You can recognise a safe, high-quality lock by its ART seal of approval

ART approved locks have been extensively tested by an independent laboratory for durability, weather resistance, environmental resistance and attack resistance. The ART quality mark uses a star rating system. The more stars, the better the lock protects your bicycle against theft. ART approved locks also have a 4-digit approval number.

Choose the right lock for your bicycle

ART 1 lock – minimum security

An ART 1 lock provides security against someone “walking off” with your bike. An ART 1 lock is recommended as your second lock to attach your bike to the “fixed world”.

ART 2 lock – for bicycles

An ART 2 lock provides quality protection against bike theft. Bicycle insurance policies require an ART lock with a minimum of two stars.

ART 3 lock – for scooters and mopeds

An ART 3 lock provides quality protection against theft for bikes with a high risk of being stolen, as well as for scooters and mopeds. Scooter and moped insurance policies require an ART lock with a minimum of three stars.

ART 4 lock – for motorcycles (on the road)

An ART 4 lock provides quality protection against theft for motorcycles with a high risk of being stolen. Motorcycle insurance policies require an ART lock with a minimum of four stars.

ART 5 lock – for motorcycles (parked at home)

An ART 5 lock provides quality protection against theft for motorcycles with a high risk of being stolen. Due to their weight, these locks are often only used to lock a motorbike at home. A lock that has the five-star approval rating has been tested for longer attack periods using heavier tools.

How are ART locks tested?

All ART locks are extensively tested by the independent testing laboratory SKG-IKOB Certificatie BV. To receive ART approval, they must meet certain requirements. The testing lab subjects locks to over 20 tests, including a freezing test, dust test, corrosion test, endurance test, cutting test, tensile strength test and attack tests. Certification standards and testing are constantly updated by our technical committee. This committee is represented by suppliers, manufacturers, the testing laboratory, the certifying foundation and insurance companies. Representatives meet regularly to discuss topics such as the latest MO (Modus Operandi) methods.

The attack test determines the star rating

The attack test determines which ART star rating (1 – 5 stars) a lock will get. The resistance time of the lock is tested if someone tries to open the lock unlawfully. There are three different levels of the attack test. Based on the measured time and inspection of the lock a decision is made whether the lock meets the requirements.

Attack test 1 (1 or 2 stars): the lock must withstand several lock-picking attempts with simple tools for a couple of minutes.
Attack test 2 (3 or 4 stars): the lock must withstand several lock-picking attempts with specialised tools for a couple of minutes. Often brute force is also used to try to open the lock during this test.
Attack 3 (5 stars): for a lock to receive 5 stars it must withstand lock-picking, hacking and forcing for a longer time and using heavier tools.

Who does the ART Foundation represent?

These organisations have joined together to form the ART Foundation:

ART approved locks have been extensively tested by an independent laboratory for durability, weather resistance, environmental resistance and attack resistance.