It’s February, and we’re looking forward to the return of the Indiana Motorcycle and Powersports Expo. We will begin registration for rider courses on the opening day of the Expo, Friday, February 14th.
After delaying it for as long as possible, we are being forced to raise the course tuition cost this year. We should have done this a few years ago, but we wanted to keep the fee as low as possible. Meanwhile, costs all around us have continued to rise. Over the last 10 years, fuel prices have gone up by more than 50%. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a gallon of gasoline that sold for $2.06 in 2016 cost $3.44 in 2023. Virtually every service provider that we use now charges us an additional fuel surcharge.
During that same period, our insurance costs have nearly doubled. My family was recently surprised by the amount that our homeowner’s insurance had jumped. Imagine trying to insure a program where novices learn to ride a motorcycle. We must have it, but it is very expensive.
The state continues to add requirements to the contract for rider education providers. Compliance with these mandates not only takes up resources but can also come with a significant price tag. Administrative and reporting changes often require software and sometimes hardware upgrades. A single, seemingly simple change can result in a cost of tens of thousands of dollars.
Port-o-lets are another necessary evil. The rental fee for these units has continued to increase along with all waste, trash, sanitary, and refuse services. These vendors have all implemented the aforementioned fuel surcharge. Utility charges and all other overhead are also greater than just a few years ago.
Ever since the global pandemic, we have seen elevated prices on motorcycle (and automotive) parts. Keeping a fleet of more than 100 motorcycles maintained is no small task, nor does it have a small cost.
Changes that the state has made to the program’s structure have also impacted contractors. We are no longer able to spread expenses over as large a number of students, therefore driving the cost per student upward.
ABATE of Indiana has invested a great deal of time, research, and money in developing and implementing what we believe is the best curriculum available for Hoosier riders. Rather than merely use an off the shelf course used in a number of states, the Basic Rider Skills (BRS) course contains components specific to Indiana. Students who come to us after having taken other courses have expressed that they feel the BRS provides more riding time, is more “real world,” and better prepares a person for riding on the street.
For 2025, the BRS course tuition will be $299 for Indiana residents and $429 for students from out-of-state. This is in line with other providers from around the state and across the country. Some states offer courses at no cost, while riders in other states can pay more than $500 for a class.
We believe that you will find this approximately 15-20 hour course to be an exceptional value as motorcycles, fuel, instruction, materials, loaner riding gear, and a one-year membership in ABATE of Indiana are all included.
As always, early class dates will fill quickly. With enrollment opening on February 14th, you’ll want to make sure that you’re ready.
Ride Safe,
Ride Free,
Jay Jackson
