Buy, sell, find
or destroy a marked bike
Do you have a marked bicycle and wish to sell or destroy it? Would you like to buy a marked bike? Have you found a marked bike? Find out here how to protect your bike and comply with regulations.
Bikedonation and sale
between bike owners
Bike transfer procedure
Are you giving or selling your bike to a third party? Make sure you have the right reflexes to ensure your bike's traceability and safety.
Log in to your BicyCode account
Select the bike you wish to sell
Choose "Transfer ownership" of the bike
Enter the new owner's contact details
The new owner will receive an e-mail asking him to create a BicyCode account and add the identified bike to his account. The bike will then be attached to the new owner's account.
Estimate the value of your bike
If you'd like to know the value of your bike before selling it, it's also possible to have it appraised on sites specializing in the sale of used bikes. These platforms offer a quick valuation and allow you to sell your bike with complete peace of mind.
What's more, some reconditioners offer trade-in services, enabling you to sell your bike directly to professionals who will recondition it before putting it back on the market.
Buying or finding a branded bike
Would you like to buy a second-hand bike, or have you found a marked bike? Here are the steps you need to follow to verify its origin, ensure transfer of ownership, and guarantee that it's in order before using it.
Check if the bike is marked
Marking is compulsory for bikes sold from 2021 onwards, and is a key step in avoiding buying a stolen bike.
- Vélo vendu en 2021 sans marquage
- Vélo marqué mais sans transfert de propriété possible
- Bicycle with filed frame
- If the frame has been filed down to remove the identification code, it is most likely stolen.
- What's more, this alteration weakens the frame, which can be dangerous for your safety.
Check the bike's unique identification code
Avant d’acheter un vélo d’occasion sans facture, vérifiez s’il possède un numéro d’identification (par exemple, BicyCode ou un autre opérateur, généralement une suite de 10 à 12 caractères alphanumérique).
Remember: by law, handling stolen goods is punishable by the same penalties as theft.
To facilitate this verification, the APIC association offers an online service enabling you to check the status of a bike using its unique identification code in just a few clicks.
What to do depending on the bike's status
The bike's status is "stolen".
- Immediate action: Inform the police.
- Provide them with the identification code (e.g. BicyCode).
- The authorities will contact the rightful owner and organize the return.
The status of the bicycle is "in service".
- Ask the owner to change the status of the bike to "for sale" on his BicyCode account.
- After purchase, create or log in to your BicyCode account to formalize the transfer of ownership.
- This registers your details in the FNUCI (Fichier National Unique des Cycles Identifiés).
The status of the bike is "not referenced in the databases".
- This particular case may require additional steps. Please consult the FAQ of the BicyCode platform or the operator concerned for specific instructions.
The bike's status is "for sale".
- Proceed with the purchase in collaboration with the current owner.
- They must enter your contact details in their BicyCode account.
- You will receive an e-mail to create your own account and register your new bike.
In a nutshell
- Check for the presence of a marking and its status.
- Refuse any bike sold since 2021 without marking and proof of purchase or with signs of tampering (filed frame).
- Make sure that the transfer of ownership is possible and official.
By following these steps, you guarantee a safe purchase and contribute to the fight against bicycle theft.
Destroying a marked bicycle
If your BicyCode-marked bike is out of use and you're not going to put it back on the road, remember to change the status of your bike on your BicyCode account to "bike destroyed".
Warning: this action is irreversible.
Find the answer
to your questions
Can't find the answer to your question?
How do I make my bike purchase official?
When you buy a bike from a professional, your details and the bike description must be registered in the Fichier National Unique des Cycles Identifiés (FNUCI). You will receive an e-mail from BicyCode inviting you to create or complete your account. This guarantees traceability and facilitates future management of your bike.
When buying from a private individual, it is vital to check that the bike is not stolen. Check the status of the FNUCI code on the APIC website. Also make sure that the current owner transfers ownership to your name in the FNUCI and that you receive an e-mail confirming this change.
If the bike is not marked, ask for proof of purchase and have it marked by an authorized operator to become its legal owner.
How do I transfer a bike when selling or donating it?
To sell or donate a bike, start by opening the corresponding file in your BicyCode space. In the "Bike status" block, select the "Transfer ownership" option. Fill in the requested information about the future owner and confirm.
An e-mail will be automatically sent to the new owner from no-reply@bicycode.eu. The new owner will have to accept the transfer by creating a BicyCode account or accessing their existing account. This process is essential to ensure that the bike is registered in the new owner's name.