Electric Scooter Laws in Indiana – Complete Guide 2025

Summary Electric Scooter Law Indiana

  • Classification: Electric foot scooter (Indiana Code § 9-21-11-13.6)
  • Min age: No minimum age specified in state law
  • Helmet required: Not specified in state law
  • Max speed: No state speed limit specified
  • License: No; Registration: No
  • Sidewalk riding allowed: Where bicycles allowed (subject to local rules)
  • Bike lane access: Yes
  • Scooter sharing present: Limited, varies by city
  • Last checked: September 3, 2025

Indiana Gets E-scooter Laws Right

Indiana represents one of the cleaner approaches to electric scooter regulation in the Midwest. The state passed comprehensive electric scooter legislation in 2019 that treats them essentially the same as bicycles under traffic law.

The key insight in Indiana’s law is that operators have all the rights and duties under this chapter that are applicable a bicycle rider, with only specific exceptions being for equipment and operational requirements.

Indiana’s electric scooter regulations can be found in Indiana Code § 9-21-11-13.6, which was added by P.L.142-2019, SEC.8. The law establishes clear operational parameters while allowing local authorities to implement additional restrictions where needed.

The statute defines rights, equipment requirements, parking rules, and operational limitations for “electric foot scooters” throughout the state.

Where You Can Ride

Indiana’s riding rules are based on bicycle equivalency with some restrictions:

Allowed locations:

  • May be operated where a bicycle can be operated
  • Roads where bicycles are permitted
  • Bike lanes and bicycle paths
  • Areas not specifically prohibited by local ordinance

Prohibited areas:

  • An electric foot scooter may not be operated on an interstate highway
  • Areas specifically designated as off-limits by local authority
  • Private property without permission

The bicycle equivalency principle makes Indiana’s rules much easier to understand and follow. Most people have decent pre-hand knowledge of what the rules are for bicycles already, making the move over to a scooter seamless.

Equipment & Vehicle Requirements

Indiana have implemented clear equipment requirements for all riders:

Required equipment:

  • A brake that will enable the rider to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement

Lighting requirements for nighttime operation:

  • A lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet to the front
  • A lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear or a red reflector visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear

These requirements apply to operation from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise.

Rider Requirements

Age restrictions: Indiana doesn’t specify a minimum age for electric scooter operation

Licensing: No driver’s license or special permit required

Helmet laws: No state requirement

Alcohol/drug rules: Standard impaired operation laws apply since electric scooters are treated as vehicles on roadways

Traffic compliance: All bicycle traffic laws apply to electric scooter operation

Parking, Storage & Riding Etiquette

Indiana very clearly addresses parking specifically in the statute:

Parking rules:

  • An “electric foot scooter” may be parked on a sidewalk in a way that does not impede the normal or reasonable movement of pedestrians or vehicle traffic
  • A local authority may prohibit the parking of an electric foot scooter on a sidewalk if the local authority provides an adequate alternative parking location in a public right-of-way that is proximate to the prohibited area

This creates a reasonable balance between convenience and pedestrian access while giving local communities tools to adapt to high-population areas.

Enforcement & Penalties

Since electric scooters are treated like bicycles under the law, violations will typically follow the same structure:

  • Equipment violations (lights, brakes): $25-75 fines typically
  • Traffic violations: Same as bicycle violations
  • Reckless operation: $50-200 fines depending on circumstances
  • Parking violations: $10-50 fines in most jurisdictions

How hard the enforcement of said penalties will be varies by county/city. You can expect the risk for being stopped in a large city to be much greater than in a rural town.

Insurance & Liability

No insurance is needed to ride an electric scooter in Indiana. However, you always want some basic cover since you will still be liable for damage/injury. So make sure your homeowners insurance keeps you protected before you hit the streets!

Local Exceptions to State Law

Indiana’s framework allows local authorities to implement and adjust how electric scooter usage is implemented:

Indianapolis: Has implemented regulations for shared scooter programs including registration requirements, operational zones, and parking restrictions. The city has conducted pilot programs and continues to refine regulations based on experience.

Fort Wayne: Generally follows state law but has implemented specific parking requirements in downtown areas and near the university.

Evansville: Allows electric scooters following state guidelines with additional restrictions during riverfront festivals and special events.

South Bend: Has specific regulations near Notre Dame campus and downtown areas, with seasonal restrictions during major events.

Bloomington: Near Indiana University campus, has implemented specific regulations during game days and move-in periods with designated parking areas.

Gary: Follows state law with additional parking restrictions in certain commercial districts.

Hammond: Has basic electric scooter regulations allowing operation where bicycles are permitted with parking requirements near the lakefront.

Special Circumstances

University areas: Indiana University, Purdue University, Notre Dame, and other campuses may have specific policies that differ from municipal regulations.

State parks: Indiana DNR has separate rules for electric scooters on state property – check specific park regulations.

Downtown areas: Many Indiana cities have enhanced enforcement in downtown cores during business hours.

Special events: Cities often implement temporary restrictions during festivals, sporting events, or other major gatherings.

FAQs

Do I need a license to ride an electric scooter in Indiana? No, the state does not require any form of license for electric scooter riders.

Can I ride on sidewalks? Where bicycles are allowed, unless prohibited by local ordinance. Always yield to pedestrians.

What about bike paths and trails? Generally allowed where bicycles are permitted, but often motorized vehicles can be prohibited on certain trails.

Can I ride my scooter in Indianapolis? Yes, following state law plus any additional city requirements, especially for shared programs.

What if I get in an accident? Standard liability and insurance principles apply, same as bicycle accidents.

Resources & Citations

Staying In The Loop

Know Thy Local Rules: While Indiana state law is consistent, local regulations do vary slightly. Sign up for our newsletter to track updates across Indiana municipalities in case there are updates, or check our electric scooter legal hub.

Indiana definitely deserves some credit for taking a very sensible approach to electric scooter regulation. By treating electric scooters essentially the same as bicycles, they’ve created a framework that most riders can understand and follow without the need for a law degree.

The bicycle equivalency principle works because it builds on infrastructure and rules that already exist. Riders don’t need to learn a completely new set of regulations, if you know where you can ride a bike and how, you know the rules for electric scooters too.

The equipment requirements are reasonable and focus on actual safety rather than bureaucratic complications. Working brakes and proper lighting for nighttime riding are common-sense requirements that every good electric scooter have.

The local authority provisions give communities tools to address specific problems without undermining the overall framework.

For a family guy such as myself, the lack of age restrictions is a clear win. Families are given the flexibility to make their own safety decisions. Remember that even though helmets aren’t regulated, you should definitely teach your kid to use them.

Legal Disclaimer: We’re mechanics, adrenaline junkies and riders, not legal presentation. This guide summarizes Indiana’s electric scooter laws for informational purposes and is purely educational. While Indiana has clear state-level regulations, local ordinances can add additional requirements, so always verify current local rules before riding in a new area.

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