Geist residents and local police have received numerous complaints regarding motorized bicycles and motor scooters. The usual complaints include high speeds, reckless driving, and driving on the sidewalks. Many are unaware of the Indiana laws regarding the liability and legal ages for motor scooter riders. Fishers Police recently published a report to clear the air on these issues.

“We want to be sure that parents are aware of the laws relating to motorized bicycles and motor scooters to make sure that the riders operate in a responsible manner for their own safety and for the safety of others” said Fishers Police Chief George Kehl.

First of all, if your child is under 15 they should not be riding a motorized bicycle or motor scooter at all. Motor scooter drivers must have a driver’s license and motorized bicycle drivers can be 15 years old but must have an Indiana Identification Card. Secondly, motorized bicycles and motor scooter riders are not supposed to drive on sidewalks, and if under 18 years of age, they must be wearing a helmet. Lastly, if your motorized bicycle or motor scooter is capable of or exceeds 25 miles per hour, the driver must be 16 years of age with a driver’s license.

If you are wondering what the difference is between a motorized bicycle and a motor scooter, think of a motorized bicycle as the smaller gas or electric powered stand-up scooter with automatic transmission and a motor scooter is a larger, sit-down moped with a floor pad for the driver’s feet.

Before you purchase a motorized bicycle scooter for your child, remember that you as the parent are responsible and liable for any violations of these laws.