In France, theft remains one of the main obstacles to cycling. The Ministry of the Interior estimates that around 300,000 households fall victim to it each year. To protect against this scourge, marking for electric bike presents itself as an adequate solution. The question we all ask is: is engraving your electric bike with an ICA marking mandatory? We provide you with the details!
The ICA marking: what is it exactly?
The ICA marking is a identification system designed to protect electric bikes in case of theft. On the ICA Bike label, you will find a unique 10-character number registered in the National Unique File of Identified Cycles (FNUCI). Here are the main features of this system.
Definition
First of all, it should be noted that the marking must remain visible and legible under all circumstances. The marking process must therefore ensure its permanence and "unalterability." Next, the identifier consists of 10 alphanumeric characters, usually affixed to the frame (unless there are specific constraints).
The identification number of the electric bike is also listed on the purchase invoice. No matter what type of electric bike you buy, a cargo electric bike, a electric fatbike, or others... the seller must provide the buyer with information related to their cycle so that they can exercise their rights of access or rectification.
Why was this system put in place?
The purpose of the ICA marking is to minimize the theft and handling of stolen electric bikes. Thanks to it, anyone wishing to buy a second-hand bike can ensure that the code is present and that it is not a stolen vehicle. If you also want to resell your marked electric bike, you must ensure that you declare it to the operator who handled the marking. Then, you should encourage the buyer to register the bike in their name by providing their personal information.
How to have your electric bike engraved with an ICA marking?
"Having your electric bike engraved with an ICA marking is only possible through state-approved operators. The appearance of the marking varies according to your preferences, as long as it is clearly visible."
The ICA marking can take different forms: a durable label, a sticker, a chemical weld with resin injection, a micro-percussion engraving… The important thing is that it is affixed to the frame of the electric bike. On it, you can read the unique identification number. And as required by law, it must be "unalterable."
Electric bike: Is the ICA marking mandatory?
Since January 1, 2021, all new bicycles sold in France must be marked without exception. And since July 1, 2021, this obligation also extends to second-hand models. It was established by a decree on November 25, 2020, and specified by an order on December 31, 2020.
The law in force on the identification of bicycles
The mandatory marking of electric bicycles, provided for by the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM), came into effect on January 1, 2021, for new bicycles and on July 1, 2021, for used bicycles. Bicycles already in circulation can be marked by an approved operator to enhance their security.
Marking involves assigning a unique identification number to the bicycle, which is affixed to its frame. The owner's contact details are then recorded in a database of the FNUCI, managed by the APIC association (Association for the Promotion and Identification of Bicycles and Active Mobility).
Exceptions and special cases
'The ICA marking is not mandatory for all types of electric bicycles. There are indeed a few exceptions which are:'
● Children's bicycles with wheels having a diameter of 40.64 cm or less;
● Bike trailers.
Of course, even if these vehicles are exempt from marking, owners can request to have them marked by authorized operators.
What are the advantages of ICA marking for an electric bike?
The ICA marking has a dual function: to deter thieves and to make it easy to find the owner of a stolen bike. But that's not all! It also simplifies compensation with the insurer, as the owner can quickly prove the loss of their vehicle.
An effective means against theft
There are several advantages to wanting to mark your electric bike. The first is of course to deter thieves from acting. Next, it helps to facilitate and speed up the search for the vehicle in case of theft thanks to authorized local operators, who work in partnership with law enforcement. Finally, marking greatly contributes to the promotion of electric bike usage. Since thefts are a barrier to purchase for many people, ICA marking offers them an additional guarantee to go to the checkout.
A more accessible insurance
The ICA marking is a foolproof solution for recovering your electric bike in case of theft, even though it does not have a direct impact on compensation from the insurer. However, it can contribute indirectly at other levels. First, it can serve as proof of ownership thanks to the unique number registered in the national database. This can be useful in case of disputes or recovery of the electric bike. Additionally, be aware that ICA Bike offers a buyback assistance bonus of up to €500 in case of theft. Very interesting to complement the insurer's compensation.
What to do if my ICA branded electric bike is stolen?
The theft of an electric bike can happen to anyone, even the most cautious cyclists. Fortunately, with ICA marking, it becomes easier to recover your bike. But what steps should you follow when your marked bike goes missing?
Report the theft and record the incident
As soon as you notice the theft, the first step is to report the incident to the police. Provide them with the unique ICA marking number of your bike. This number is essential for identifying your bike in national databases. Once the complaint is filed, you must also inform the authorized operator who marked your bike, such as Bicycode or Paravol. They will update the FNUCI (National Unique File of Identified Cycles), a database where stolen bikes are listed.
The key role of the FNUCI
The FNUCI plays a major role in the recovery of stolen bicycles. By registering your bike, it becomes possible for law enforcement or merchants to quickly check if a bike is stolen. In the case of resale, a potential buyer can easily spot the stolen bike thanks to its unique identification number, which makes it easier to locate the owner. The FNUCI thus helps to connect the recovered bike with its rightful owner.
The additional steps to follow
"Once your bike is registered as stolen in the FNUCI, it is also important to inform your insurance, if you have one. The ICA marking can serve as proof of ownership and make it easier for you to obtain compensation."
In summary, the key to recovering your stolen bike lies in the speed of your report and the use of the FNUCI system. Thanks to this identification network, the chances of finding your bike are significantly increased. A small effort that can make all the difference!
The ICA marking: tax advantages and public aid
The ICA marking is not eligible for specific tax aids or dedicated public subsidies. Current government aids mainly focus on the purchase of new or used electric bicycles, subject to certain conditions.
Assistance for the purchase of electric bicycles
Until February 14, 2025, financial assistance, commonly referred to as "ecological bonus," was granted for the purchase of electric bicycles (E-bikes). This assistance varied depending on income and the type of bicycle purchased. For example, for a reference tax income per share of 7,100 € or less, the assistance could reach up to 400 € for an E-bike.
Furthermore, additional assistance was planned for the purchase of cargo electric bikes or models adapted for a disability situation. However, this assistance was removed as of February 15, 2025, in accordance with decree no. 2024-1084 of November 29, 2024.
Mandatory marking and associated aids
Since January 1, 2021, bicycle marking is mandatory in France to combat theft and facilitate the return of stolen bicycles. This identification is linked to the owner's contact details in a national database. However, this marking is not associated with tax incentives or specific tax reductions.
Private initiatives and insurance
Some private operators, such as ICA Bike, offer marking services accompanied by benefits such as buyback bonuses in case of theft or specific insurances. These offers are distinct from public aid and are a matter of personal choice to enhance the security of your bike.
In summary, although ICA marking contributes to the safety and identification of bicycles, it is not associated with tax benefits or specific public aid. Government assistance mainly focuses on the purchase of electric bicycles, but these programs have been modified or discontinued recently. Therefore, we recommend that you regularly check the current schemes and evaluate the available private offers to optimize the security of your bicycle.
Who can have their electric bike engraved with an ICA marking?
The ICA marking is accessible to all electric bike owners in France, but it is subject to certain specific conditions and modalities.
Cyclists owning a new or used electric bike:
Since January 1, 2021, the ICA marking is mandatory for all new electric bikes sold in France. This also includes second-hand bikes since July 1, 2021. If you purchased a new or second-hand bike after these dates, the marking must be carried out.
Owners of electric bicycles already in circulation:
If you purchased an electric bike before the marking requirement was implemented, you can still have your bike engraved. You just need to go to an approved operator to have the ICA marking added to your bike. This allows you to secure your bike against theft while complying with the legislation.
People wishing to enhance the security of their bicycle:
Outside of legal obligations, any cyclist, even if their bike is already marked or if it is an exempt model (such as children's bikes), can choose to have their bike marked to enhance its security and facilitate its identification in case of theft. You can have your bike marked by authorized operators, regardless of the model or age of your bike.
Conclusion
In short, having your electric bike engraved with an ICA marking is a REQUIREMENT, and it applies to all cyclists. It is a practical and reliable solution to ensure the safety of your electric bike. It not only deters thieves but also facilitates the identification of a stolen bike. You just need to make sure to properly apply the marking on the frame. At Weebot, for any subscription to the WeeClub Premium insurance, we offer you the marking of your electric bike with an approved operator. So what are you waiting for to take advantage of it?