Increasingly, alternative modes of transportation, such as electric scooters, have been growing in popularity. If you have recently purchased one of these devices in Indiana, it is important to understand the state’s electric scooter laws.
In the past several years, Indiana has clarified its safety guidelines for and classifications of electric scooters. Riders of these devices are bound by many of the same rules and requirements as bicyclists. For example, there is no age requirement to ride an electric scooter in Indiana. There are also no helmet or insurance requirements for electric scooter riders in the state. People can ride electric scooters on most roadways in Indiana, apart from interstate highways. Because these devices do not offer protection to riders, riders must operate electric scooters carefully and contact our lawyers in the event of an accident.
Our attorneys are here to help victims of electric scooter accidents in Indiana recover compensation. For a free case evaluation with the Indiana personal injury lawyers at Wruck Paupore, call today at (219) 322-1166.
What is Considered an Electric Scooter in Indiana?
Recently, in 2019, Indiana introduced legislation targeting electric scooters, their definitions, and their safety requirements. Before learning the rules surrounding electric scooters and riding them throughout Indiana, it is important to understand whether or not your device meets the state’s criteria for an electric scooter.
According to I.C. § 9-13-2-49.4, an electric scooter, or more specifically, an “electric foot scooter,” cannot weigh more than 100 pounds. These devices must be designed to travel on no more than three wheels that are in contact with the ground. Electric scooters in Indiana must have handlebars as well as a floorboard for riders to stand on while operating the device. They must be powered by an electric motor capable of powering the device alone and cannot travel over 20 miles per hour.
If your device meets the criteria of an electric foot scooter in Indiana, you must abide by the state’s rules and safety guidelines for operating an electric scooter. Unless otherwise instructed by Indiana law, electric scooters are bound to the same safety requirements as bicycles. If you are unsure what your device is classified as, contact our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers for clarification.
Who Can Ride an Electric Scooter in Indiana?
Although electric scooters are not motorcycles or mopeds, they are powered by motors and can reach speeds up to 20 miles per hour. Because of that, people may be curious as to whether there is an age requirement to ride an electric scooter in Indiana.
Unless specifically stated, electric scooters are held to the same requirements as bicycles in Indiana. Because there is no age restriction on who can ride a bicycle and no law has been introduced regarding an age restriction to ride an electric scooter in Indiana, you can operate electric scooters at any age.
That said, electric scooters can be dangerous, especially for children and teenagers. Because of that, it is important to take considerable care and only ride an electric scooter when you are capable of understanding and heeding traffic laws in Indiana.
Are You Required to Wear a Helmet While Riding an Electric Scooter in Indiana?
An electric scooter is a device that can move up to 20 miles per hour. Because riders often operate these devices on roads next to cars, riders should wear a helmet, even though they are not required to in Indiana.
In Indiana, electric scooters are held to the same safety standards as bicycles unless otherwise stated. Because there is no law specifically requiring people to wear helmets while operating electric scooters, and because Indiana does not require bicyclists to wear helmets, you are not mandated by law to do so, regardless of your age.
That said, our Hammond, IN personal injury lawyers, believe riders of these devices should wear helmets at all times. Because you might ride your electric scooter on the road near vehicles like cars, motorcycles, and trucks, it is important to wear a helmet. If you are struck by a moving vehicle while riding your electric scooter, a helmet can protect you from sustaining serious head injuries in Indiana.
Where in Indiana Can You Ride Your Electric Scooter?
In Indiana, an electric scooter can be operated anywhere a bicycle can be ridden unless otherwise stated. Because of this, you may face few limitations on where you can operate your electric scooter in Indiana.
You can ride your electric scooter on most roads in Indiana, apart from interstate highways. It is important to be careful while riding your device on roads with cars, as electric scooters can only reach 20 miles per hour and offer virtually no protection to riders. According to I.C. § 9-21-11-13.6(b), if you ever ride your electric scooter on a highway any time from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, you must ensure that your device is equipped with a white light visible 500 feet from the front and a red light or red reflector visible from 500 feet from the rear. If you don’t have these safety devices on your electric scooter, you cannot ride it on a highway in Indiana within 30 minutes of sunset or sunrise.
Otherwise, you can usually ride your electric scooter on any road bicyclists can use. You are often permitted to park your electric scooter on a sidewalk, provided it does not impede the movement of pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
Do You Need Insurance for Your Electric Scooter in Indiana?
While beholden to many of the same rules as bicycles in Indiana, electric scooters are not bikes. Because of this, riders in Indiana might wonder whether or not they need insurance for their electric scooters, as they do for their cars, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles.
Despite having a motor, electric scooters are not considered motor vehicles in Indiana. This means you are not required to purchase insurance for your electric scooter in Indiana.
Indiana is a fault state for car accidents, meaning if a negligent driver strikes you, our Indiana electric scooter lawyers can help you file a lawsuit for compensation.
Call Our Electric Scooter Lawyers in Indiana Today
If you were recently injured by a negligent party while riding an electric scooter in Indiana, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the South Bend personal injury lawyers at Wruck Paupore, call today at (219) 322-1166.
