Check Your Bike Frame Number – The Smartest Thing You Can Do Today

Why checking your frame number is the smartest thing to do today

Each bike has a unique frame number: the serial number that you can use to prove ownership. If your bike gets lost or stolen, that number is your lifebuoy — provided you know and register it. In 2024, in the Netherlands, 86.220 bicycle thefts reported to the police. The actual number is higher, because not everyone reports it. Good registration significantly increases the chances of retrieval and makes reselling more difficult.

In short: who are frame number checks and records, is stronger when it comes to theft, sales and insurance — and scares off thieves.

What is a frame number (and where can you find it)?

It frame number is your bike's unique ID, consisting of numbers/letters, usually stamped or lasered in the frame. You can often find it here:

• Under the crankshaft (near the pedals)
• At or near the rear fork
• Sometimes on/under the saddle
• On a sticker whether QR code on the frame

Pro tip: immediately create a clear photo of the frame number and save it along with photos of your bike. So you can quickly check and report it later. Best thing? Once again register for free on your name and possibly features with an anti-theft sticker.

Check bike frame number in 3 quick steps

1. Search the frame number on your bike (see above).
2. Check online whether the number appears in a reliable registration — for example the BIKEBAZE database.
3. Register your bike immediately if it hasn't happened already (registration is free), and update status if your bike is stolen. This way, during a scan or search, everyone sees that the bike has been reported stolen and you can be reached.

Why register with BIKEBAZE?

BIKEBAZE is a community-driven bike registration platform. Key points:

• Registration is free; you link your bike and frame number to your own account.
• You can ride your bike report stolen; the status becomes visible to scanners and finders, who can (optionally) contact you directly and a venue able to share.
• With a SafeTag-sticker (QR/ID) shows that your bike is registered and puts an additional brake on theft. BIKEBAZE positions the SafeTag as strongly dissuasive, and links your SafeTag to your registration and frame number. It is an eye-catching, hard-to-remove anti-theft sticker.

Good to know: BIKEBAZE offers SafeTag packages (including for bike and battery). The site states that registration is free and that a SafeTag increases your visibility/prevention.

Used bike? Always check the frame number

If you are buying a used bike, ask anytime to specify the frame number and check whether it is marked as stolen somewhere. Is it not registered anywhere yet? Register! This way, you can easily prove your ownership later. At BIKEBAZE, you can also transfer of ownership arrange when selling, so that the new owner is neatly listed in the database.

How to smartly register your bike (including battery)

1. Start your free registration. Enter as many features as possible (brand, type, color,...).
2. Add frame number — that makes the registration really demonstrable.
3. Register your battery as well (expensive and often targeted); this is also how it can be traced during checks.
4. Paste a SafeTag visible on your frame (and a small Tag on your battery if you choose). When scanned, you can immediately see whether the bike has been stolen and how the finder can contact you.

What to do in case of theft? (Urgent Plan)

1. Report (also required for insurance).
2. Report your bike as stolen in your BIKEBAZE-account; the status is being updated in the database. Anyone who scans your Tag or looks up the ID sees it and can reach you and share the location where they found it.
3. Share extra info (last seen, features, photos).
4. Don't face the confrontation yourself; call in the police if you spot the bike.

Common mistakes (and how to prevent them)

• No frame number at hand → Shoot and jot it down today.
• Do not register → Without registration, your bike is “anonymous” and returning it is difficult.
• No visible marking → A SafeTag is scannable and visible, and works preventively.
• Forgot transfer when selling → Arrange transfer of ownership, the database remains accurate.

FAQ — short & sweet

Where is my frame number?
Usually under the bottom bracket, on the rear fork, or under the seat. Sometimes as a sticker/QR on the frame.

Can I register without a frame number?
Yes, but then lay as many features as possible fixed. However, a frame number or Safetag ID is essential for maximum discoverability.

What does it cost to register?
Registration is free. One SafeTag (anti-theft sticker with QR/ID) is a paid addition that provides visibility and prevention.

Does a SafeTag really help?
The SafeTag makes your bike visibly registered and immediately scannable by finders/authorities; BIKEBAZE presents this as highly theft-deterrent and practical for retrieval. The risk of theft is 9 times smaller with a sticker. So for €9.99, the risk of theft is really much smaller.

What if my bike is stolen?
Report, status in your BIKEBAZE account at “Stolen” set and take no risk if you find it; call in the police.

Summary in 30 seconds

• Check today you frame number and register your bike.
• Paste a SafeTag for visible prevention and rapid contact/location sharing.
• Update status in case of theft and increases the chance of being found via the community.