Future-Velo

E-MOTOS ARE NOT E-BIKES: Since there continues to be confusion about this with local leaders and police departments, there are specific definitions for what an e-bike is in Indiana. Indiana Department of Natural Resources has a good summary of this, with links to the state law. https://www.in.gov/dnr/rules-and-regulations/e-bike-rules/

If someone is riding a 2-wheeled electric motor vehicle with a throttle that goes over 20 mph - that is legally NOT an e-bike. Anything with a throttle that goes over 20 mph is an e-moped or e-moto (e-motorcycle). If there is only pedal assist, the maximum for a Class 3 e-bike is 28 mph. Again, if it goes over that max speed, it is an e-moto or e-moped.

There is misleading internet marketing of these high speed 2-wheeled electric vehicles as e-bikes. Please be informed that anything that isn't legally an e-bike by the state definition is not legal to ride on Indiana multiuse trails, greenways, and rail trails.

If your city or town is considering an e-bike ordinance, make sure they know that e-motos and e-mopeds are NOT e-bikes. You can have them get in touch with us for examples of local ordinances that appropriately categorize e-mopeds and e-motos with their gasoline powered cousins, mopeds and motorcycles.

More background on this issue here - https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/solutions-to-the-e-moto-problem

Sadly, state legislators didn't define e-mopeds and e-motos in the 2026 legislative session. We're stuck with another year of confusion and local governments trying to figure out how to handle this with statewide issue with hodge-podge local ordinances.