SF 490 Iowa Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

A bill for an act relating to the maximum power output for low-speed electric bicycles and pedestrian conveyances powered by an electric motor.

SF 490 revises the definitions for "low-speed electric bicycle" and "pedestrian conveyance" by adjusting the maximum power output allowed for their electric motors. Currently, these devices must have an electric motor that produces *less than* 750 watts. The bill changes this wording to *not more than* 750 watts, allowing devices that produce exactly 750 watts to still be classified under these categories. This change directly affects individuals who own or use these electric devices, as exceeding the 750-watt limit would subject them to motor vehicle regulations.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Mar 4, 2025 Signed Apr 30, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

Enrolled Enrolled with Governor's Action · 1 edit · Apr 30, 2026
MINOR
The bill was finalized by the Governor, transitioning from an enrolled draft to an official enacted version. The substantive legal text regarding the definitions of 'low-speed electric bicycles' and 'pedestrian conveyances' remains unchanged, while the document format was updated to include the Governor's signature block and certification.
Scope change
No change in the scope or applicability of the law; the bill now has the force of law.
TECHNICAL

The document was updated from a draft 'Enrolled' status to include the Governor's signature, the Secretary of the Senate's approval, and the official certification that the bill originated in the Senate.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 24, 2025

How they voted

500
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 51
Mar 24, 2025
D Democratic16
15 Yea 1
93% Yea
R Republican35
35 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
19
Key actions
9
Committee
7
Apr 30, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
upper
Mar 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed House, yeas 82, nays 4.
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee vote: Yeas, 19. Nays, 0. Excused, 2.
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee report, recommending passage.
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Subcommittee recommends passage.
legislature
Jan 21, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Subcommittee Meeting: 01/22/2026 7:45AM RM 103.
legislature
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee: Henderson, Meyer, A. and Scholten.
lower
May 15, 2025
Committee
Rereferred to Transportation.
lower
Mar 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, yeas 49, nays 0.
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report, approving bill.
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, placed on calendar.
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.