06/10/2026
🚨 SWAYZEE POLICE DEPARTMENT SAFETY ALERT 🚨
E-SCOOTERS, E-BIKES, AND BICYCLE TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Swayzee Police Department would like to address the growing number of complaints we have received regarding juveniles operating electric scooters, electric bicycles, and other motorized bikes on public streets while failing to obey traffic laws.
Last week, officers responded to an injury accident involving a juvenile operating an electric scooter. Thankfully, the injuries were not life-threatening, but the incident serves as a reminder that these devices can cause serious injury when operated carelessly or without following the rules of the road.
Our goal is not to issue citations. Our goal is to educate parents and riders so that every child who leaves home on a bicycle, e-bike, or scooter returns home safely.
🚲 Indiana Law: E-Scooters and Bicycles
Under Indiana law, a person operating an electric scooter has the same rights and responsibilities as a bicyclist.
This means riders must:
✅ Obey all traffic signals and stop signs
✅ Ride in the correct direction of travel
✅ Yield when required
✅ Use proper lighting when riding after dark
✅ Operate in a safe and responsible manner
Whether you are riding a:
• Traditional bicycle
• Electric bicycle (e-bike)
• Electric scooter (e-scooter)
You are required to obey the same traffic laws that apply to all roadway users.
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⚡ Know Your E-Bike Laws
Indiana recognizes three classes of electric bicycles:
Class 1
• Pedal-assist only
• Maximum assisted speed of 20 MPH
Class 2
• Throttle-assisted
• Maximum speed of 20 MPH
Class 3
• Pedal-assist only
• Maximum speed of 28 MPH
To be considered a legal electric bicycle in Indiana, the bike must:
✔ Have fully operable pedals
✔ Have a motor rated at 750 watts or less
✔ Meet the requirements of Class 1, 2, or 3
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⚠️ Not Every Electric Bike Is Actually an E-Bike
Many of the vehicles officers are observing around town are electric dirt bikes or high-powered electric motorcycles that do not meet Indiana’s legal definition of an e-bike.
If the vehicle:
❌ Does not have operable pedals
❌ Exceeds the legal e-bike classifications
❌ Is designed primarily as a motorcycle or dirt bike
It may be considered a motor vehicle under Indiana law and may require registration, insurance, and a licensed operator.
Parents should carefully review the specifications of any electric-powered vehicle before allowing their child to operate it on public streets.
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🚔 Increased Enforcement
Due to the number of complaints received and recent injury accidents, the Swayzee Police Department will be increasing enforcement efforts involving:
• Stop sign violations
• Failure to yield
• Riding against traffic
• Reckless operation
• Unlawful operation of electric dirt bikes and other motorized vehicles on public roadways
Officers will continue educating riders whenever possible, but enforcement action may be taken when violations create a safety hazard.
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👨👩👧👦 A Message to Parents
Please take a few minutes to discuss roadway safety with your children.
The rules of the road apply whether they are riding a bicycle, e-bike, or electric scooter. Understanding these rules can prevent serious injuries and save lives.
The Swayzee Police Department wants every child to enjoy riding around town safely—and make it back home to their parents at the end of the day.
Thank you for helping us keep our community safe.
🚔 SWAYZEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
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