---
title: "Stopheling vs BIKEBAZE: What's the difference?"
description: "What is the difference between Stopheling and BIKEBAZE? Compare the approach to bicycle theft. Netherlands's #1 bike registration platform!"
canonical: "https://www.bikebaze.nl/en/blog/stopheling-vs-bikebaze-wat-is-het-verschil"
published: "2025-07-20T10:05:04.000Z"
---

# Stopheling vs BIKEBAZE: What's the difference?

Stopheling is a Dutch government tool that only surfaces data after a police report. BIKEBAZE lets anyone register voluntarily, deters with the visible SafeTag, and accepts missing-bike reports without requiring a police filing. They complement each other; BIKEBAZE covers prevention and recovery.

## **What is Stopheling?**‍

Stopheling is a government initiative that allows you to check if a product has been stolen, for example by entering a frame number or IMEI code. The tool is mainly aimed at traders and is connected to the police. An object does not appear there until a declaration has been filed.

## **What is BIKEBAZE?**‍

BIKEBAZE is a modern, private solution for bicycle theft prevention and detection. Cyclists register their bike (including frame number) in an online database. With a visibly hard to remove SafeTag, others (such as police, civilians, or bike mechanics) can scan a bike and contact the owner if the bike is marked stolen. Even if there is *none* official declaration has been made.

## The differences at a glance:

|  | Stopheling | BIKEBAZE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Eigendom** | Overheid / Politie | Privaat |
| **Publiek gebruik** | Voor iedereen beschikbaar | Voor iedereen beschikbaar |
| **Registratie nodig?** | Nee, alleen controle van framenummer na aangifte | Ja, vrijwillige registratie voor meer bescherming |
| **Aangifte verplicht?** | Ja, anders komt object niet in systeem | Nee, ook zonder aangifte kan een fiets als vermist gemarkeerd worden |
| **Preventie?** | Nee | Ja, via zichtbaar SafeTag |
| **Terugvinden?** | Alleen bij officiële aangifte | Ook via meldingen van burgers, handelaren etc. |
| **Community?** | Nee | Ja, groeiend netwerk van speurders en scanners |

## **Why BIKEBAZE?**

Stopheling plays an important role, but only works *after* a report and focuses mainly on investigation. BIKEBAZE combines registration, prevention and community involvement. This way, bicycles can be detected even before a report has been filed and we greatly reduce the risk of theft.

### Extra advantage of BIKEBAZE - no frame number?

No frame number? No problem. BIKEBAZE offers a [SafeTag](https://www.bikebaze.nl/shop#buy-safetag) one that stands out, is not easy to remove, and reduces the risk of theft by 98%. Even without a frame number, this gives you a greater chance of finding.

## Conclusion

Stopheling is important for control *after* theft, BIKEBAZE focuses on the entire spectrum: registration, prevention and detection. Together, they form a powerful duo, but BIKEBAZE fills exactly the gaps that Stopheling does not have the resources or flexibility to do.