Mandatory marking of bicycles

Theft and handling of stolen bicycles is common, and the possibility of recovering a stolen vehicle is low. To combat this, the Mobility Orientation Law mandates the marking of all new bicycles sold starting January 1, 2021, and starting July 1, 2021, for second-hand bicycles.

It's not easy to navigate this, so here’s a summary of the important information!

What is marking?

It involves affixing a unique identifier to the frame of each bicycle sold by a professional. This law applies to all types of bicycles, traditional or electric, with the exception of children's bicycles (size 16" or smaller), trailers, personal transportation devices (scooters, segways, etc.), and sales made between individuals.

How does it work?

When you purchase your bicycle, the seller creates a database with your contact details and information about the bicycle. This data will then be transmitted to the Unique National File of Identified Cycles (FNUCI), a document accessible to law enforcement to locate vehicles and return them to their owners.

You will then be given a proof of purchase, which includes the bicycle's identification number. This proof is not a vehicle registration document; therefore, you won’t need to carry it with you at all times.

If you part with your bike, you must inform the marking operator who provided the identifier: they will take care of erasing your data within 24 hours. Similarly, if your bicycle is stolen, recovered after theft, disposed of, or destroyed, you will need to inform the operator within 2 weeks.

How is the bicycle marked?

Several techniques are available. The only requirement is that the marking must be permanent and unalterable.

At G CYCLES, we have chosen to apply a sticker on the frame of the bicycle.

It's not easy to figure it all out! So if you have any questions, you can contact us or consult the official texts from the Government, available here:

https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/actualites/A14495

https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000042838196?r=ms4dq5Yy5O