E-bikes and speed pedelecs in Indiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Indiana defines three classes of electric bicycle (up to 20 mph or 28 mph, motor up to 750 W). They are not motor vehicles, are regulated as bicycles, and need no driver's licence, title, registration or insurance. Class 3 riders must be 15 or older, and under-18s must wear a helmet on class 3.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal classRiding on public roads | Own e-bike class system (class 1, 2 or 3) [1] |
| Assistance stops atRiding on public roads | 20 mph [1] |
| Minimum ageRiding on public roads | A person less than 15 years of age may not operate a Class 3 electric bicycle. A person under 15 may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 electric bicycle designed to accommodate a passenger. [1] |
| HelmetRiding on public roads | On a Class 3 electric bicycle, a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet must be worn by any operator or passenger who is under 18 years of age. [1] |
| LicenceRiding on public roads | The operator of an electric bicycle is not subject to IC 9-24 (driver's licences). [1] |
| Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads | An electric bicycle is not subject to certificates of title (IC 9-17) or motor vehicle registration (IC 9-18.1), and its operator is not subject to financial responsibility (IC 9-25). [1] |
| Cycle pathsRiding on public roads | An electric bicycle may be operated wherever bicycles are permitted to travel. Class 1 and 2 may use bicycle and multipurpose paths where bicycles are permitted unless a statute, rule or local ordinance says otherwise. Class 3 may not, unless the path is within or adjacent to a highway or a local authority or state agency authorises it. Non-motorised natural-surface trails may be regulated by the authority. [1] |
| E-bike classesRiding on public roads | Indiana uses the three-class system: class 1 and class 2 give assistance up to 20 mph, class 3 up to 28 mph. Class 3 riders must be 15 or older, and riders and passengers under 18 on a class 3 e-bike must wear a helmet. [1] |
| Maximum motor powerRiding on public roads | Not more than 750 watts. [1] |
Notes
- Class 1: motor assists only while pedalling and ceases at 20 mph. Class 2: motor may exclusively propel the bicycle and ceases or is unable to assist at 20 mph. Class 3: pedal assist only, ceasing at 28 mph. An electric bicycle has fully operable pedals and a motor of not more than 750 W, is not a motor vehicle and is regulated as a bicycle. Text read: Indiana Code 2022 edition; later amendments were not checked because the 2023 to 2026 editions could not be read.
- Section 13.1 sets the helmet duty for class 3 only; it sets no helmet rule for class 1 and 2. Other bicycle helmet provisions were not read.
Sources
- Indiana Legislative Services Agency (published by the Indiana Government Center, IPAC): Indiana Code 2022, Title 9 Motor Vehicles (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Indiana and neighbouring states
| State | Legal class | Minimum age | Helmet | Licence | Plate and insurance | Cycle paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | Three classes | Class 3: 15 | Class 3: under 18 | None needed | Not required | Where bikes allowed; class 3 limited |
| Illinois | Class 1-3, bicycle rules | Class 3: 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not on sidewalks |
| Michigan | Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) | 14+ for Class 3 | Class 3: under 18 | Bicycle rules | Bicycle rules | Allowed, trails limited |
| Ohio | Three classes | Class 3: 16 | Class 3: helmet required | Not a motor vehicle | Not a motor vehicle | Class 3 restricted on paths |
More rules in Indiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (Class B misdemeanour) · Growing at home: No (criminal offence)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban residential)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (enrolled in driver education)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (sold by certified retailers)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No general ban; school property barred · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.