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Muscatine council directs staff to draft code allowing lower‑powered e‑bikes, with pedestrian protections
Summary
On Feb. 10 the Muscatine City Council asked staff to draft an amendment to city code that would allow certain electric bikes and similar micro‑mobility devices where bicycles are permitted, while exempting high‑power motors and protecting pedestrians.
The Muscatine City Council on Feb. 10 directed staff to prepare a city‑code amendment to permit certain electric bicycles and motorized micro‑mobility devices in places where conventional bicycles are allowed, city staff said.
Andrew, a city staff presenter, told the council advances in battery and vehicle technology have produced a wide range of electric devices and recommended a ruleset that would allow lower‑powered, bicycle‑like devices while continuing to prohibit internal‑combustion vehicles, motors over 750 watts and devices capable of more than about 20 miles per hour when running on electric power alone. "As the performance of these devices has improved, while the price has come down, they have, we've seen an explosion in popularity," Andrew said.
Board members focused on enforceability and pedestrian safety. Council member Lewis said she worries about devices operating at higher speeds on trails and sidewalks: "You get hit by car going 20 miles an hour, you're going to the doctor, if not the hospital," she said. Police Chief Keys said the department had "not had any of the e‑bikes complaints to my knowledge" and that the immediate enforcement approach would emphasize education and targeted patrols for problem locations.
Staff recommended several concrete rules to reduce conflict with pedestrians, including treating pedal‑assist bicycles differently from throttle‑only devices, requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, slow to a safe speed and give an audible warning when passing, and maintain at least three feet of lateral separation where possible. Andrew said ADA mobility devices such as electric wheelchairs would continue to be exempt from the restrictions.
Council members also asked staff to review pending state legislative activity and how a future Iowa rule limiting certain devices to streets could affect local code. Several members supported adopting a capability‑based test (motor wattage or maximum capable speed) rather than attempting routine radar enforcement of trail speeds.
Next steps: council asked staff to draft specific ordinance language and return it for a public hearing. The council did not take a formal roll‑call vote on an ordinance at the meeting; the direction was to prepare and present the amendment for formal consideration.
