Two Des Moines metro cities are revising proposed e-bike ordinances after pushback from local cyclists.
Why it matters: Clive and Waukee city leaders say they want to limit the reckless use of high-powered electric devices, but cycling advocates say their proposals would also restrict where regular cyclists could go.
Context: Cities across the metro are grappling with a rise in the number of kids using high-powered electric motorcycles, also known as e-motos.
- E-motos are often falsely advertised online as e-bikes and exceed the motor power allowed under state law. Many parents are buying them for their kids without realizing they’re prohibited.
State of play: Both Clive and Waukee are scrapping their originally proposed bike ordinances and are presenting new versions following feedback from local groups like the Street Collective and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition…