Bills › 91st General Assembly

SF 490Signed by Governor · April 30, 2026

Relating to the maximum power output for low-speed electric bicycles and pedestrian conveyances powered by an electric motor

Sponsored by the Senate Transportation (companion To Hf 74 By Gustoff) Committee, Sen. Mark Costello (R)

Topics:Transportation

Same legislation: HF 74, SF 375, HF 765

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedJanuary 16, 2025
  2. Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 25, 2025
  3. Done: Senate committeeMarch 4, 2025
  4. Done: Passes the SenateMarch 24, 202549–0
  5. Done: House committeeApril 3, 2025
  6. Done: Passes the HouseMarch 5, 202682–4
  7. Done: To the GovernorApril 30, 2026
  8. Done: Signed into lawApril 30, 2026

Signed into law What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary Currently, low-speed electric bicycles and personal conveyances must have motors that produce less than 750 watts. This change would allow these motors to produce up to exactly 750 watts. If a motor produces more than that amount, the vehicle must follow the same rules as cars and motorcycles.1

Read the official explanation

This bill relates to the authorized maximum power produced by electric motors on low-speed electric bicycles and pedestrian conveyances. Current law limits the output of such electric motors to less than 750 watts. The bill instead authorizes such electric motors to produce not more than 750 watts. If an electric motor produces more than 750 watts and is attached to what would otherwise be considered a low-speed electric bicycle or personal conveyance, the provisions of Code chapter 321 (motor vehicles and law of the road) relating to vehicles, motor vehicles, automobiles, cars, motorcycles, and motorized bicycles are applicable to such vehicles.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed2

House subcommittee

Named January 20, 2026. On January 22, 2026 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§321.1

How the Code works3

Lobbying

1 for · 0 against · 10 undecided · Who →

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