How to know if a bike is stolen? This question is constantly asked by those who are interested in buying a second-hand bicycle from a stranger. Apps like Wallapop, Vibbo or Milanuncios, considered among the 8 best apps to sell your bike online, make it very easy for someone to steal a bike, create a fake account, and sell the bike a few days later and disappear. Have a look at the bike for 6 feet tall.
As we do not want to have unpleasant surprises and buy a bicycle that has been stolen, that there is even someone who is looking for it or that is reported to the police, we are going to give you some tips to make sure that your purchase does not have any risk.
How to know if a bike is stolen?
- Look at the frame: If the bike’s frame has been cut or dented, then this could mean that the bike has been stolen. You should be able to tell if the frame has been damaged by looking at it.
- Check the chain: If the chain is missing, it might have been stolen. It’s also a good idea to check the other parts of the bike too, such as the brakes and the tires. You may also like to read https://hiwindsaruba.com/how-to-use-portable-bike-stand/
- Check the wheels: If the wheels are gone, then this means the bike has probably been stolen. It’s also a good idea to check the other parts of the bike too, such as the brakes and the tires.
- Look at the locks: If the lock has been cut or damaged, then this could mean that the bike has been stolen. You should be able to tell if the lock has been damaged by looking at it.
- Look at the tyres: If the tires are flat, then this could mean that the bike has been stolen. You should be able to tell if the tires are flat by looking at them.
- Check the lights: If the lights are broken, then this could mean that the bike has been stolen. You should be able to tell if the lights are broken by looking at them.
- Check the basket: If the basket is empty, then this could mean that the bike has been stolen. You should be able to tell if the basket is empty by looking at it.
- Look for damage: If the bike has been damaged, then this could mean that the bike has been stolen. You should be able to tell if the bike has been damaged by looking at it.
- Check the saddle: If the saddle is gone, then this could mean that the bike has been stolen. You should be able to tell if the saddle is gone by looking at it.
- Check the lock: If the lock has been cut or damaged, then this could mean that the bike has been stolen. You should be able to tell if the lock has been damaged by looking at it.
Ask key questions about the bike
Before meeting with the seller, you can take advantage of the chat that is usually included in sales applications to ask several questions about the bicycle. According to their answers, you will be able to see if it is a more or less reliable person.
A question that cannot be missed is if you have the original invoice for the bicycle or some kind of proof that the bike has been purchased. If the answer is negative, we can ask, “where did you buy the bike.” If it is stolen, they will surely say that they bought it from a friend or they will not know how to give you a coherent answer.
It is also common to “unmask” someone when you ask them to take a photo of their ID to keep you calmer since they usually refuse.
Be wary of incredible offers
Sometimes we can be blinded by the fact of seeing an unrepeatable offer. Bicycles that we have never seen so cheap and in perfect condition. Be wary!
We are not saying that it always means that they have been stolen but go back to point number 1 and ask the necessary questions to make sure that there is no hidden trick. It may also be that it is not a stolen bike but that it has such a low price because it is worn out. Therefore, it is always advisable to review it at the time of sale and even try it.
When checking the bike, also look at its frame number. If it looks blurry, as if someone wanted to remove it, it is better not to risk buying the bike.
Check stolen bike websites
On the Internet, you will find several web pages where the owners of the stolen bikes desperately publish photos and information about their bikes. If you know the make and model, look it up on those websites. You will also find many tips on how to prevent your bike from being stolen and which is the best anti-theft lock on the market.
In addition, there are autonomous communities that have official records of stolen bicycles. In Catalonia, for example, the Mossos d’Esquadra have a website where you can search for the registration or frame number to find out if it is part of the register of stolen bikes.
Buy from authorized sellers
We have left the most obvious piece of advice for last, but, at the same time, it is the one that can best prevent you from falling into the trap of buying a stolen bike: make the purchase in a store. Although the price is higher than in a buying and selling app, you have the guarantee that this bike will be in perfect condition and regulated by the regulations. And in case of a failure, you know where you have to go to claim.
It is especially advisable to buy from an authorized store if what you are looking for is an electric bicycle since, in this case, complex parts and structures come into play to fix by yourself.
You already know the saying: “what is cheap can be expensive,” and when it comes to bikes, it is better not to risk it.