BikeCheck: free stolen-bike verification on every listing
Every bike listed on Cyclesite is automatically checked against UK stolen-bike databases before it goes live. Checks are indicative only — we provide information, not a warranty.
BikeCheck is a free service. It does not replace your own due diligence: inspect the bike, verify the frame number on the bike matches any documentation, and confirm the seller’s identity before you pay.
1. Service Description
BikeCheck is Cyclesite’s stolen-bike verification service. It checks frame numbers against UK stolen-bike databases to help buyers make informed decisions.
The service is provided free of charge, both:
- Automatically on every listing published on Cyclesite
- On-demand when buyers check a frame number before a transaction
2. What BikeCheck Covers
BikeCheck searches the following where data is available:
Covered
- • Frame number / serial number verification
- • Stolen status across UK stolen-bike databases
- • Police stolen-bike records (where data is shared)
- • Brand and model verification
- • E-bike battery serial (where applicable)
NOT Covered
- • Physical condition or roadworthiness
- • Undeclared accidents or damage
- • Unreported theft (never registered on any database)
- • Bicycle clones or frame swaps
- • Component authenticity
- • E-bike battery health or capacity
- • Service history or maintenance
3. Data Sources & Limitations
BikeCheck aggregates data from UK stolen-bike databases and, where agreements are in place, police and insurance records. We do not publicly disclose the full list of partners; the databases change periodically and not every partner permits promotional naming.
Important Limitations
- We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of third-party data
- Not all stolen bikes are registered with any database
- Data may be delayed or not updated in real time
- Frame numbers can be altered, removed, or cloned
- A “clear” result is encouraging but is not a warranty the bike is unstolen, undamaged, or free of finance
4. User Responsibilities
When using BikeCheck, you remain responsible for:
- Verifying the frame number matches the bicycle and any documentation
- Checking the frame number has not been tampered with or removed
- Verifying the seller’s identity and proof of ownership
- Conducting appropriate due diligence before purchasing
- Retaining proof of purchase and the BikeCheck reference
- Providing accurate information when requesting a check
Tip: BikeCheck is a useful tool but it does not replace common sense. If a deal seems too good to be true, if the seller is evasive, or if you have any doubts, walk away.
5. Stolen-Bike Matches
If BikeCheck returns a confirmed stolen match on a Cyclesite listing, the listing is automatically suspended and the seller’s account flagged for review. Where law enforcement has an open report against the frame number, we cooperate with their requests in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Online Safety Act 2023.
Buyers who discover a matched bike after purchase should contact their local police force immediately. Do not approach the seller or attempt to recover the bike yourself.
6. Data Protection
TPSTORES LIMITED (trading as Cyclesite) is the data controller for frame-number searches you submit through BikeCheck. Our lawful basis is legitimate interests — specifically, reducing the circulation of stolen goods on the platform. Search logs (frame number, timestamp, search outcome) are retained for two years to support fraud investigation and pattern analysis.
For full details of how we handle personal data, see our Privacy Policy.
7. Liability
BikeCheck is provided “as is” with no warranty of accuracy, completeness, or fitness for purpose. Because BikeCheck is a free digital service:
- We do not warrant the accuracy of third-party data sources
- We are not liable for decisions you make based on BikeCheck results
- We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or unforeseeable losses
Nothing in this section excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, breach of the statutory duty to provide a digital service with reasonable care and skill under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 s.49, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited by UK law.
8. Fair Use
BikeCheck is provided for individual buyers checking bikes they intend to purchase and for automatic verification of listings on Cyclesite. Automated bulk queries, scraping, or commercial use of the service is not permitted without a written agreement with us. We rate-limit and block suspected abuse.
9. Governing Law
These BikeCheck Terms are governed by English law. The courts of England and Wales have non-exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes. If you reside in Scotland or Northern Ireland you retain the right to bring proceedings in your local courts.
10. Contact
TPSTORES LIMITED (trading as Cyclesite)
Company Registration: 13238473
Registered office: 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
No VAT is charged — TPSTORES LIMITED is not VAT-registered.
Email: support@cyclesite.co.uk
For BikeCheck queries, email support@cyclesite.co.uk