Some bike lock makers offer their own internal security ratings for guidance. These may be useful, but the safest locks we tested use standard ratings from objective sources, including sales secure, which provides ratings for multiple vehicle types between bronze and diamond, and ART using a number scale from 1 to 5.
So what do these ratings actually mean? This is a guide to two top lock security companies and their rating systems.
Selling Secure was founded in 1992 by Northumbria and Essex police in the UK. The brand is currently owned and operated by the Master Locksmiths Association, a non-profit trading group. Use a 4-level rating system as listed below.
Sale Safe Rating Level: Bronze (lowest, safe against basic tools); Silver (midrange, safe against enhanced tools/determined attacks); Gold (second best, resistant to dedicated tools/attacks); Diamond (highest, resistant to destructive attacks and “special tools”).
The company also uses separate ratings for various vehicle types, including motorcycles and motorcycles (currently calling pedal and drive cycles respectively). For example, the Hiplok DX has a Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond Rating sold and a Secure Cycle Gold Rating sold. It’s a good score, but it’s not as secure as top grinder resistant options like the Litelok X1 or tough locks like the Litelock X3 or Hiplock D1000. They say that locks that withstand grinders are usually the same on branded sites. If you are in doubt, you can always visit our website with the security sold to see if the lock is rated.
ART is an independent Dutch security company that uses a five-star security system centered on vehicle type, durability, weather, environmental resistance and resistance to attack.
Art rating level: 1/5 (minimum security rating, fits only for second bike lock); 2/5 (higher security rating representing excellent theft protection for bicycles, minimum value for most insurance companies); 3/5 (bike security for high risk of theft, suitable for mopeds and scooters for insurance purposes); 4/5 (very high security rating for bicycles, good theft protection for motorcycles on the move); 5/5 (highest security rating required to guarantee motorcycles stored at home).
