Indiana’s e-bike and bicycle access rules have matured into a statewide framework that’s clearer than ever. Yet, actual access still depends on who manages the trail.
A Class 1 pedal-assist model may be welcome on one paved greenway but banned from another a few miles away. State law now provides a consistent baseline, while city ordinances, park policies, and federal land regulations layer on speed limits, permits, and enforcement.
Here’s the complete 2025 picture of where you can ride in Indiana, what you can expect from each land manager, and how to stay compliant on every type of trail.
Highlights
- Indiana law allows Class 1 and 2 e-bikes anywhere bicycles are permitted unless restricted locally.
- DNR permits Class 1 on dirt trails, Class 1 and 2 on paved or gravel, and all classes on roads.
- Federal lands differ: Indiana Dunes allows e-bikes like bicycles, Hoosier National Forest bans them on non-motorized trails.
- Cities set local limits: Bloomington 20 mph, Carmel 15 mph, Indianapolis varies but enforces Class 1 & 2 use only.
The Legal Baseline for E-Bikes in Indiana
Indiana’s statewide e-bike law sets the foundation for where you can ride. It defines the three classes, their speed limits, and the trails each may use.
Indiana Code § 9-21-11-13.1
Indiana’s e-bike statute establishes the foundation for trail access. It recognizes three e-bike classes and specifies where each may operate. The law states that, unless a local rule says otherwise, a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike may ride anywhere bicycles are permitted.
That means most paved paths and multi-use trails across the state are open to those two classes. Class 3, which can reach up to 28 mph with pedal assist, faces narrower access.
Key Definitions Under the Statute
Practical Meaning
If a trail allows standard bicycles and there’s no local rule excluding e-bikes, you can assume Class 1 and 2 are welcome. For Class 3, check the land manager’s rules before you go.
State-Managed Trails and Roads
Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees most state parks and forests, applying consistent rules for e-bike and bicycle access across all managed roads and trails.
Indiana DNR Policy in 2025
- Roads: All classes (1, 2, and 3) may ride on roads open to bicycles.
- Hard-surface multi-use trails (paved or gravel): Class 1 and 2 permitted.
- Natural-surface trails (singletrack or dirt): Class 1 only, and only where bicycles are already allowed.
- Trails closed to bikes: No e-bikes permitted.
Many DNR singletrack systems require an Off-Road Cycling Permit for Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert loops. Beginner routes are usually exempt.
Pro Tip
If the park map marks a mountain biking loop, assume Class 1 only unless the gatehouse or park office says otherwise. Staff can confirm whether e-MTBs are permitted on a given route.
Federal Lands in Indiana
Federal lands in Indiana apply national policies that differ from state and city rules. Access depends on whether the land is managed by the National Park Service or the U.S. Forest Service.
Indiana Dunes National Park
The National Park Service follows a consistent federal rule: e-bikes are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are allowed, but throttle-only operation (riding without pedaling) is not permitted on non-motorized routes.
That means your Class 1 or 2 e-bike can access designated bike-legal trails and paved park roads, but using the throttle alone on a walking trail violates federal regulation.
Check before you ride: Each season, the Superintendent’s Compendium lists every bike-legal trail by name. The document also notes seasonal closures or construction zones.
Hoosier National Forest
The Hoosier National Forest uses a different rule set under the U.S. Forest Service. E-bikes are legally treated as motor vehicles, not bicycles.
Key Implications
- E-bikes are not allowed on non-motorized mountain bike trails.
- They are allowed on any routes open to motor vehicles.
- Standard bicycles are permitted on designated trails, but riders aged 17 and older must carry a trail permit.
Planning Tip
If your route crosses from Brown County State Park into the Hoosier National Forest, remember that the same trail may change status at the boundary. A Class 1 e-bike legal inside state property becomes prohibited the moment you enter federal forest land.
City and Regional Trail Systems
Each city, county, or nonprofit trail operator sets its own speed limits and detailed restrictions. Indiana’s statewide law gives them that authority. Below are key 2025 updates from the most-used systems.
Bloomington Trails (B-Line, Clear Creek, and Others)
- Speed rule: 20 mph maximum for bicycles and similar electric-motor vehicles.
- Scope: Applies to all city-managed multi-use paths.
- Mobility aids: Exempt from speed rules.
Summary
Bloomington remains one of Indiana’s most e-bike-friendly cities. Rules are clear, signage is posted, and enforcement focuses on maintaining safe speeds.
Indianapolis Greenways (Monon, Fall Creek, White River)
Throughout 2025, Indianapolis has focused heavily on e-bike compliance. The Metropolitan Police Department and park rangers have emphasized that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are acceptable on city greenways, provided riders control speed and yield to pedestrians.
Current Expectations
- Follow posted speed limits per corridor.
- Yield to pedestrians and announce before passing.
- Keep your motor assist below 20 mph on paved trails.
Accidents can happen even when riders follow the rules. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis if you’re injured on a city trail and need guidance on your rights.
Enforcement Trend
Police have issued warnings for prohibited e-bikes with higher power or speed capabilities. Riders using Class 1 or 2 models responsibly are within guidelines.
Carmel and the Monon Greenway (North of 96th Street)
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation enforces a 15 mph speed limit on its greenways and bans motorized vehicles by default.
With the rise in e-bike use, the city began reviewing its policies in 2025, debating whether to formalize new rules specific to e-bikes and youth operation.
Local news coverage and city council records from September 2025 show that the city is actively weighing ordinance updates.
Takeaway
Ride well under 15 mph when trails are crowded. Use a bell or verbal alert when passing, and check city updates before participating in organized rides.
Cardinal Greenway and Connected Rail-Trails
Cardinal Greenway, one of Indiana’s most prominent paved rail-trail systems, has published explicit e-bike guidelines:
- Allowed: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes.
- Not allowed: Class 3 models.
- Ongoing updates: Construction closures and detours continue across several counties in 2025.
Tip
Before your ride, review the Cardinal Greenway detour map for closures. Expect temporary gravel connectors and narrow bypass routes near work zones.
Summary by Land Manager
Speed, Conduct, and Enforcement in 2025
Trail rules in 2025 focus on safe speeds, respectful conduct, and consistent enforcement across Indiana’s most-used paths.
Speed Limits
- Bloomington: 20 mph
- Carmel: 15 mph
- Indianapolis: Variable, but enforcement focuses on controlling assist speed
Trail Etiquette
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Announce before passing using a bell or voice.
- Keep right except when overtaking.
- Do not use throttle-only power on trails designated as non-motorized.
Enforcement Snapshot
In summer 2025, Indianapolis police increased patrols along the Monon and White River trails. Riders with high-powered or throttle-only e-bikes received citations, while compliant Class 1 and 2 users were largely unaffected.
Carmel, meanwhile, has hosted public hearings on youth ridership and speed complaints. Expect final ordinance results later in the year.
Planning Rides Across Jurisdictions
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Trail systems often cross county or city lines, so it’s important to match your e-bike class to the rules of each land manager.
Paved Rail-Trails and Greenways
- Class 1 and 2: Generally accepted statewide on paved multi-use paths.
- Class 3: Frequently restricted. Avoid using assist over 20 mph on any trail unless posted otherwise.
Check daily advisories, especially on long-distance rail-trails like the Cardinal Greenway, which posts seasonal closures and detours for 2025 construction projects.
Natural-Surface Mountain Bike Systems
- Inside State Parks or Forests: Class 1 e-MTBs are permitted where bikes are allowed. Carry a DNR Off-Road Cycling Permit for intermediate or advanced loops.
- Inside Hoosier National Forest: No e-bikes on non-motorized trails. Only traditional bicycles are permitted with the required permit.
Federal Shoreline and Mixed-Use Corridors
At Indiana Dunes National Park, e-bikes share routes with bicycles and follow the same rules. Avoid throttle-only operation and confirm trail designations in the latest Superintendent’s Compendium.
Some mixed-use shoreline corridors are under federal review for expanded access, but no formal change has been adopted as of early 2025.
Compliance Checklist for Indiana Riders (2025)
Staying within Indiana’s 2025 trail rules comes down to knowing your e-bike class, land manager, and speed limits. Use this quick checklist before every ride.
Know Your Class
- Class 1: Pedal-assist up to 20 mph.
- Class 2: Throttle or pedal-assist up to 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist up to 28 mph.
Match the Land Manager
- DNR: Roads (1–3), paved trails (1–2), dirt singletrack (1).
- National Park: Same as bicycles; no throttle-only.
- Hoosier NF: No e-bikes on non-motorized trails.
Respect Posted Speeds
- Bloomington: 20 mph.
- Carmel: 15 mph.
- Indianapolis: Varies by corridor.
Carry Required Permits
- DNR Off-Road Cycling Permit for intermediate or higher MTB trails.
- Hoosier NF bike trail permit for riders 17+ on designated bicycle routes.
Plan for Detours
- Review 2025 Cardinal Greenway detour notices.
FAQs
Practical Riding Tips for 2025
- Program your speed limit: Set your e-bike assist to cap out around 15–20 mph for shared-use trails. That aligns with posted limits statewide.
- Announce passes: Use a bell or voice alert. It’s both courteous and often required by city ordinances.
- Throttle etiquette: Never use throttle-only mode on non-motorized routes. Federal rules specifically prohibit it.
- Check local updates: Carmel and Indianapolis are both in policy adjustment phases. Look at official city pages or local coverage before long group rides.
- Keep permits visible: Rangers frequently check for DNR Off-Road Cycling Permits and Hoosier NF trail permits.
- Stay construction-aware: The Cardinal Greenway’s 2025 detour hub lists all active closures. Bookmark it before riding.
Bottom Line
Indiana’s e-bike access framework is clear and enforceable:
- State law: Class 1 and 2 are allowed on any path where bicycles can ride unless a local rule says otherwise.
- DNR: Predictable system: Class 1 only on dirt, Class 1 and 2 on paved or gravel, and all classes on roads.
- Federal lands: Indiana Dunes follows bicycle rules; Hoosier National Forest prohibits e-bikes on non-motorized trails.
- Cities: Local ordinances define speed, hours, and enforcement. Bloomington allows 20 mph, Carmel caps at 15 mph, Indianapolis expects safe Class 1 and 2 use.
Before every ride, confirm your e-bike’s class, respect speed signage, and check for local ordinances or closures. Matching your setup to the corridor’s rules keeps your ride smooth, compliant, and welcome across Indiana’s growing trail network.
