03/06/2026
Update 3/6/26 1:45pm:
Clarification Regarding Vehicles Involved in Recent Incident
Following further investigation, we are issuing a clarification regarding the type of vehicles involved in the previously reported incident.
The vehicles involved were not electric bicycles (E-bikes) as originally referenced. Under Indiana Code 9-21-11-13.1, electric bicycles must fall within one of three defined classes and are limited to an electric motor of less than 750 watts with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.
The vehicles involved in this incident do not meet the legal definition of an electric bicycle. Instead, they are off-road vehicles, commonly referred to as electric dirt bikes. Some of these vehicles are capable of speeds of approximately 70 mph and are equipped with electric motors producing up to 20,000 watts, similar to the vehicle pictured.
Because of their design and performance capabilities, these vehicles are not classified as electric bicycles under Indiana law. The public should refer to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Indiana General Assembly for information regarding registration and laws governing their operation. https://www.in.gov/dnr/law-enforcement/ https://www.in.gov/bmv/ https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/1
This clarification is being issued to ensure the public and media have accurate information regarding the type of vehicles involved. Our Department will continue to address the unlawful operation of off-road vehicles to ensure the safety of the public.
Six Juveniles Taken Into Custody After Reckless E-Bike Incident
On March 5, 2026, at approximately 4:45 p.m. during rush hour traffic, officers with the McCordsville Police Department responded to a juvenile complaint in the area of County Road 600 West and County Road 900 North following multiple calls to the Hancock County 911 Center. Callers reported a large group of juveniles riding electric bikes in the roadway, performing wheelies, passing vehicles on the shoulder, and disregarding traffic signals.
A McCordsville patrol officer in a fully marked police vehicle located the group as they turned westbound onto Broadway from County Road 600 West. Officers observed the juveniles riding across multiple lanes of traffic, with at least one rider performing a wheelie as they passed the officer. The group was traveling at speeds estimated around 40 miles per hour.
The officer activated emergency lights and siren in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop. Despite the officer’s attempts and verbal commands issued through the vehicle’s public address system, the group continued westbound and refused to stop. Officers observed the juveniles weaving between lanes, blocking traffic, and creating a significant safety hazard for both themselves and the public.
The group continued for approximately 3/4 of a mile before again recklessly passing motorists into oncoming traffic while turning into the Meijer parking lot. The juveniles continued traveling both on and off the roadway through the parking lot toward Carroll Road.
Out of an abundance of caution and with public safety as the top priority, the pursuing officer terminated the pursuit.
Officers from multiple agencies—including the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and Lawrence Police Department—responded to the area and conducted a search. Six juveniles, ranging in age from 13 to 17 years old, were located and taken into custody without further incident.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
The McCordsville Police Department would like to thank the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Lawrence Police Department, and the Hancock County 911 Center for their quick response and coordinated teamwork, which helped ensure a safe resolution.
This incident highlights the importance of safe and responsible operation of electric bikes and other motorized devices on public roadways. Reckless behavior in traffic places not only the riders at risk but also other motorists and pedestrians.
The McCordsville Police Department commends the professionalism and restraint shown by the officers involved, whose actions prioritized the safety of the community while bringing the situation to a safe conclusion.
