Electric bikes are a popular innovation that became an affordable choice for many in the past few years. Using e-bikes is a great idea for those who want to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy a daily relaxation routine.
However, the same routine could easily become irritating if you interfere with the law. Did you know that every state in the United States of America has its own guidelines regarding E-bike laws? Today we talk about the Indiana State electric bike laws.
How does the state of Indiana declares what an electric bike is.
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In the state of Indiana, electric bikes are defined as electrically assisted bicycles that have a motor of 750 watts at max. There are three classes of electric bikes:
- class 1 electric bikes assist when you pedal and they can reach up to 20 miles per hour.
- class 2 electric bikes assist when you engage the motor, even when you are not pedaling, but the speed limit remains 20 miles per hour.
- class 3 electric bikes have a motor propelling you only when you pedal, but the speed limit is 28 miles per hour.
How powerful can my bike be? The state of Indiana suggests that your electric bike should not have a motor stronger than 750 Watts.
Do I need a license or insurance? The good news is that the state of Indiana does not require any type of license, registration, insurance, or any specific documentation for electric bikes exclusively. We also want to urge you that the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles doesn't recognize e-bikes as vehicles and therefore riding one could be illegal.
Do I need to wear a helmet? Helmets are required only for those who are under the age of 18, but other riders should also take into account their own safety.
Are there age restrictions to look out for? If you are younger than 15, you cannot operate an electric bike.
Can I ride on the road? In the state of Indiana, you may ride on all roadways but those that aren’t bicycle-friendly. There are traffic signs and regulations that showcase this rule.
Do I ride in the same direction as traffic? If you are riding on the road, we strongly urge you to ride in the same direction as the rest of the traffic to remain visible and safe.
Do bike riders need to obey all the traffic signs? The state itself does not suggest anything about traffic signs for electric bicycles, but we urge you to acknowledge them because lots of traffic signs can be of great importance to your safety.
What about electric mountain bikes? Electric mountain bikes are a tricky one in Indiana since there are no policies published by The Indiana Department of Natural Resources. It’s best you contact your local authorities for more information or visit great eMTB-friendly rides such as the Redbird SRA and the Boone County Gravel Route.
Conclusion
Electric bikes are a great addition to your daily routine, but only if you play by the rules. Make sure to contact the local police station for more up-to-date information.