Question 1

How do QR codes and NFC tags work?

Accepted Answer

When you register a bike, you get a unique QR code linked to its profile. Stick it on the frame, under the seat, or anywhere visible. Anyone who finds your bike can scan the code — it opens a page where they can report it found, without seeing your personal details. NFC tags work the same way but can be hidden inside the seatpost, handlebars, or frame for a discreet, invisible ID.

Question 2

Will a QR code or NFC tag stop my bike being stolen?

Accepted Answer

No — tags are not designed to prevent theft. They make it easier to get your bike back if someone finds it abandoned, dumped, or left somewhere. Think of it like a pet tag: it doesn't stop your dog running away, but it helps whoever finds it contact you.

Question 3

Where should I put the QR code or NFC tag?

Accepted Answer

QR codes work best somewhere visible — under the seat, on the downtube, or inside a mudguard. NFC tags can be hidden inside the seatpost, taped inside the frame, or tucked behind the headset. The more hidden, the harder for a thief to remove. You can use both for maximum protection.

Question 4

Can I buy physical tags from you?

Accepted Answer

Yes — weatherproof QR stickers and NFC tags are available from the Tag Shop in your dashboard. They're designed to survive rain, mud, and UV exposure.

Question 5

What personal data do you collect?

Accepted Answer

We collect only what's needed: your email address and display name when you register. Everything else — expenses, documents, service logs, equipment — is optional and entirely under your control. We never collect data passively or from third parties.

Question 6

Is my email address visible to the public?

Accepted Answer

No. Your email address is never displayed on your bike's public profile or anywhere else on the site. If someone finds your bike and scans the tag, the report is routed through our system — your contact details are never exposed.

Question 7

How is my data protected?

Accepted Answer

We use Row-Level Security (RLS) at the database level — not just application-level filtering. Your private data (expenses, documents, service logs, equipment) is cryptographically inaccessible to anyone who isn't you or your invited crew. Documents are stored in encrypted private buckets with time-limited signed URLs.

Question 8

Do you use tracking cookies or sell data?

Accepted Answer

No. We use only essential cookies required for authentication. No analytics tracking, no advertising cookies, and we never sell, share, or monetise your data. Zero tracking is a core principle.

Question 9

What are my GDPR rights?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to access, correct, export, and delete your data at any time from your dashboard Settings page. We also prompt you to re-confirm your data consent every 12 months. For any data requests, contact privacy@towpath.digital.

Question 10

What types of bikes can I register?

Accepted Answer

Any two-wheeled vehicle: motorcycles, mopeds, pushbikes, e-bikes, and scooters. When you register, you choose the vehicle type and enter details like make, model, colour, and frame/VIN number.

Question 11

Is this a legal proof of ownership?

Accepted Answer

No. The Bike Register is a voluntary registry — not a legal document of title. For motorcycles and mopeds, the DVLA V5C is the official ownership document. For pushbikes and e-bikes, no official UK ownership register exists. We provide the closest thing: a verifiable record with document uploads and a dispute resolution process.

Question 12

Can someone else register my bike?

Accepted Answer

Each bike can only be registered by one account at a time. If someone has already registered your bike incorrectly, you can file an ownership dispute from the bike's profile page. You'll be asked to provide evidence (V5C, purchase receipt, insurance), and our admin team will review it.

Question 13

How do I report a stolen bike?

Accepted Answer

From your bike's dashboard, use the "Report Stolen" feature. Enter the police reference number, force, last known location, and a description. This creates a public stolen alert that warns potential buyers.

Question 14

Is The Bike Register free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the core registry is completely free. Register your bike, get a QR code, receive find reports, and search the registry at no cost. Premium features like expense tracking, service logs, document storage, and equipment registry are available on the Premium plan from £2.50/month.

Question 15

What do I get with Premium?

Accepted Answer

Premium unlocks the full digital logbook: expense tracking with receipt uploads, service and maintenance logs, document vault (MOT, V5C, insurance), equipment registry with warranty tracking, location check-ins, and unlimited bike registrations.

Question 16

Can I invite someone to manage my bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From your bike's dashboard, you can invite co-owners and crew members by email. Co-owners get full read and write access. Crew get read-only access. You can revoke access at any time.

Question 17

Can I export my data?

Accepted Answer

Data export is coming soon. Your data is yours and will always be exportable. In the meantime, contact privacy@towpath.digital for any data requests.

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