Sold Secure Bike Locks: What They Are and Why They Matter

If you’re choosing a lock for your bike, e-bike, or motorcycle, one of the most important things to check is whether it’s Sold Secure rated. These independent security ratings help cyclists and riders pick the right level of protection. With the updated Sold Secure ratings introduced in 2023, many people want to know what the different levels mean and which one offers the right balance of security for their needs.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what Sold Secure bike locks are, how the rating system works, and what you should consider when choosing your next lock. By the end, you’ll understand how to pick a Sold Secure approved lock that keeps your bike safe and gives you peace of mind.

What Is Sold Secure?

Short Answer:

Sold Secure is the UK’s leading independent testing and certification body that rates how secure locks and other security products are.

Long Answer:

Sold Secure is the premier British testing and certification organisation for security products, including bike locks, e-bike locks, and motorcycle locks. Working closely with the Home Office, police, and insurers, Sold Secure sets industry standards for how products are tested against real-world theft techniques. Each product is independently assessed to see how resistant it is to common attacks such as bolt cutters, drills, and lock-picking tools. Based on performance, the product is awarded a Sold Secure rating (such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Diamond), which makes it easier for customers to understand the level of protection offered. By choosing a Sold Secure approved lock, cyclists and riders can be confident that their security meets trusted, insurance-recognised standards.

How Does Sold Secure Rate Products?

Short Answer:

Sold Secure rates products by testing them against real-world theft methods and grading them based on their resistance from Bronze to Diamond.

Long Answer:

Sold Secure uses rigorous, independent testing to determine how secure a lock or security product really is. Each product is exposed to the latest tools and techniques used by thieves, including lock picking, drilling, cutting, bolt croppers, wedging, pulling, and at the highest level, angle grinders. These tests measure how long a product can withstand different types of attacks, and the results determine the rating it receives, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Diamond. Only products that meet Sold Secure’s strict standards are awarded the official Sold Secure quality mark, which customers can look for when choosing a lock. For example, a Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond bike lock has passed the toughest available testing, meaning it offers the highest level of protection currently recognised by insurers and security experts.

Why Does Sold Secure Matter?

Short Answer:

Sold Secure matters because it proves a lock has been independently tested, trusted by insurers, and offers reliable protection against theft.

Long Answer:

Choosing a Sold Secure approved lock means you’re buying a product that has been independently tested to industry-recognised standards, giving you confidence that it’s fit for purpose. Without a trusted certification body like Sold Secure, it would be difficult to judge how tough one lock is compared to another.

Another key reason Sold Secure matters is insurance compliance. Many insurance companies require customers to use Sold Secure approved products as part of their policy terms, and some even specify a minimum rating (e.g., Gold or Diamond) for coverage. By choosing a lock with the Sold Secure mark, you’re not only protecting your bike or motorcycle with a high-quality product but also ensuring you meet insurance requirements for theft claims.

What Does Each Sold Secure Rating Mean?

Short Answer:

Sold Secure ratings range from Bronze to Diamond, showing how resistant a lock is to theft, with categories split into Pedal Cycle (bicycles) and Powered Cycle (e-bikes, motorcycles, mopeds).

Long Answer:

In 2023, Sold Secure updated its rating system to make it clearer for riders and insurers. The new categories separate Pedal Cycle products (traditional bicycles such as road bikes, folding bikes, and mountain bikes) from Powered Cycle products (any two-wheeled vehicle with a motor, including e-bikes, motorcycles, mopeds, and dirt bikes). There are also categories for home security and other applications.

Within each category, locks are awarded a rating from Bronze, Silver, Gold, to Diamond. These levels reflect how much protection the product offers against theft. For example, a Pedal Cycle Gold lock is tougher than a Pedal Cycle Silver lock, while a Powered Cycle Diamond lock provides the highest level of security for motorcycles and e-bikes.

Because of this new split, it’s best to search specifically for a Pedal Cycle or Powered Cycle Sold Secure lock depending on what you ride—rather than just looking for a “Sold Secure Diamond bike lock” or “Gold bike lock.” This ensures you’re choosing the right level of protection tailored to your type of cycle.

The below chart shows each rating and the types of testing they must go through:

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Sold Secure Bike Lock

At Squire, we’re proud to design and manufacture locks that meet the independent standards of Sold Secure. Every product that earns this certification proudly displays the Sold Secure logo, showing it has passed rigorous testing against real theft methods.

By now, you should have a clear understanding of what Sold Secure ratings mean—from Bronze to Diamond—and how to choose the right level of protection for your bike, e-bike, or motorcycle. Whether you’re looking for everyday security or maximum defence against angle grinder attacks, a Sold Secure approved lock is your best guarantee of trusted, insurer-recognised protection.

You can explore the full list of approved products on the Sold Secure website, or browse Squire’s range of Sold Secure bike and motorcycle locks directly on our site to find the perfect lock for your ride.

Stay secure, protect your investment, and enjoy every journey with confidence.