Bill
Bill > HF765
IA HF765
IA HF765A bill for an act relating to the maximum power output for low-speed electric bicycles and pedestrian conveyances powered by an electric motor.(Formerly HF 74.)
summary
Introduced
03/05/2025
03/05/2025
In Committee
05/15/2025
05/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
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.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the definitions of "low-speed electric bicycle" and "pedestrian conveyance" in Iowa state law to adjust the maximum power output allowed for electric motors. Specifically, the bill changes the language from limiting electric motors to "less than" 750 watts to allowing motors that produce "not more than" 750 watts. For low-speed electric bicycles, the bill also makes minor grammatical adjustments to the definition, such as replacing "having" with "equipped with" and adding a comma. For pedestrian conveyances, the bill maintains the existing definition but updates the power output language. An important context for this change is that if an electric motor on a bicycle or personal conveyance exceeds 750 watts, the vehicle would then be subject to motor vehicle regulations under Chapter 321 of the Iowa Code, which means it would be treated more like a motor vehicle than a bicycle or pedestrian device. This change provides slightly more flexibility for electric bicycle and personal conveyance manufacturers and users while maintaining a clear threshold for regulatory classification.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Transportation (House)
Last Action
House Transportation Committee (14:30:00 1/21/2026 RM 103) (on 01/21/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF765 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF765.html |
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