Scooters, Mopeds, Etc... in Indiana

In Indiana, motor-driven cycles (MDCs) are often referred to as scooters, mopeds, motorized bicycles, and other similar terms. However, there are different classes of motor-driven cycles that each require their own type of license and registration—let’s see which type of MDC you have and what you’ll need to legally operate it.

Indiana Motor-Driven Cycles

Indiana classifies motor-driven cycles as follows:

• Designed to have 3 wheels or fewer on the ground.
  
• Equipped with a seat or saddle for the rider.
• Meet the operational and equipment specifications described in 49 CFR 571 and IC 9-19.

Motor-driven cycles are required to have license/endorsement, registration, and operating requirements.

Motor-Driven Cycle Registration

You must register your motor-driven cycle with the Indiana BMV by providing the following at your local IN BMV office:

• Any of the following proofs of ownership:
  • Title.
  • Manufacturer’s certificate of origin.
  • Bill of sale.
  • Motor Driven Cycle (MDC) Affidavit of Ownership and/or Cubic Centimeters (CC) (Form 55714).
• Proof of liability insurance that meets Indiana’s minimum coverage requirements — for Class A motor-driven cycles only.
• Payment for the applicable fees:
  • Registration fee:
    • Class A: $26.35.
    • Class B: $26.35.
  • Vehicle excise tax:
    • Class A: $10.
    • Class B: $10.
  • Endorsement: $19 (Class A only).
  • County and municipal excises taxes: Vary—call your local BMV office for details.

Class A Licensing & Safety

Before you can ride your Class A motor-driven cycle, you’ll need to make sure you meet the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ (BMV) licensing and safety law requirements. Where you can ride depends on the rules of your local government.

Class A MDC Licensing

To drive a Class A motor-driven cycle in Indiana, you must have a valid IN driver’s license WITH any of the following:

• Standard motorcycle endorsement.
• Motorcycle endorsement with a MDC Class A restriction.
  • To get a Class A restriction, you need to pass the general motorcycle knowledge test AND a skills test specific to Class A MDCs.
• Motorcycle learner’s permit.

With the right credentials in hand, it’s time to register your Class A MDC with the BMV.

Class A MDC Safety Laws

When operating a Class A MDC in Indiana, you must:

• Wear a:
  • Helmet and eye protection if you’re younger than 18 years old.
  • Helmet if you’re operating with a motorcycle learner permit.
• Sit astride (i.e. straddle) the seat.
• Have your headlamps on while riding.
• Only carry passengers if your MDC has a proper passenger seat.
• Not carry packages in your hands.
• Drive near the right side of the road unless you’re passing another vehicle or preparing to make a left turn

Class B Licensing & Safety

Like Class A motor-driven cycles, the Indiana BMV also has specific requirements around the credentials, registration, and safety laws for Class B MDCs. Let’s go over them.

Class B MDC Licensing

To ride a Class B motor-driven cycle, you must be 15 years old or older and have one of the following:

• Driver’s license.
• Driver’s permit.
• Indiana state identification card with a MDC Class B endorsement.
  • You ONLY need to pass the MDC Class B written test to add this endorsement to your ID card. Endorsements are free unless the IN BMV needs to make an amendment.

Class B MDC Safety Requirements

When operating a Class B MDC in Indiana, you must:

• Wear a helmet and eye protection if you’re younger than 18 years old.
• Straddle or sit astride the seat.
• Have the headlamps on while riding.
• NOT carry passengers.
• Not carry packages in your hands.
• Operate no faster than 35 MPH.
• Ride near the right side of the roadway unless you’re passing another vehicle or getting ready to make a left turn.
• Not drive on sidewalks or interstate highways.