Low-speed, electric bicycles are blazing trails in traffic laws around the country and Iowa lawmakers are trying to decide how to treat these new hybrids.
So-called e-bikes are designed so that a rider may pedal them with or without assistance from a low-power motor. Bicycle advocates want them to be classified more like unpowered bikes, as opposed to mopeds or scooters, which might not be allowed on trails.
As of 2019, 23 states had passed legislation defining e-bikes in their traffic statutes, according to PeopleforBikes, a Colorado-based advocacy organization. The organization was working to get legislation passed in 17 states this year.
A Senate subcommittee unanimously agreed to advance Senate File 2205, which defines three classifications of low-speed electric bicycles and treats them like pedal-powered bikes under traffic laws.