In February, BIKEIOWA covered HSB 637, a proposed state bill that raised alarm across Iowa’s cycling community due to provisions that could have restricted where bicycles - particularly e-bikes - could legally ride.
While that bill was ultimately withdrawn after widespread public concern, the conversation around how to regulate emerging electric mobility devices has not gone away. Instead, it is now shifting to the local level.
Two upcoming Central Iowa meetings may shape how cities approach e-bikes, electric scooters, and electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) on trails, sidewalks, and public infrastructure.
Ankeny Considering New Trail Speed Limit
The Ankeny City Council is expected to take up a proposed ordinance on March 16 at 5:30 PM at the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library that would regulate how electric mobility devices operate within the city.
The proposal comes after increasing concerns from residents and city leaders about electric motorcycles and high-powered devices being ridden on trails and sidewalks, particularly by younger riders.
Ankeny Mayor Bobbi Bentz noted that complaints about these devices have become one of the most frequent issues raised by residents.
Rather than trying to classify devices by motor type or horsepower, the proposed ordinance would simplify enforcement by establishing a universal 20-mph speed limit for users on trails and sidewalks.
Under the proposal, the speed limit would apply to:
According to Ankeny Police Sgt. James Wilson, enforcing a speed limit is significantly easier than trying to determine the motor classification of an e-bike or scooter.
The city’s current code categorizes devices by motor power and top speed, but officers say that modified e-bikes can easily exceed factory limits, making the existing classification system difficult to enforce.
Wilson emphasized that the goal of the ordinance would be education first, enforcement second, noting that officers are not looking to issue citations to young riders.
If passed, the city plans to install trail signage and educational materials explaining the rules.
The ordinance would require three readings before becoming city law.
Regional Policy Discussion Happening at the Metro Level
The issue is also being discussed at a regional level.
On March 11, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Active Transportation Roundtable will host a presentation on e-bike and pedestrian safety proposals.
The meeting will include discussion from the Polk County Law Enforcement Executive’s Association (PLEXA)- a group that was involved in discussions surrounding the original HSB 637 legislation.
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition will also present an alternative proposal that focuses on improving safety while avoiding broad restrictions that could negatively impact cyclists or people using bikes for transportation.
Topics expected to be discussed include:
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How electric mobility devices should be defined
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Where different devices should be allowed to operate
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Speed management on trails and shared paths
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Equipment and safety standards
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Enforcement approaches that balance safety and accessibility
The Challenge Cities Are Facing
Communities across the country are wrestling with the same question:
How do you regulate new electric mobility devices without unintentionally restricting bicycles or discouraging active transportation?
Devices now appearing on trails include:
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Traditional bicycles
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Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes
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Electric scooters
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High-powered electric motorcycles (“e-motos”)
While many of these devices share similar infrastructure, their speed capabilities, weight, and use cases can vary significantly.
Cities are increasingly looking for policies that address actual behavior - such as unsafe speed - rather than banning entire categories of devices.
A Reminder: Iowa Law Still Protects E-Bikes on Trails
While local discussions continue, the state legislature recently passed SF490, a bill that reaffirmed that all classes of e-bikes are allowed on trails in Iowa.
The legislation was widely viewed as a response to the earlier HSB 637 proposal and clarified that e-bikes should continue to be treated similarly to traditional bicycles under Iowa law.
Why This Matters for Cyclists
These discussions may seem technical, but they can have real impacts on how people move around their communities.
Local ordinances could affect:
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Where bicycles and e-bikes can ride
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Speed limits on shared-use trails
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Enforcement and ticketing policies
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Access to active transportation infrastructure
Because local governments have authority to adopt rules that are consistent with state law, municipal policies can shape the day-to-day experience of riding in Iowa cities.
Opportunities for Public Input
If you ride, commute, recreate, or simply care about trail access, the following upcoming meetings may be worth paying attention to:
Des Moines Area MPO Active Transportation Roundtable
March 11 • 1:30–2:30 PM
DSM MPO Office
Ankeny City Council – Ordinance First Reading
March 16 • 5:30 PM
Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
The Conversation Is Just Beginning
As electric mobility continues to evolve, cities across Iowa will likely revisit how trails, sidewalks, and shared spaces are managed.
The goal many communities are striving for is clear:
Safer trails, clear rules, and policies that protect access for everyone - whether they ride bikes, use mobility devices, or simply enjoy walking the trail system.
For cyclists, this is a reminder that local policy decisions can shape the future of riding just as much as state legislation does.