Finding Your Frame Number

Every e-bike has a unique frame number (sometimes called a frame serial number). We use it to check the bike against the UK's stolen-bike registers and to create its verified title, so buyers know exactly which bike they are getting. On e-bikes it can be in several places, so here is where to look.

The most common places

• Under the bottom bracket. This is where the pedal cranks meet the frame. Carefully lay the bike on its side, or turn it upside down resting on the saddle and handlebars, and look underneath. This is the most common place on most bikes.
• Near the motor. On mid-drive e-bikes the motor often sits where the bottom bracket would be. Look on the frame just in front of or behind the motor mount, and on the underside of the down tube (the tube that runs from the handlebars down to the pedals).
• On the head tube. This is the short tube at the front of the frame, behind the handlebars. Look on the front and underneath, sometimes behind the front light or a brand badge.
• At the rear dropouts. These are where the back wheel axle fits into the frame. Check the inside and outside of both sides, and along the chainstays nearby.
• On the seat tube. Look at the base of the seat tube near the pedals. On some bikes it is at the top, just below the seat post clamp.
• Under the battery. On bikes with a removable battery in the down tube, take the battery out (switched off, using your key) and look inside the battery housing.

Is it the right number?

E-bikes carry several numbers, and it is easy to photograph the wrong one.

• The frame number is usually stamped or engraved into the metal, typically 6 to 15 letters and numbers. On some bikes it is on a tough sticker, often with a barcode.
• Not the motor number. The motor has its own serial number on its casing.
• Not the battery number. The battery label shows the battery's own serial number, capacity and safety marks.
• Not the model sticker. Stickers showing the model, size or barcode for the shop are not the frame number.

If you find more than one candidate, photograph each one and tell us in your listing.

Taking a clear photo

• Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grease.
• Shine your phone's torch across the number at an angle, which makes stamped characters stand out.
• Hold the phone steady and fill the screen with the number. Tap on it to focus.
• Check the photo is sharp, and that the number you typed in your listing matches it exactly.

Still can't find it?

• Check your purchase receipt, owner's manual or warranty card. The frame number is often printed there.
• Contact the manufacturer or the shop you bought it from with the model and year.
• Bring the bike to one of our ElectricBikeSales stores in Bristol, Cambridge or Oxford and we will find it for you. Find a store

If the frame number looks filed down, scratched out or covered over, please do not list the bike. Contact us instead.