Damaged U-lock cut by an angle grinder, symbolizing bike theft and the importance of high-security ART or Sold Secure rated locks to deter professional thieves

Bike Lock Certification Guide: ART & Sold Secure Rating

Your $2,500 e-bike sits locked downtown. You paid $40 for what looked like a serious lock at the bike shop. Three minutes later, a thief walks away with your bike using $15 cable cutters. The lock still dangles from the rack, cut clean through. This happens thousands of times daily because riders buy locks based on appearance rather than tested resistance. Here’s how lock certifications separate genuine security from expensive decoration, and why that distinction matters more than the lock’s price tag.

Why Certifications Actually Matter

Any manufacturer can slap a “security level 10/10” sticker on their packaging. Without independent testing, those numbers mean absolutely nothing. Worldwide, several organizations test locks against tools and methods real thieves use: Sold Secure (UK), ART Foundation (Netherlands), FUB (France), and the newer Vélo SRA label (France).

cut cable lock remains bike stand

These aren’t marketing exercises. Testing involves professional testers attacking locks with progressively sophisticated tools under timed conditions. Locks either withstand the attacks for specified durations or they don’t. Fail the test, no certification. Lose your certification next year if quality slips. This keeps manufacturers honest in ways self-rating systems never could.

Insurance Reality: Most bike insurance policies require specific certifications. UK/international policies typically demand Sold Secure Silver minimum (Gold or Diamond for bikes over $1,500-3,000). ART 2-star is legally required for insurance in the Netherlands. French insurers mandate FUB 2 Wheels or SRA certification. Buy an uncertified lock and your insurance claim gets denied, regardless of price.

Sold Secure: The Global Standard

Established in 1992 by UK police forces, Sold Secure operates testing facilities where locks face systematic attacks mirroring actual theft methods. They update testing protocols annually based on feedback from police and insurance companies about emerging theft techniques.

Official Sold Secure rating badges showing comprehensive security testing standards

Rating Attack Tools Test Duration Use Case Insurance
Bronze Basic hand tools (screwdriver, small hammer, junior hacksaw, wire cutters) 1 minute minimum Opportunist deterrent only, extremely low-risk areas Basic policies only
Silver Enhanced tools (small bolt cutters, hacksaw, crowbar, drill) 3 minutes minimum Quick stops in moderate-risk areas, bikes under $500 Standard policies
Gold Specialist tools (42″ bolt cutters, crowbars, lump hammer, carbide hacksaw) 5 minutes minimum Urban commuting, bikes $500-3,000 Premium minimum
Diamond Power tools (angle grinders, hydraulic cutters, machine attacks) 90 seconds angle grinder resistance minimum High-risk areas, premium e-bikes over $3,000 Required for high-value coverage
Pedal Cycle vs Powered Cycle: Sold Secure splits ratings between traditional bikes (Pedal Cycle) and e-bikes/mopeds (Powered Cycle). A lock rated Pedal Cycle Gold might only achieve Powered Cycle Silver due to higher theft risk and target value. Always check which rating applies to your bike type.
Verify Current Certifications: Always check the official Sold Secure database before purchasing. Certifications expire and some locks lose their ratings. Visit soldsecure.com/approved-product-search to verify current certification status.
The Angle Grinder Reality: Diamond-rated locks must withstand 90 seconds of angle grinder attack. That sounds minimal, but 90 seconds is an eternity in public. Thieves abandon attacks after 30-45 seconds due to noise, sparks, and attention drawn. The best locks (Hiplok D1000, Litelok X1) resist grinding for 10+ minutes.

ART Foundation: Dutch Engineering Excellence

The Dutch ART Foundation employs more rigorous testing than most certification bodies, using both machine-based stress tests and human attack simulations. Tests occur at independent SKG-IKOB laboratories with over 20 separate assessments including freezing, corrosion, endurance, tensile strength, and torsion testing alongside attack resistance.

Official ART rating badges showing comprehensive security testing standards

Stars Testing Methods Target Vehicle Sold Secure Equivalent
★ Hand tools, tensile 5kN, torsion 100 Nm Basic deterrent Bronze equivalent
★★ 60cm bolt cutters (no ground leverage), tensile 10kN, torsion 150 Nm Standard bicycles Silver to Gold
★★★ 90cm bolt cutters, hydraulic tools, angle grinder, tensile 15kN E-bikes, mopeds, scooters Gold to Diamond
★★★★ Professional power tools, extended attack periods Motorcycles (street) Diamond plus
★★★★★ Extended professional attacks, industrial tools Motorcycles (storage) Beyond Diamond
Why ART 2-Star Matters: ART 2-star is the minimum for bicycle insurance in the Netherlands and increasingly required across Europe. The specific testing requirement: withstanding 60cm bolt cutters without allowing ground leverage (which multiplies cutting force dramatically). Most cheap locks fold instantly under this test.
Check ART Certification: Verify lock certifications on the official ART Foundation database at stichtingart.nl/en. Only locks listed in their current database qualify for insurance requirements.

French Certifications: FUB and Vélo SRA

stolen bike wheel left behind bike rack high risk area

For cyclists in France, two additional certifications matter for insurance coverage. FUB (Fédération française des Usagers de la Bicyclette) and the newer Vélo SRA label. While less granular than Sold Secure or ART ratings, both are widely recognized by French insurers and provide baseline security guarantees.

FUB: The French Cycling Federation Standard

Founded in 1980 as a non-profit association, FUB established its Anti-theft Commission to test lock resistance and provide annual rankings. The organization advocates for 3 million daily cyclists and around 17 million regular users across France.

Rating Resistance Level Insurance Recognition
1 Wheel Quick attacks with simple and discreet tools Basic coverage only
2 Wheels More aggressive tools, extended resistance Standard requirement for French insurance
FUB Testing Approach: The commission tests locks using criteria including brand, price, weight, dimensions, and year of production. Testing protocols include cutting, crushing, twisting, and shearing under conditions simulating theft attempts. U-locks dominate the rankings — 80% of locks rated “2 Wheels” over the past 20 years have been U-locks.
Insurance Requirement: Most French insurers require FUB 2 Wheels minimum certification. The lock purchase must be justified with an invoice, typically within 10 days of policy subscription. Services like Cyclofix, BeProtekt, and Ulygo base their coverage requirements on FUB certification.
The Price Myth: FUB testing demonstrates that expensive doesn’t equal effective. You can find solid “2 Wheels” certified locks for €26-75, proving that proper protection doesn’t require breaking the bank. The Décathlon 900 L frame lock (€26) and Kryptonite Evolution Lite Mini 6 (€75) both achieve the same “2 Wheels” rating.

Vélo SRA: The Insurance Industry’s Latest Standard

Close-up of a person holding the shackle of a Zéfal K-Traz U20 U-lock, clearly showing the visible S.R.A. (Sécurité et Réparation Automobile) certification label for high security

Launched in July 2025, Vélo SRA represents a collaboration between France Assureurs (insurance industry group), SRA (Sécurité et Réparation Automobile), and CNPP (Centre national de prévention et de protection). This label addresses the specific needs of bicycle security, distinct from the existing “Classe SRA” certification originally developed for motorcycles and scooters.

Testing Protocol: CNPP, an accredited Cofrac laboratory, conducts destructive testing simulating theft attempts: sawing, bolt cutting, torsion, drilling, and lock picking. Only locks successfully resisting all test protocols receive the Vélo SRA label. Annual audits of production facilities ensure continued quality compliance.
The Granularity Problem: Unlike ART’s 5-star system or Sold Secure’s 4-tier structure, Vélo SRA operates as a pass/fail certification. An Abus Granit XPlus Bordo 6500K and an Abus Granit Super Extreme 2500 both receive the same Vélo SRA seal despite vastly different security levels. View the label as an insurance threshold rather than a comparative security ranking.
Current Certification Status: At launch, only ~30 models from 4 manufacturers achieved Vélo SRA certification: Abus, Auvray, Seatylock, and Top Block. The list will expand as more manufacturers submit locks for testing. This exclusivity stems from both testing rigor and the required annual production audits.
Insurance Benefits: French insurance companies increasingly require either FUB 2 Wheels or Vélo SRA certification. Some insurers offer premium discounts up to 20% for using certified locks. Both certifications must be documented with purchase invoices for claims processing.

Other European Certifications Worth Knowing

Beyond the major standards, several European countries maintain their own certification systems. While less internationally recognized than Sold Secure or ART, these certifications matter for insurance requirements in their respective markets.

VdS (Germany)

VdS Schadenverhütung, accredited by the German Association for Accreditation (DAkkS), tests bicycle locks alongside other security products. VdS certifications use grades A+ and B+ for two-wheel locks. German insurers increasingly recognize VdS-approved locks, and the certification carries weight across Central Europe due to VdS’s reputation for rigorous mechanical testing.

Testing Approach: VdS testing facilities employ professional engineers who simulate actual burglary techniques with tools ranging from simple hand tools to sophisticated power equipment. Tests follow VdS guidelines when no adequate European regulations exist, with annual updates based on emerging theft methods reported by police and insurers.

SSF (Sweden)

The Swedish Theft Prevention Association (Stöldskyddsföreningen) publishes SSF 011, the standard for bicycle lock testing in Scandinavia. SBSC (Sweden’s leading certification body) and RISE (state research institute) perform testing according to SSF standards. Over 70,000 bicycle thefts occur annually in Sweden, making SSF certification a practical requirement for Swedish insurance policies.

Insurance Recognition: Swedish insurers require SSF-certified locks for theft coverage. The certification includes testing for key performance, environmental resistance, strength, and attack resistance. According to SSF research, bikes locked with certified locks face three times lower theft risk than those secured with basic included locks.

Regional Standards: Poland, Finland, Denmark

Several smaller European markets maintain local certification systems:

Country Certification Status
Poland PZN Main insurers’ certification body, limited international recognition
Finland VAT Required for insurance validity in Finland
Denmark Varefakta Recognized by Danish insurers, similar to Swedish SSF
Spain, Italy, and Southern Europe: These countries typically don’t maintain independent national lock certifications. Spanish and Italian insurers generally accept Sold Secure, ART, or VdS certifications for policy requirements. Some Italian insurers require specific lock brands (Abus, Kryptonite) with international certifications rather than unique Italian standards.
Check Your Insurance Requirements: Always verify specific certification requirements with your insurance provider. While Sold Secure and ART enjoy near-universal recognition, regional certifications like VdS (Germany), SSF (Sweden), or VAT (Finland) may be mandatory in their home markets but carry less weight internationally.

Lock Types: What Gets Certified (And What Doesn’t)

U-locks (D-locks) dominate Gold and Diamond ratings. Hardened steel shackles 13mm+ diameter resist bolt cutters effectively. The rigid shape minimizes leverage attack surfaces. Best models use double-bolting (shackle locks both sides) to prevent twist attacks.

squire stronghold d16 max angle grinder bike lock

Certification Leaders

  • Sold Secure Diamond: Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit, Abus Granit X-Plus 540, Hiplok D1000, Litelok X1
  • ART 3-Star: Abus Granit series, Kryptonite New York series, Tex-lock D-lock
  • FUB 2 Wheels: Kryptonite Evolution Lite Mini 6, OnGuard Pitbull DT, Trelock U5 Mini series
The Downsides: U-locks offer limited reach, making it harder to secure multiple bikes or attach to larger fixed objects. Smaller models (Mini U-locks) provide better security through tighter fit but sacrifice versatility.

Chain Locks: Heavy Security

Quality chain locks achieve Gold/Diamond ratings but weigh significantly more than U-locks. Chains must use hardened links with hexagonal or square profiles to resist bolt cutters. Round links fail testing immediately.

kryptonite evolution 1055 ebike chain lock

Certification Requirements: Diamond-rated chains typically use 12mm+ hardened steel links with specialized padlocks or integrated locking mechanisms. Cheap hardware store chains cannot achieve certification regardless of thickness because the steel isn’t hardened.

Foldable Locks: Convenience with Compromise

Folding locks max out at Gold ratings. The riveted joints create weak points that prevent Diamond certification. Nut splitters can attack these rivets, though street thieves rarely carry this specialized tool.

foldylock forever ebike foldable lock

Best-Rated Options: Abus Bordo Granit X-Plus (Gold), Foldylock Forever (Gold/ART 3-star), Trelock FS 500 (Gold). Arms must be 6mm+ thick for Gold certification. Thinner models achieve only Silver ratings.

Cable Locks: The Certification Wasteland

Cable locks essentially don’t receive meaningful certifications. You’ll find Bronze-rated cable locks, but Bronze certification is worthless for actual security.

Bolt cutters easily cutting cable lock showing security weakness

Why Cable Locks Fail Testing

  • Made from thin steel strands wrapped together, cut individually by wire cutters
  • Even 20mm thick cables are mostly plastic casing around thin metal strands
  • Cannot achieve Silver rating minimum (3-minute resistance to small bolt cutters)
  • Harvard Police data: 66% of stolen bikes were secured with cable locks
  • Testing shows cable locks fail in under 30 seconds against $20 cable cutters
The Only Acceptable Use: Supplementary secondary lock for securing wheels or saddle when used alongside a certified primary lock (U-lock or chain) securing the frame. Never use cable locks as primary security, regardless of thickness or claims.

Ring Locks (Café Locks): Convenience Without Security

Ring locks (also called café locks, wheel locks, or O-locks) mount permanently to the rear frame and immobilize the rear wheel via a bolt through the spokes. Popular in the Netherlands and common on city bikes and cargo bikes.

Woman using ABUS ring lock cafe lock on e-bike demonstrating integrated wheel security system

The Fatal Flaw: Ring locks only prevent riding the bike. They don’t secure it to anything. Two people simply lift and carry your bike away, lock still engaged. This happens constantly with e-bikes due to their high value.
Certification Status: Ring locks receive ART ratings (some achieve 2-star), but only for immobilization, not theft prevention. Insurance companies accept them only when used with a separate certified lock securing the bike to a fixed object. Ring locks alone don’t meet insurance requirements.
Best Use Case: Supplementary lock for quick stops where you maintain visual contact (grabbing coffee, quick shop visit). Some models accept plug-in chains or cables to secure the bike to objects, combining convenience with actual security.

Angle Grinder Resistance: The Modern Battleground

Battery-powered angle grinders became thieves’ weapon of choice around 2018-2020. Cordless models cut through Gold-rated locks in 30-60 seconds. This forced certification bodies to create Diamond ratings specifically testing angle grinder resistance.

Angle grinder cutting through u-lock metal with bright sparks flying

How Grind Resistance Works

  • Ceramic plates: Locks like Hiplok D1000 use ceramic armor that shatters grinder discs on contact
  • Spinning sleeves: Litelok X1 employs a spinning outer sleeve that prevents grinder purchase
  • Composite materials: Mix of hardened steel with materials that resist abrasion differently than pure steel
  • Multiple barriers: Layered construction forces thieves to cut through several distinct material types
Certified Grind-Resistant Locks: Very few locks achieve true grind resistance. Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond requires 90-second minimum. Hiplok D1000 tested at 10+ minutes. Litelok X1 achieves 5+ minutes. Standard Diamond locks without specialized armor last 90-120 seconds against grinders.
The Cost Factor: Angle grinder-resistant locks cost $150-250 versus $60-100 for standard Gold locks. For e-bikes over $2,500, this investment makes sense. For $500 commuter bikes, standard Gold certification provides adequate security.

Which Certification Do You Need?

Matching certification level to your specific situation prevents both overspending on unnecessary security and underspending on inadequate protection.

Bike Value Risk Level Sold Secure ART FUB/SRA
Under $500 Low (rural, short stops) Silver 2-Star FUB 2 Wheels
$500-1,500 Moderate (suburban, daytime) Gold 2-Star FUB 2 Wheels / Vélo SRA
$1,500-3,000 High (urban, overnight) Pedal Diamond / Powered Gold 2-Star Vélo SRA
Over $3,000 Very High (city center, uni campus) Powered Diamond (grind-resistant) 3-Star Vélo SRA + backup lock
Insurance Verification: Always check current certification status on official websites before purchasing. Certifications expire, and locks sold years ago may no longer hold valid ratings despite packaging claims. Verify at Sold Secure, ART Foundation, or check the annual FUB ranking for French certifications.

The Bottom Line on Lock Certifications

Lock certifications separate tested security from marketing fiction. Sold Secure, ART, FUB, and Vélo SRA ratings represent actual resistance to theft methods, not manufacturer wishful thinking. For e-bikes and premium bicycles, certification isn’t optional, it’s mandatory for insurance coverage and the only reliable indicator of theft resistance.

Buy based on certification level matched to your bike’s value and risk environment, not lock appearance or brand reputation. A $150 certified Diamond lock protects your $2,500 e-bike. A $40 uncertified cable lock gets your bike stolen regardless of how thick or impressive it looks.

The difference between keeping your bike and filing an insurance claim comes down to 90 seconds of certified protection. Choose accordingly.

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