April 30, 2007
(Fishers, Indiana) - The Fishers Police Department is reminding motorized bicycle owners and prospective motorized bicycle owners that there are laws that apply both to parents and to the rider. According to Indiana Code 9-13-2-109, a Motorized Bicycle is defined as the following:
- 2 or 3-wheeled vehicle
- Propelled by an internal combustion engine or battery (electric) powered motor;
- If powered by an internal combustion engine, to qualify as a motorized bicycle there must be:
(1) An engine rating of not more than 2 horsepower and a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters;
(2) An automatic transmission; and
(3) A maximum design speed of not more than 25 m.p.h. on a flat surface.
Indiana Codes 9-21-11-1 through 9-21-11-14 are the laws that specifically apply to bicycles and motorized bicycles. The first law that parents should be aware of is Parents or guardians may not authorize or knowingly permit children or protected persons to violate the chapter. This law means that parents could be charged for allowing their children to violate any of the above Indiana Codes.
Motorized bicycle riders need to be aware that they are not permitted to ride on any sidewalk. They must also meet the following requirements:
According to Indiana Code the following restrictions apply to a motorized bicycle:
1. It may not be operated by a person less than fifteen (15) years of age.
2. By a person who has not obtained an Indiana Identification Card or Driver’s License
3. On an interstate highway or a sidewalk
4. At a speed greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.
Also according to Indiana Code:
1. A person less than eighteen (18) years of age who operates or rides a motorized bicycle on a street shall do the following: (1) Wear a protective helmet meeting the standards established by the United States Department of Transportation and: (2) Wear protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield.
Motor Scooters are also becoming a traffic hazard as well as nuisance. Motor scooters fall into a different definition under Indiana law. Indiana Code 9-13-2-104 defines a Motor Scooter as:
- Motive Power;
- A seat, but not a saddle for the driver;
- 2-wheeled; and
- A floor pad for the driver’s feet.
A motor scooter rider is also required to have a valid state operator’s license and the scooter is required to be properly registered, meaning a license plate and registration. The state laws governing the operation of such conveyances are not new, however; today’s technology has produced a type of conveyance that clearly is a hazard to the young and inexperienced rider. The motor scooters of today are not the same as the mopeds of the past. The motor scooters are much faster than the old mopeds, and roadways are much more congested now which have added to the hazard.
“I want to be sure that parents are aware of the laws relating to motorized bicycles and motor scooters and make sure that the riders operate in a responsible manner for their own safety and for the safety of others on the roadway” said Chief of Police George Kehl. “Motorized bicycles are recreational and should be closely supervised by a responsible parent.”
Summary
If the motorized bicycle has an engine smaller than 50 cc and is designed to travel less than 25 miles per hour – you must be 15 years old and meet all the other requirements.
If the motorized bicycle is designed to travel more than 25 miles per hour – you must be 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
If the device meets the definition of a motor scooter and appears similar to the picture above – you must be 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license and meet all the other requirements. The motor scooter must also have a valid license plate.
Sergeant Gerry Hepp Deputy Prosecutor Lori Spillane
heppg@fishers.in.us spillanel@fishers.in.us
317-595-3300 317-595-3300
