Electric Scooters are legal - but there are regulations which vary by terriority
Iowa remains a "Patchwork State." Because House File 500 failed to establish a state-wide mandate, the legality of an electric scooter is determined by the specific city or campus you are in.
A "Model Ordinance" (pushed by the Des Moines Area MPO) has brought a degree of uniformity to the state's urban centers.
The University of Iowa Decal Rule (2025 Update)
If you are riding in Iowa City, you must be aware of the Chapter 40 Administrative Policy (Amended May 2024).
Registration: All "e-mobility devices" (including personal e-scooters) must be registered with the University or the City of Iowa City/Coralville.
The Decal: A registration decal must be visibly affixed to the frame. Failure to display a current decal can lead to immobilization or impoundment if parked on University property.
Common Municipal Standards (Des Moines, Ames, Atlantic)
Most Iowa cities have now adopted the following baseline for Personal Transportation Devices:
Weight: To avoid being reclassified as a "motorized bicycle" (moped), your scooter should weigh less than 100 lbs.
Speed: To avoid being reclassified as a "motorized bicycle" (moped), your scooter should have a top attainable speed of less than 25 mph.
Bicycle Parity: In cities like Atlantic (Ordinance 2025-09), riders are granted the same rights and duties as bicyclists.
This includes the right to use the roadway (keeping as far to the right as practicable) and bike lanes.
Sidewalks: Generally allowed, but prohibited in "Business Districts" (e.g., Downtown Des Moines or Ames' Main Street).
You must always yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
Technical Notes
Lighting: Every device used at night must have a white front lamp (300 ft visibility) and a red rear light or reflector (300 ft visibility).
Brakes: Must be powerful enough to make the wheels skid on dry, clean pavement. *
Red light: The "Dead Red" Rule: If you are stopped at a red light that fails to detect your presence, Iowa law allows you to proceed with caution after a complete stop - provided it is safe to do so.
2026 Legal Alert: DUI Enforcement
Iowa has clarified that DUI laws apply to all e-mobility devices. Operating a scooter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs on any public property can result in the same criminal penalties as operating a car, regardless of the lack of a registration requirement.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in Iowa, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
