How to make the most of modes in the BIKE profile
MALA GPS tracker for bikes
Overview of BIKE profile modes and their correct usage. Set your GPS tracker exactly according to your current situation – when riding your bike, transporting it and also when you need to guard your bike when it is left unattended.
How the Mala GPS tracker works
Position detection:
The device determines its current coordinates using GPS. It achieves the best level of accuracy when it is outdoors in direct view of the sky. Inaccuracies may occur when the tracker is Indoors or in dense urban areas.
Data storage and transmission:
In modes with active tracking, the position is recorded at defined intervals (for example every 10 seconds). These positions are stored in the device and then sent to the mobile app according to the selected mode setting.
Sleep mode:
If the device is not moving, it switches to power-saving mode. It automatically activates when movement is detected or checks for a mode change at regular intervals.
Recording of routes:
In modes designated for monitoring trips, the routes taken, distances, speeds (average/maximum) and altitudes are automatically recorded. Routes can be displayed in the app or exported in GPX / KML format.
Operating modes of the Mala GPS tracker
Notification speed, possibilities to record routes and battery endurance are influenced by the mode chosen.
Guarding bike – power saver mode
For bikes left in a garage or cellar · Winter storage · For bikes left unused in a secured place for a longer period of time.
How it works:
- If the bike moves, an alarm notification of this arrives within 1 minute.
- Route recording starts automatically..
- The alarm lasts for 1 minute.
- During the alarm, positions are recorded and sent to the app every 10 seconds.
- After the alarm ends, if movement continues, positions are still recorded but now sent only once a minute.
- After movement ends, the route is saved, the tracker is set back to guarding and switches to power-saving operation.
- When the tracker is idle (inactive), it checks for mode change requests every 4 hours.
- Changing the mode Immediately is possible by shaking the tracker or placing it on the recharging mat.
Model battery life:
Bike permanently idle → up to 216 days
Guarding bike – fast response
For bikes left in front of a shop/restaurant · For bikes fixed onto the roof rack of a parked car · For bikes parked outside in public parking areas.
How it works:
- If the bike moves, an alarm notification of this arrives immediately.
- Route recording starts automatically.
- The alarm lasts for 1 minute.
- During the alarm, positions are recorded and sent every 10 seconds.
- After the alarm, if movement continues, positions are sent once a minute.
- After movement ends, the route is saved and the tracker is set back to guarding.
- The tracker is constantly online – this mode is demanding on battery.
Model battery life:
Bike permanently idle → up to 11 days
Bike ride
For active cyclists · Training · On family trips · GPX/KML export (Premium subscription only)
- The position is recorded every 10 seconds.
- A summarised position is sent to the app once a minute.
- After movement ends, the route is saved in the History section and the tracker switches to power-saving mode.
- When the tracker is idle (inactive), it checks for mode change requests every 4 hours.
Model battery life:
1 h daily → up to 39 days
4 h daily → up to 11 days
12 h daily → up to 4 days
Bike at home / Transport of bike
When transporting bikes on a car rack · When leaving the bike at home · When operation without detailed route recording is sufficient.
- Only the start and end of movement is recorded.
- The detailed route is not saved.
- After movement ends, the tracker switches to power-saving operation.
- The tracker checks for mode change requests every 4 hours.
Model battery life:
1 h daily → up to 126 days
4 h daily → up to 65 days
12 h daily → up to 24 days
Regular position update
For long-term monitoring (the tracker does not react to movement)
- The position is sent at regular intervals according to the chosen setting.
- The tracker does not react to movement or vibrations.
- The device only comes online at defined intervals.
- Changing a mode immediately is only possible by placing the tracker on the recharging mat.
Model battery life:
15 minutes → up to 10 days
1 hour → up to 39 days
4 hours → up to 126 days
Live tracking
When bike is lost or stolen · Active searching for bike.
- The position is recorded every 5 seconds.
- The position is immediately sent to the app every 5 seconds.
- The device remains active for the entire time that it is in this mode.
Battery endurance:
maximum 9 hours
Power off
Warning: It is not recommended to turn off a tracker that you do not physically have with you.
If you do not have the tracker with you, it will not be possible to turn it on again if it is needed.
- After sending the request from the app, the tracker remains active for another 10 minutes.
- During this time, the mode can be changed.
- After 10 minutes, the device turns off completely.
- Turning it back on is only possible by physically placing it on the recharging mat.
Mala GPS tracker for bikes - battery endurance table
Overview of battery endurance depending on different usage scenarios. Actual battery endurance may vary depending on movement intensity, signal strength, and the mode selected.