One provision of the new ordinance is a total ban of E-Moto devices on all city trails and sidewalks. (Photo provided by City of Carmel)
Posted By: The Reporter November 19, 2025
Submitted by City of Carmel
The Carmel City Council passed a new ordinance Monday night, Nov. 17, establishing comprehensive regulations for micromobility devices. Examples include electric scooters (E-Scooters) and electric bicycles (E-Bikes).
The ordinance prohibits the use of more powerful E-moto devices (electric motorcycles and electric dirt bikes).
Driven by safety concerns on the city’s busy multi-use paths, sidewalks and streets, the ordinance is effective immediately upon passage and signing by the mayor. It introduces speed limits, operational regulations, location restrictions, and escalating fines. The new regulations, summarized below, aim to prioritize safety on the city’s paths and greenways.
- Total ban on trails and sidewalks for E-Moto devices: More powerful devices, such as E-Motorcycles and E-Dirt bikes, classified as E-Moto devices (typically exceeding 750 watts and capable of speeds over 20 mph without human power), face the most stringent limitations. They are completely prohibited on all city streets, sidewalks, multi-use paths and trails.
- Micromobility devices: Micromobility devices are permitted on city-owned sidewalks, paths and trails, but may be subject to additional restrictions and regulations on trails and greenways managed by Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR). For example, CCPR rules prohibit E-Scooters in the parks and on greenways, including the Monon Greenway.
- Speed limits: Maximum speeds have been set across various zones:
- Multi-use paths/trails: Maximum speed for micromobility devices is 20 mph.
- Public sidewalks: Maximum speed is 15 mph.
- Greenways, including the Monon Greenway: Subject to CCPR rules, currently 15 mph.
- Streets: Posted speed limit but cannot exceed 35 mph.
- Stricter operational rules: All riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times, provide an audible warning when approaching from behind and provide a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing, if possible.
- Youth helmet requirement: All riders younger than 16 years of age must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
- Class 3 E-bikes cannot be operated by riders younger than 15 years of age.
- Distracted operation: Operating a micromobility device while using a cell phone or other electronic device is prohibited, unless using a hands-free device.
To enforce the new rules, the ordinance introduces a tiered system of financial penalties and the risk of device impoundment. Violations of the new rules will result in a tiered system of financial penalties, starting at $100 for the first offense, and the risk of device impoundment for repeat offenders.
City Councilor Matt Snyder thanked the Office of Corporation Counsel, the Land Use Committee and community members for their input on the issue.
“The primary motive is safety,” he said. “We are leading the way with our youth helmet requirement and definition of an E-moto and are committed to educating the public to improve behavior.”
The ordinance synopsis notes: The goal is to promote sustainable transportation options while managing potential conflicts, minimizing risks to riders, pedestrians and congestion. The city has also pledged to conduct a public awareness campaign to educate residents and visitors about the new rules.
The City Council plans to periodically review the ordinance and will solicit public input before making any further significant amendments.
