07/20/2026
PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT
An increase in the use of electric-powered dirt bikes has been observed within our community. Examples include brands of Yozma, Eskute, Aipas, Heybike, and Qronge. These devices are defined by Iowa Code as an “Off-Road Motorcycle” and cannot lawfully be operated on city streets, sidewalks, or the Tama-Toledo Rec Trail. These are not the same as electric bicycles, e-bikes, or mopeds. Websites for these companies even show disclaimers similar to “This vehicle is intended for off-road use only and is not permitted on public roads. When riding, always follow local laws and regulations, wear a helmet, and prioritize safety at all times.”
If law enforcement encounters these vehicles in any of the above-mentioned areas, those operating the vehicle are subject to citation and impoundment of the vehicle. We ask all parents to educate their children and ensure that they are not operated on roadways or sidewalks. Parents who allow their children to operate these off-road motorcycles on roadways are also subject to sanction.
There are different legal distinctions that qualify these vehicles under specific code sections.
Laws related to your E-Bike:
Does it qualify as a motor vehicle?
Iowa Code 321.42. a. “Motor vehicle” means a vehicle which is self-propelled and not operated upon rails.
If the answer to this question is yes then you are subject to all motor vehicle laws under Iowa Code unless specified otherwise in that code section.
Is my E-Bike legally a Bicycle?
There are two definitions that are used to legally qualify your E-Bike:
Iowa Code 321.1(40)a. “Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle having a saddle or seat for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground including a motor scooter but excluding a tractor, an autocycle, a low-speed electric bicycle, and a motorized bicycle. b. “Motorized bicycle” means a motor vehicle having a saddle or seat for the use of a rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, and not capable of operating at a speed in excess of thirty-nine miles per hour on level ground unassisted by human power, but excluding a low-speed electric bicycle. c. “Bicycle” means either of the following: (1) A device having two or three wheels and having at least one saddle or seat for the use of a rider which is propelled by human power. (2) A low-speed electric bicycle.
Iowa Administrative Code 681—4.2(262) Definitions “Bicycle” means any vehicle having two or three wheels and fully operable pedals that is a traditional bicycle designed solely to be pedaled by the rider. An electric/battery-powered bicycle designed not only to be pedaled by the rider but also propelled by an electric motor of less than 750 watts (one horsepower) may be treated as a bicycle and may be parked at bicycle racks
If your E-Bike meets the definition of a low-speed bicycle then you should be aware there are 3 different classes of E-Bike. If it does not then it likely meets the definition of Motorcycle or Motorized Bicycle and you are subject to the laws and ordinances pertaining to Motorcycle or Motorized Bicycle.
What class is my low speed E-bike?
Iowa Code 321.1(36A). “Low-speed electric bicycle” means a device having a saddle or seat for the use of a rider, two or three wheels equipped with fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes: a. “Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle” means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used to provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour or more. b. “Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle” means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour or more. c. “Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle” means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used to provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty-eight miles per hour or more.
If you meet the definition of bicycle or low-speed electric bicycle, you are subject to the all laws regulating bicycles. If you do not meet this definition then you are subject to Motorcycle laws and licenses as well as all motor vehicle laws and regulations unless directly specified.
Iowa Code 321I.1(16): “Off-road motorcycle” means a two-wheeled motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control and that is intended by the manufacturer for use on natural terrain. “Off-road motorcycle” includes a motorcycle that was originally issued a certificate of title and registered for highway use under chapter 321, but which contains design features that enable operation over natural terrain.
