You're implying that about $30 is enough to build something airtag-like into a bike? Can you describe how? I'd be happy to learn just for myself (I'd love to do something like that with my expensive bike) but you get bonus points if the scheme is usable for a business, ie. doesn't rely on Apple's benevolence or ignorance.

Not sure what the point here is, since VanMoof does integrate with Apple FindMy.

Manufacturers can purchase AirTag-like chips to integrate with their electronics. Done. Price per unit probably orders of magnitude lower than the AirTag retail price.

Of course the whole "locking system" with companion app is a separate thing. But as far as FindMy goes, it should be fairly simple. Would be interesting to learn what kind of royalties Apple charges.

There are some nice ways to hide the AirTag in the steerer tube or water bottle mounts that cost a lot less than $30

Well the AirTag arrived about two years after the bikes, and Apple won’t go track the thief down for you and retrieve the bike.