How to Find Your E-Bike's Frame Number: Step by Step
You’ve spotted a nice e-bike, or maybe there’s already a brand- new e one sitting in your garage. Congratulations! But before you hit the road, there’s one thing you need to do right away: find and write down your e-bike’s frame number. Think of it as your bike’s ID. No two e-bikes ever have the same code. Whether you want to insure your bike, report a theft, or verify that a used e-bike is legitimate, this number is your primary proof of ownership.
At Upway, we firmly believe that riding an e-bike should remain a pleasure, free from any worries. As refurbishment specialists, we know better than anyone just how important this is. In this practical guide, I’ll walk you through, step by step, where to find it, what it looks like, and how to smartly avoid unpleasant surprises related to theft.
To remember
- A unique identifier: The frame number is a unique combination of letters and numbers that is essential for theft prevention, insurance, and proof of ownership.
- Look for it near the lowest point: the location varies by brand, but the number is almost always found near the bottom bracket or on the frame tubes.
- No worries with Upway : when buying from a private seller, you alone bear the risk of purchasing stolen goods. Upway checks every electric bike against stolen bike registries before it goes on sale.
Why is the frame number so important?
You might be thinking, “My e-bike is always securely locked.” However, this issue is still essential for three reasons.
1. Theft and Filing a Police Report
If your e-bike is stolen, the frame number is essential for filing a police report. Without it, the police cannot register your bike as stolen, and the chances of recovering it become virtually zero. In Belgium, registering your bike (through a platform like MyBike or a Bicycode engraving) also relies entirely on this number. To minimize risks from the start, check out our comprehensive guide to securing your e-bike.
2. Bicycle Insurance
Insurers require the frame number when you purchase theft coverage, in order to precisely identify the insured bike. They often ask for the key number of your frame lock as well. Still not sure? This article explains whether you should insure your electric bike in Belgium.
3. Proof of ownership
On popular models, the frame number is the only unique identifier that can legally prove that the bike belongs to you. Take a Gazelle e-bike, for example: there are thousands of them on the road, but your frame number is one of a kind.
Step by Step: Where Is the Chassis Number?
Manufacturers engrave or stamp the number directly onto the frame, or affix a durable sticker under the paint (often with a barcode). Since the exact location varies by brand, follow these steps to find it on your bike.
Step 1: Under the bottom bracket
This is by far the most common location. Place a soft cloth on the floor and gently tip your bike over. Look under the frame, right between the pedals, where the bottom bracket shaft passes through the frame. You’ll usually find a stamped code or a white sticker with a barcode there.
Step 2: Inspect the frame tubes
On many newer e-bikes, the number is located on the down tube—the tube that connects the handlebars to the bottom bracket.
- Gazelle: On models manufactured starting in 2019, the barcode sticker is located on the down tube. On older models, the number is often located near the bottom bracket, above the frame lock, or on the seat tube.
Step 3: Look at the seat tube
The vertical tube located under your saddle is also a common spot.
- Decathlon (Elops, LD, Cargo): Frame numbers consist of one or two lines of numbers only.
- On the Elops 920E and Speed 900E, the number is located on the seat tube.
- On the LD 920E, it's also located on the seat tube.
- On the Cargo F900E, it is located to the left of the pedals, on the frame.
Step 4: Check the front fork or the seat stays
Some brands place the number on the rear of the bike, near the dropouts and the chainstay, or on the front near the head tube. On many entry-level models, it’s hidden just behind the headlight, where the stem passes through the frame.
Step 5: Around the battery
On an electric bike, the number may also be hidden near the power supply. Remove the battery from its mount: on many models, the number appears under the battery or right next to the mount. This is also a good opportunity to check the condition of the mount—a topic I cover in our article on how to prevent battery theft.
What does an employee ID number look like?
There is no single European standard. Each manufacturer uses its own format, typically ranging from 6 to 13 characters. Here are the most useful guidelines.
| Brand | First characters | Example | Standard Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batavus | BA or AC | BA1234567 | 9 characters |
| Cortina | CO | CO9876543 | 9 characters |
| KOGA | KG | KG1122334 | 9 characters |
| Trek | WTU | WTU12345678 | 11 characters |
| Specialized | WSBC | WSBC12345678A | 13 characters |
| Decathlon | Numbers Only | 123456789 | 1 or 2 lines |
Do you ride a Decathlon refurbished model? If so, don't look for any letters—the number is purely numeric, which surprises a lot of cyclists.
Can't Read the Number? Three Tips That Work
- Clean: Rub the area with a cloth and a little degreaser.
- Side lighting: Point your smartphone's flash at an angle toward the engraving. The shadows make the characters stand out.
- The pencil trick: Place a thin sheet of paper over the code and gently rub it with a pencil; the number will appear on the paper.
Hanna's Advice
As soon as you find the number, take a clear photo of it and write it down in your notes app. Add the purchase receipt and a photo of your anti-theft device key. If your bike is stolen, you’ll have everything you need within ten seconds, instead of rummaging through your garage looking for papers you never filed away.
Buy an electric bike without the risk of it being stolen
On 2ememain.be or Facebook Marketplace, you can find some great deals. But there’s a real danger lurking behind them: receiving stolen goods. Bicycle theft is a daily occurrence, and e-bikes are particularly sought after. If you buy (even unwittingly) a stolen e-bike from a private seller, you risk prosecution for receiving stolen goods, an offense punishable under the Belgian Penal Code. You could lose both your money and the bike, which will be seized by the police.
To avoid this, always ask for the frame number and the original receipt before finalizing the purchase, and check the number against available records as well as with the local police. In reality, many private sellers refuse to provide the number in advance, or it has been filed off. And even when a bike doesn’t appear anywhere as stolen, the report may simply not have been filed yet. Our tips for buying a used e-bike detail all the points to check.
How Upway Eliminates This Risk
- Systematic verification: Each frame number is checked against stolen bicycle registries, including international ones. This ensures that the bicycle’s origin is entirely legal.
- Professional reconditioning: Our certified mechanics inspect 20 key components—including the engine and battery—and replace any worn parts.
- Warranty and peace of mind: You pay the price of a used bike, but you get an official receipt in your name and a 1-year warranty.
Wondering if a bike from new is really reliable? You’ll find the answer in our article on the reliability of refurbished e-bikes. And if you’re on a tight budget, our selection of e-bikes under €1,000 offers the same assurance of quality. Then top it off with a good lock: here are the best locks for e-bikes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a frame number and a serial number?
The frame number is the unique code stamped or engraved on your bike’s frame. It is the bike’s official identification number for the police and insurance companies. A serial number, on the other hand, may refer to a separate component, such as the Bosch mid-drive motor or the battery. For insurance purposes and when filing a report, be sure to always note the frame number itself.
Is the frame number required to insure my electric bike?
Yes, absolutely. Insurers need this number to keep track of which specific bike is covered by the insurance policy. Without this number, a claim cannot be processed properly. Also, make a note of the key number for your frame lock—it’s almost always required.
How can you make sure a used e-bike isn't stolen?
Always ask the seller for the frame number and the original sales receipt before going to pick up the bike. You can then have that number verified by your local police department and compare it to the bicycle registration records. Please note: just because a bike isn’t listed in these databases doesn’t necessarily mean it’s legitimate, as it can sometimes take time for reports to be entered into the system. To completely eliminate this risk, buy your e-bike at Upway.
What should I do if my electric bike is stolen?
File a police report as soon as possible, including the frame number and photos of your bike. If you have theft insurance, notify your insurer immediately and include the purchase receipt, the frame number, the lock key number, and the police report receipt. Most insurers require that a police report be filed within 48 hours.
Is my employee ID number automatically registered when I make a purchase?
No, it’s generally not automatic. Many stores don’t record the number in a central database because the bikes arrive in sealed boxes. So it’s up to you to write it down, take a photo of it, and—ideally—register your bike (either by engraving it or using a registration platform). At Upway, the frame number is clearly listed on your official receipt: you’ll have it right at your fingertips for insurance purposes.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | Published on: August 26, 2026 | 9-minute read
About the Author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is a cycling enthusiast who loves discovering new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire more people to get around by bike.