Fort Wayne, IN Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Fort Wayne Code Ch. 74, §§ 74.33-74.35
- E-bike classes
- Class 1-3 defined by Indiana Code
- Where allowed
- Streets, sidewalks, and city trail network
- Passing clearance
- 3-foot minimum passing distance required
- Max penalty
- $2,500 fine plus impoundment
Summary
Fort Wayne treats Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bicycles identically under Chapter 74: all three, as defined by Indiana Code, are allowed on streets, sidewalks, and the Fort Wayne Area Trails Network under the same bicycle rules.
E-BICYCLE. As defined in: (1) I.C. 9-13-2-26.6 - CLASS 1 ELECTRIC BICYCLE...(2) I.C. 9-13-2-26.7 - CLASS 2 ELECTRIC BICYCLE...(3) I.C. 9-13-2-26.8 - CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLE... All e-bicycles operated on the sidewalk, the Fort Wayne Area Trails Network, or a recreational trail must meet the requirements of § 74.33.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 74 defines e-bicycles using Indiana's three-class system (I.C. 9-13-2-26.6 through -26.8): Class 1 and 2 assist up to 20 mph, Class 3 up to 28 mph. Fort Wayne doesn't split access by class, § 74.35(A) requires only that a device meet the § 74.33 definition to use the sidewalk, the Fort Wayne Area Trails Network, or a recreational trail. Once qualified, every e-bicycle rider gets a pedestrian's rights and duties on sidewalks and trails and a motorist's rights and duties on streets under § 74.34, including a mandatory three-foot passing clearance for slower users. The Fort Wayne Police Department and the Ordinance Violations Bureau enforce the chapter.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 74 carries a fine up to $2,500 plus possible vehicle impoundment under § 74.99; some subsections set a separate $25-$200 fine, $15 for first-time offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Class 3 e-bike ride on Fort Wayne sidewalks and trails?
What's the top speed difference between the e-bike classes in Fort Wayne?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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