IowaIowa law sets 750-watt ceiling for electric bicycle classification
The law uses a 750-watt motor ceiling in definitions covering low-speed electric bicycles and electric devices that carry seated or standing people.
What it does
To fit the low-speed electric bicycle definition, a bike’s motor can produce up to 750 watts. The bike must also meet equipment and bicycle class requirements.
Electric devices carrying seated or standing people can fit the law’s pedestrian device definition if their motors produce up to 750 watts. Bicycles are excluded.
Argument forA shared 750-watt ceiling could help riders and sellers understand which motors fit the bicycle and pedestrian device definitions.
Argument againstThe motor ceiling could leave people’s higher-powered mobility devices outside the definition of devices used by pedestrians.
More detail
The law allows motors producing up to 750 watts within its low-speed electric bicycle definition. Covered bicycles have a rider’s seat, two or three wheels, and fully working pedals. The bicycle must also meet the requirements of one of the referenced bicycle classes.
The law includes electric devices carrying seated or standing people in its definition of a pedestrian conveyance, a device used to move people without walking. This wording covers devices used to carry a person sitting or standing on the device. The motor must produce no more than 750 watts. The definition excludes bicycles.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 30Signed by Governor Kim Reynolds.Became Law
- Apr 30Reported correctly enrolled, signed by President and Speaker, and sent to Governor.To Governor
- Mar 9Message from House.
- Mar 5Immediate message.
- Vote recorded Shall the bill pass? Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 5Passed House, yeas 82, nays 4.Passed 2nd Chamber
- Jan 29Placed on calendar.
- Jan 28Committee vote: Yeas, 19. Nays, 0. Excused, 2.
- Jan 28Committee report, recommending passage.Minor
- Jan 22Subcommittee recommends passage.Minor
- Jan 21Subcommittee Meeting: 01/22/2026 7:45AM RM 103.
- Jan 20Subcommittee: Henderson, Meyer, A. and Scholten.
- 2025
- May 15Rereferred to Transportation.
- Apr 3Placed on calendar under unfinished business.
- Mar 24Read first time, passed on file.Minor
- Vote recorded Shall the bill pass? Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 24Message from Senate.
- Mar 24Immediate message.
- Mar 24Passed Senate, yeas 49, nays 0.Passed 1st Chamber
- Mar 4Committee report, approving bill.Minor
- Mar 4Introduced, placed on calendar.Introduced
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