Originally Posted by
njkayaker
The chips in pets "work" because people (like vets) have scanners for them.
Keep in mind that the chips can only be read at very close distances (it's not a remote location device).
Bicycles have serial numbers. They would work as well as a chip and don't require a scanner. (Of course, the serial number can be filed off but one could also put the serial number somewhere else).
Exactly. People find a lost dog, take it to a vet. Vet scans chip and locates owner.
When is the last time you heard about someone "finding" a lost bike?
The OP is describing a LoJack. They need battery power, but theoretically someone could rig something up for a bicycle. I know LoJack makes products for motorcycles, so they've probably got something fairly compact.