E-Bike Accidents in Indiana: Laws, Local Rules, and Injury Claims
Under Indiana law, an electric bicycle is treated much like a regular bicycle. It is not a motor vehicle, so it does not need a driver's license, registration, title, or insurance, and riders have the same rights and duties as bicyclists. State law sets three e-bike classes with different speed and age rules, and cities can add their own limits. Carmel and Fishers both adopted new rules for e-bikes and higher-powered electric motorcycles in the last year. If you are hurt in an e-bike crash, Indiana's comparative fault rule and a 2-year deadline generally apply to an injury claim.
Key points
Indiana defines an e-bike as having working pedals and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, and sorts e-bikes into Class 1, 2, and 3.
E-bikes do not require a license, registration, title, or insurance under state law.
No one under 15 may operate a Class 3 e-bike, and Class 3 riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
Carmel and Fishers have adopted local rules on where e-bikes and electric motorcycles may be ridden.
An injured rider can recover damages only if the rider was not more than 50% at fault, and claims generally must be filed within 2 years.
What counts as an e-bike in Indiana?
Indiana law defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts (IC 9-13-2-49.2). It must fall into one of three classes:
Class 1: The motor assists only while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph.
Class 2: The motor can propel the bike without pedaling, and it stops assisting at 20 mph.
Class 3: The motor assists only while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 28 mph.
A device that does not meet this definition, such as a higher-powered electric motorcycle sometimes called an e-moto, is not an e-bike under Indiana law and may be subject to different rules.
Do you need a license or insurance for an e-bike?
No. Under IC 9-21-11-13.1, an e-bike rider does not need a driver's license, and an e-bike does not need insurance, a title, or registration. E-bike riders have the same rights and duties as bicyclists. E-bikes sold in Indiana since 2020 must have a label showing the class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.
Where can you ride an e-bike?
State law allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on bicycle paths. A Class 3 e-bike may be ridden on a path that is within or next to a highway, or on another path if the local government or agency allows it. Local governments can also regulate e-bikes on natural-surface trails. A violation of these rules is a Class C infraction (IC 9-21-11-14).
State law also says:
No one under 15 may operate a Class 3 e-bike, although a younger person may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike designed to carry one.
A person under 18 must wear a helmet when operating or riding on a Class 3 e-bike.
What are the new e-bike rules in Carmel and Fishers?
Several Hamilton County cities have recently updated their rules, especially for electric motorcycles.
Carmel: In November 2025, Carmel adopted rules that prohibit electric motorcycles on city streets, sidewalks, paths, and trails. E-bikes are still allowed. Local reports describe a 20 mph limit on paths, a helmet requirement for riders under 16, and fines starting at $100, with impoundment possible for repeat violations. Local reports also describe a 15 mph limit on greenways, including the Monon Greenway, under Carmel Clay Parks rules.
Fishers: In May 2026, Fishers adopted an ordinance that keeps electric motorcycles off greenways, multi-use trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes, and limits them to city roadways at no more than the posted speed limit or 35 mph, whichever is lower. Electric motorcycle operators must be at least 15, and riders under 18 must wear helmets. E-bikes may still use trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Parents can be cited if they allow a minor child to violate the ordinance.
Other cities and towns have adopted or are considering their own rules. Before riding in a new area, check that city's current ordinance and posted signs.
Who pays when an e-bike rider is hurt?
E-bike crashes can involve cars, other riders, pedestrians, poor path conditions, or equipment defects. The responsible party and available insurance depend on how the crash happened.
Crash with a car or truck: The at-fault driver's liability insurance may cover the injured rider's damages.
Hit-and-run or uninsured driver: Indiana insurers must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and it is included in a policy unless the policyholder rejected it in writing (IC 27-7-5-2). Whether a rider's own auto policy covers an e-bike crash depends on the policy's wording. See our article on uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Defective battery, motor, or brakes: A product liability claim against a manufacturer or seller may be possible.
Unsafe road or path conditions: A claim against a government entity may be possible, but it has strict notice deadlines.
If the driver left the scene, our article on hit-and-run victim rights in Indiana explains the next steps.
How does fault work in an Indiana e-bike crash?
Indiana uses modified comparative fault. An injured person can recover damages only if their own fault is not greater than the combined fault of everyone else, which means 50% or less. Any recovery is reduced by the injured person's share of fault (IC 34-51-2-5 and 34-51-2-6). For example, a rider found 20% at fault would recover 80% of their damages.
Insurers often look at how the rider was riding, including speed, lane position, lights, and whether the rider followed local rules. Claims against government entities follow different rules under Indiana's Tort Claims Act.
What are the deadlines for an e-bike injury claim?
Personal injury: generally 2 years from the date of the crash (IC 34-11-2-4).
Injured minors: the deadline is generally paused until the child turns 18 (IC 34-11-6-1).
Claims against the state: written notice within 270 days (IC 34-13-3-6).
Claims against a city, county, or other local government: written notice within 180 days (IC 34-13-3-8).
Product liability: generally 2 years after the claim arises and no more than 10 years after the product was first delivered to a user, with some exceptions (IC 34-20-3-1).
For more detail, see our article on the statute of limitations for injury claims in Indiana.
What to do after an e-bike accident
Get medical care and keep records of every visit.
Call police and ask how to get a copy of the crash report.
Take photos of the scene, the e-bike, vehicles, injuries, and any path or road hazards.
Collect names and contact information for drivers, witnesses, and insurance companies.
Keep the e-bike and gear in their post-crash condition, especially if equipment may have failed.
Be careful with insurance adjusters, and avoid giving recorded statements before you understand your rights.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to ride an e-bike in Indiana?
No. State law does not require a driver's license for an e-bike that meets the legal definition.
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike in Indiana?
State law does not set a minimum age for Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes. A person must be at least 15 to operate a Class 3 e-bike. Some cities set additional local rules.
Are e-bikes allowed on the Monon Trail?
E-bikes are allowed on Carmel's section of the Monon Greenway, and local reports describe a 15 mph limit there. Rules can differ in other cities along the trail, so check posted signs and local ordinances.
Does my car insurance cover an e-bike accident?
It depends on your policy. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may apply in some situations. Review your policy's language or talk with a lawyer.
Hurt in an e-bike or bicycle crash?
If you were injured in an e-bike crash in Indiana, you can schedule a consultation with Brinkley Law or learn more about our personal injury practice.
Brinkley Law, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1300, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240.
This article provides general information about Indiana law and is not legal advice. Reading it or contacting Brinkley Law does not create an attorney-client relationship. The application of the law depends on the facts of each matter.
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