Bicycle locks
It is important that you use an approved bicycle lock. Most danish insurance companies pay compensation for a bicycle that has been stolen it is was locked with a correctly mounted lock approved by Varefakta.
Varefakta offers
The purpose of this service is to ensure that the product in question can be marketed and sold in the packaging in question in accordance with applicable national and EU law.
Varefakta can assist with regulatory translations for the Danish market.
Varefakta must receive the text for translation in English. Varefakta translates all mandatory and voluntary text and ensures that the translation is in accordance with applicable EU and national labeling requirements.
The purpose of this service is to ensure that the instructions for use/installation instructions for the product in question comply with applicable national legislation, EU legislation as well as standards and Varefakta’s regulations.
Varefakta conducts consumer-oriented laboratory tests in our own laboratory by agreement with the Customer. This can be, for example, examination and installation of the product.
The purpose of the service is to ensure that the product in question can be marketed and sold in the packaging in question in accordance with applicable national and EU legislation.
Varefakta reviews the packaging to ensure that formal legal requirements and requirements from Varefakta’ s regulations are met. The packaging is also reviewed for any misrepresentations and illegal claims.
Random control is a core service in Varefakta’ s concept. The purpose of the inspection is to show whether the minimum requirements for the product have been met and whether there is consistency between the information in the declaration and the product.
Approval of bicycle locks
Varefakta can help you through the process when you need to have your bike lock approved. Approved bicycle locks are required by most insurance companies for them to pay compensation if the bicycle is stolen.
The process of getting a bicycle lock approved begins with an initial phase which includes an inspection by a lock-skilled committee. The lock-expert committee prepares a test program for the bicycle lock if it is assessed to meet the basic requirements. The bicycle lock then proceeds in the process to the test phase. See diagram of a approval process.
Once the bicycle lock has passed the test, the lock goes into the approval phase, which includes approval of the lock certificate and packaging. When the lock is finally approved, it is added to the list of approved locks on Varefakta’s website.
Frequently asked questions
Bicycle locks that are on the “List of approved bicycle locks” are locks approved by Varefaktas that you can purchase at your local bicycle lock retailer today. The Bicycle locks on the “list of previously approved bicycle locks” are locks that you can no longer purchase, as the production and distribution has ceased.
Bicycle locks that are present on the “list of previously approved bicycle locks” are still insurance approved.
Remember that you should have a Lock Certificate (Låsebevis) for your specific lock with the retailer’s stamp and the date of purchase if the insurance company is to pay compensation in case of bicycle theft. Otherwise ask your insurance company what their requirements are for bicycle locks.
As a main rule, you must have a Lock Certificate (Låsebevis) with the retailer’s stamp for the insurance to cover a theft.
You can purchase an approved lock online, however, you should be aware that it should be from a Danish retailer, as you will not receive a Lock Certificate (Låsebevis) if you purchase the lock from a non-Dansih retailer.
Furthermore, there might be slight differences to the same lock whether you purchase it in Denmark or other countries (even within the EU), as the requirements might vary from country to country.
Because it may vary what the various insurance companies require for bicycle locks, Varefaktas recommend that you contact your insurance company and ask them, whether it is possible to receive compensation if your bicycle lock is equipped with an abroad-purchased bicycle lock.
Bicycle locks with the Varefakta label has been tested and approved by Varefakta based on Varefakta’s Requirements. Danish insurance companies usually require that you use a Varefakta approved bicycle lock, otherwise they can deny paying any compensation if your bicycle has been stolen.
Varefakta recommend that you contact your insurance company when in doubt or if you have any insurance related questions.
Varefakta is a voluntary label, which is why it is the bicycle lock manufacturers who decide whether they want a bicycle lock approved by Varefakta. It is therefore not all bicycle locks on the market that are tested and approved by Varefakta. If a specific lock is wished to be approved by Varefakta, it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer directly.
Yes, in 2020, Varefakta updated our demands for bicycle locks, so that it now also contains electronic bicycle locks. The demands contain a number of extra safety and functional requirements, in addition to the legislation, for electronic bicycle locks defined by Varefakta.
If you as a manufacturer are interested in having an electronic bicycle lock approved, Varefakta can be contacted on tel. (+45) 46304500 or via email cykellaase@varefakta.dk
Remember to fill out the lock certificate and get a retailers stamp on it
When you purchase an approved lock by a Danish retalier, a Varefakta Lock Certificate (Låsebevis) will be included. The Lock Certificate is to be used if your bike is stolen, which is why you must remember to fill it out with the correct information.
The Lock Certificate also contains the following information regarding your bicycle lock:
- The lock’s name and VK-number (Varefaktas Control Number).
- The lock category, e.g. “key lock”.
- The lock type, e.g. “U-lock”, “chain lock”, etc.
- Whether the lock can or must be mounted on the frame.
- Where the lock should be mounted if it is meant for permanent mounting, as well as what tools to use.
- How “loose” locks are used correctly.
When you purchase a lock, you should consider:
- If you need a permanently mounted lock or not?
- What requirements your insurance company has for a bicycle lock.
Types of bicycle locks
- RING LOCK A ring-shaped lock for permanent mounting at the rear wheel with a movable bolt blocking the rear wheel in a locked condition.
- U-LOCK Lock for a permanent mounting (e.g. by clamps) consisting of a fixed bracket and a movable bolt blocking the rear wheel in a locked condition. Is also called a click-lock.
- LOOSE U-LOCK A U-lock not intended for permanent mounting on the bicycle. the movable bolt is typically designed as a removable locking unit.
- CHAIN LOCK Lock consisting of a chain that can be twisted around the bike´s rear wheel and frame and possibility around street furniture. Chain locks are always “loose” locks.
- FOLDABLE LOCK Lock consiting of a “chain” with usually 6-10 joints with a length of 15-25 cm each. The joints (“the chain”) can be led through the bike’s rear wheel and frame and possibly around street furniture. Foldable locks are always “loose” locks, however, often a bicycle lock holder for mounting on the bicycle is included with the purchase.
- HANDLEBAR LOCK Lock that holds the front wheel at a certain angle to the frame
Overview of Varefakta-approved bicycle locks
Here you will find the list of bicycle locks that Varefakta has tested and approved. The list is divided by brand and the type of bicycle lock, and each approved lock is written with its traceability number (VK number), which can be found on the enclosed locking certificate and possibly on the packaging.
Most insurance companies require that your bike has an approved lock. All models on the list have been tested and approved in accordance with Varefakta’s bicycle lock regulations. There will be models on the list that cannot be purchased. It can e.g. due to the fact that the model is so new that it has not reached the dealers, or that the model is not currently imported/produced.
