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Stolen Cowboy Bikes: UK Frame-Number Check (Free)
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Quick answer
The Cowboy frame number is underneath the bike, just below the bottom bracket, near a QR sticker, and starts with CBFM or FM, for example CBFM18A00967. Once the bike is activated the same number appears in the Cowboy app under Settings, Advanced, Serial Number. The MAC address is a different thing entirely. Run the frame number through Cyclesite's free lookup for an instant UK check against a stolen-bike registry and rider-filed theft reports.
Where Cowboy puts the frame number, and how to confirm it
Underneath the bike just below the bottom bracket, alongside a QR sticker. The prefix is the tell: CBFM or FM. If a number does not start with one of those it is probably the MAC address, which is the bike's digital identifier on the network and is not the frame number, or a Bluetooth ID, battery or motor serial. The strongest check is matching the frame code against the app under Settings, Advanced, Serial Number.
Cowboy on the UK used market
Cowboy e-bikes are connected, app-paired machines sold direct and ridden almost entirely in cities, which puts them squarely in the highest-theft category. Because the bike pairs to an account, a used one should be handed over with the account released; a seller who cannot demonstrate app access has a provenance problem regardless of what the frame says. An app account email is not proof of ownership either.
FAQs
- Where is the frame number on a Cowboy?
- Underneath the bike just below the bottom bracket, near the QR sticker. It starts with CBFM or FM.
- Is the MAC address the frame number?
- No. The MAC address is the bike's digital identifier on the network. The frame number starts with CBFM or FM and is physically on the frame.
- How do I confirm a used Cowboy in the app?
- Once activated, the serial appears under Settings, Advanced, Serial Number. Match it against the code under the bottom bracket, and make sure the seller releases the account.
Police datapolice.uk releases
Most stolen bikes are never traced back to anyone
Police recorded 28,531 bicycle thefts across 44 UK city centres over three years. A suspect was identified in 10.1% of closed cases, and 1 in 33 reached a charge. Pick an area for the local picture.
Jun 23Down 25% in three yearsMay 26
- 8,221
- thefts recorded in 12 months
- −12%
- change on the year before
- 10.1%
- of closed cases had a suspect identified
data.police.uk · Open Government Licence v3.0