Indiana Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Class 1 only on natural-surface trails

House Enrolled Act 1236 (2019) adopted the three-class system, effective July 1, 2019. An e-bike under 750 watts is exempt from licensing, registration, title and insurance. Class 3 riders must be 15 or older, and Class 3 riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
15
E-bike helmet
No state rule
State parks
Class 1 only on natural-surface trails
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Indiana

Indiana rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2NoneNoNoNoNo state ruleNo state rule, localPaths open to bicycles unless local ban
E-bike, Class 3Class 315NoNoNoUnder 18No state rule, localOnly paths beside roads or if local allows
Stand-up e-scooterElectric foot scooterNone in state lawNoNoNoNo state ruleNo state rule, localWhere bicycles allowed
Seated e-scooter (moped)Motor driven cycle (Class B): 50 cc, 35 mph max15Yes, endorsement or licenseYesNoUnder 18NoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. DNR: Class 1 only on natural-surface trails
  • E-bike, Class 3. Under 15 as passenger only
  • Stand-up e-scooter. No interstates; bicycle rules apply
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Roads only; no interstates or passengers

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and rated motor wattage (required since January 1, 2020); label must be replaced if the bike is modified; no state speedometer rule found.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Cities may set path rules for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes and may open paths to Class 3. Carmel's Micromobility Ordinance requires helmets for riders under 16, bars Class 3 riders under 15, bans e-motos from all city streets, sidewalks, paths and trails, and the Monon Greenway has a 15 mph limit.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Indiana

Indiana DNR allows all three classes on property roads, Class 1 and 2 on hard-surface trails, and only Class 1 on natural-surface trails open to bicycles (312 IAC 8-2-8). The Natural Resources Commission rejected a 2025 petition to widen e-bike access.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
IC 9-13-2-26.6, -26.7; IC 9-21-11-13.1; HEA 1236 (2019)
E-bike, Class 3
IC 9-13-2-26.8; IC 9-21-11-13.1; HEA 1236 (2019)
Stand-up e-scooter
IC 9-21-11-13.6
Seated e-scooter (moped)
IC 9-21-11-12; BMV Driver's Manual ch. 2
Status
Partly verified
Open items
Insurance for Class B motor driven cycles and whether electric mopeds fit the 50 cc definition not confirmed from a current primary source.
Last verified
Q4 2026