contact with an appropriate name so you know it is a warning call from the tracker.
As the app communicates with the devices through the internet, it is best to keep the mobile data or WiFi on your phone at all times.
Monimoto recommends you place the tracker under your seat, inside the taillight cover, or inside the headlight cover. The device should not be enclosed with metal components, or it will not work.
Also, you should keep the key fob away from your motorcycle keys. This is because if your keys are stolen, the thief will have access to the key fob, and the tracker will never enter an alarm on movement as it will detect the key fob nearby.
The Monimoto app has an intuitive design and is easy to use. It is one of the better tracking apps we have come across in terms of performance.
4. Features
The Monimoto 7 is one of the easier GPS trackers to install. There is no wiring involved. So you save on installation costs and do not mess with your motorcycle’s warranty.
You can use the releasable zip ties to attach the tracker to any component on your bike.
Once the tracker has acquired a good GPS signal and the app is ready, the tracking will work independently. The tracker auto-arms and disarms depending on the key fob’s location. You do not have to set the device to track manually.
This means if you move away from the bike, it arms itself. And when it detects the paired key fob nearby, it automatically disarms.
When the tracker detects a movement or vibration, the first 20 seconds, it looks for the key fob. If it cannot detect the key fob, the tracker will register to the GSM network and call your number in the next 30 seconds. In the next 30 to 40 seconds, it searches for GPS satellites and sends you location updates.
In an ideal use case, the tracker should call you within a minute and send location details within one and a half minutes of detecting a possible theft attempt.
If your bike was accidentally moved, you could exit the alarm mode by putting the tracker to sleep through the app, establish a Bluetooth connection with the tracker, or have the key fob within 10 meters of the bike.
5. Performance
The devices and the app are straightforward to set up and use. The tracker has limited functionality, but it is good at what it intends to accomplish. It notifies you if your vehicle is being stolen and sends location updates to help with the recovery process.
One thing you must be careful with is the device placement. If the tracker cannot get good GPS reception, it will be useless. So when you set up the tracker, leave the key fob behind, turn off the Bluetooth on your phone, and test multiple times if the tracker works.
If you do not receive a call within a minute of starting your bike and leaving your home, then experiment with device placement until the test is successful.
During our testing, we received a call within a minute of leaving our bike on the street. The location updates were pretty accurate.
If your bike is actually being stolen, the five-minute updates can be a bit nerve-wracking, as that is enough time for the bike to be moved by a significant distance. You can switch to live tracking mode in this case.
Overall, the tracker delivers on its claims, provided it receives good GPS reception and has enough battery.
What Sets the Monimoto 7 Smart GPS Tracker Apart from its Competitors?
As mentioned above, when the Monimoto 7 detects a movement, it enters alarm mode. If it does not find your key fob around, it will send you location updates once every five minutes.
One of the newest features of the device is that you can request more frequent location updates. The interval time between can be reduced to one minute.
The tracker can send location details every minute for up to 10 minutes. Then, it will default to its five-minute updates. If you wish, you can start live tracking again to get quicker updates.
Live tracking can significantly drain the battery, but it is a helpful feature to have in case of an emergency.
Should You Purchase the Monimoto 7 Smart GPS Tracker?
If you are looking for an anti-theft GPS tracker for your bike, the Monimoto 7 can be a good option.
It is not a feature-rich product, but it delivers on its claims. For example, you can get a call on your number when the tracker detects movement, and the location updates have an accuracy of being a few meters off, which is expected with GPS.
You do have to pay an annual subscription fee to use the tracker. The battery can drain quicker with frequent location updates.
Consider the below pros and cons before buying the Monimoto 7.
Pros
- The tracker gives you a call when it detects movement.
- You receive location updates until the vehicle stops moving or the key fob is detected.
- It can provide location updates every minute in alarm mode.
- The tracker and key fob are IP65-rated.
- The Monimoto app is easy to use.
- The tracker provides coverage in 50+ countries.
Cons
- Incorrect placement can hinder GPS signal quality.
- It can be an expensive tracker.
- Some customers reported the key fob battery arriving dead.
Price
The Monimoto 7 is available for a price of $199.30.
You need a subscription to use the GPS tracker and the Monimoto app. You get two months of GSM service included with your purchase. The plan consists of international coverage as well.
After the free service period, you can top up the SIM card through the app. The annual charges vary from one country to another. The typical annual fees are:
- USA and Asia – starts from $49
- Europe Union – starts from €39
- Australia – starts from AU$79
You can get a detailed pricing guide on the app. You can pay for the plans through a credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
You will receive notifications via the app before the end of the free GSM period, so you are not caught unaware when using the GPS tracker.
FAQ’s
The Monimoto GPS tracker and the key fob both have an IP65 rating. This means the devices are protected from dust and against water sources like a low-pressure water jet or faucet. So, the tracker should be fine in light rain. But, being under a heavy shower for an extended period can harm the tracker.
Yes. To use Monimoto 7 to track your car, ensure you select the car profile under the settings section of the app. You may have to undergo some trial and error with the tracker placement so that the device remains hidden while also being able to get a good signal.
No. The SIM card for Monimoto 7 comes soldered to the board; you cannot remove the card. This was possible in the earlier versions of Monimoto devices but not in the latest model.
Summary
The Monimoto 7 is a well-performing anti-theft GPS tracker for your motorcycle. It
includes a tracker and key fob device.
You can place the tracker with the help of resealable ties on the bike; no wiring is required. The key fob you must keep on yourself.
The setup process through the Monimoto app is pretty straightforward. The tracker calls your number when it detects a movement and continuously sends location details until the vehicle stops or you turn off the alarm mode. You can activate the live tracking feature for frequent updates.
We hope our Monimoto 7 smart GPS tracker review helps you understand the product and its features better.
Carson Harris is a highly qualified author and expert in GPS tracking technology. With a background in electrical engineering and machine learning, he has established himself as a trusted source of information. Carson’s work experience at Garmin and Panasonic has further enhanced his expertise. He possesses creative skills in website design and AI applications. Known for his clear and concise communication, Carson’s articles on Trax Family’s website provide valuable insights on GPS trackers.