Waukee is considering stricter e-bike and e-scooter rules, though some of the city’s proposed regulations would also restrict where regular cyclists can go.
Why it matters: Local law enforcement says the rules are needed to stop kids from riding high-powered electric motorcycles, known as e-motos, but cycling advocates worry that the proposed rules could overstep their own rides.
Context: Parents are unknowingly buying their kids e-motos, which are often sold online as e-bikes.
- However, e-motos exceed Iowa’s allowable 750 watts and can go over 40 mph. They’re not allowed to be ridden by anyone under 16 in the state.
State of play: Ankeny recently passed an ordinance limiting trail users’ speeds to 20 mph and prohibiting e-motos on trails, but Waukee’s proposal takes things a step further.
- It’s seeking to prohibit all cyclists and scooter users (including nonmotorized) from roads if there were a trail, bike lane or sidewalk available. If those weren’t available, riders would be expected to remain close to the curb.
- It would also prohibit all cyclists and scooters from riding on roads with speed limits above 25 mph.
Flashback: Some of the proposed rules are similar to those in an “anti-biking bill” that failed to pass this year at the Legislature…