Des Moines Considers E-Bike, Scooter and Sidewalk Rule Changes

DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines is developing bicycle and micromobility ordinance changes following an October 19 council work session. The discussion includes high-speed devices and business-district sidewalks. For statewide background, see our Iowa e-bike laws guide.

What Is Being Considered?

According to Axios Des Moines’ October 22 report, officials are considering barring high-speed electric scooters and similar devices from public streets, sidewalks and trails. City engineer Steven Naber said staff wanted to avoid unintentionally restricting typical e-bikes and traditional cyclists. Council member Carl Voss separately supports prohibiting bicycles, scooters and skateboards on business-district sidewalks. Staff will consider council feedback before returning with an ordinance.

That sidewalk suggestion should not be read as a confirmed citywide ban. The eventual ordinance language will matter: readers should look for the precise locations, vehicle definitions, exceptions and enforcement provisions before drawing conclusions about a particular route.

What Riders Should Watch For

When a written ordinance returns for consideration, these are the questions I would check:

• Which devices are covered? Look for clear definitions that distinguish ordinary bicycles, legal e-bikes, electric scooters and electric motorcycles.
• Where would restrictions apply? A sidewalk provision, a roadway restriction and a trail rule can affect different parts of the same trip.
• What exceptions are included? Check the final text rather than assuming that every vehicle or rider is treated identically.
• When would changes take effect? Discussion at a workshop does not establish an enforcement date.

I have not independently verified the proposed ordinance’s full text, including any fine, motor-power threshold, riding-age requirement or effective date. Those details should be checked against the text presented for adoption.

Des Moines and West Des Moines Are Separate Stories

This proposal concerns the City of Des Moines. Our separate West Des Moines ordinance coverage addresses that neighboring city. Riders should check the jurisdiction for each part of their trip rather than assuming one city’s rules apply throughout the metro.

For a broader starting point, use our state-by-state e-bike law guide alongside local information.

Practical Safety Advice While the Proposal Develops

The city’s official trail safety guidance encourages riders to leave time to react to people, pets and turns, look before crossing streets or joining another path, and stay visible with lights or reflective gear.

For everyday riding, plan a route you can use safely, slow down around pedestrians and check posted restrictions. A news story about possible changes is not permission to disregard existing rules.

🎥 Watch the Des Moines City Council Work Session
The October 19 meeting included discussion of proposed bicycle and micromobility rules.

My Take

I want pedestrians to feel safe, and I also want the final wording to be easy for responsible riders to understand. The practical test is whether someone can look at the rules and work out which device they have, where they can ride it and what behavior is expected.

I would also want officials to consider safe alternatives wherever sidewalk riding is restricted. A rule is more useful when riders can understand how to complete the rest of their trip.

Reporting note: This article uses local reporting on the council discussion, with the city’s trail page linked for safety guidance. Detailed ordinance provisions will need to be checked when the revised text becomes available.

Read more electric bike news on Electric Bike Explorer for local rule changes, safety updates and industry developments.