Virginia Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Class 1-2 on bicycle trails

Virginia adopted the three-class system in 2020 (Acts of Assembly chapters 59 and 260), and an e-bike that fits a class has the rights and duties of a bicycle with no license, registration or insurance. Class 3 riders under 14 must be supervised by someone 18 or older, and every Class 3 rider and passenger must wear a helmet. A 2026 law (HB 1120, chapter 737) directs the DMV to convene a work group on e-bike, scooter and moped safety, with recommendations due November 1, 2026.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
14 unsupervised
E-bike helmet
Local option, 14 and under
State parks
Class 1-2 on bicycle trails
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Virginia

Virginia rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2; 750 W maxNoneNoNoNoLocal option, 14 and underYes, unless local banPaths open to bicycles
E-bike, Class 3Class 3, 28 mph14 unsupervisedNoNoNoYes, all ridersYes, unless local banPaths unless locality bans
Stand-up e-scooterMotorized skateboard or scooter: under 100 lb, 20 mph14 unsupervisedNoNoNoLocal option, 14 and underYes, unless local banNo state rule
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped: 50 cc or 1,500 W, 35 mph max16Photo IDYesNoYes, plus eye protectionNoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Localities may restrict paths only after a hearing
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required; under 14 with adult 18+
  • Stand-up e-scooter. 20 mph cap; no interstates
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). No interstates

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage (since January 1, 2021); speedometer on Class 3; label must be replaced if the bike is modified; spill-proof sealed or gel battery.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Localities may ban e-bikes from sidewalks by ordinance, ban Class 1 and 2 from a path only after notice and a public hearing, ban Class 3 from paths outright, regulate natural-surface nonmotorized trails, and require helmets for riders 14 and younger. Virginia Beach bans e-bikes from the Oceanfront Boardwalk and its bike path.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Virginia

Virginia State Parks (Department of Conservation and Recreation) allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paths and trails designated for bicycles; its policy does not list Class 3.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
Va. Code 46.2-100, 46.2-904.1; 2020 Acts cc. 59, 260
E-bike, Class 3
Va. Code 46.2-904.1, 46.2-908.1
Stand-up e-scooter
Va. Code 46.2-100, 46.2-904, 46.2-908.1
Seated e-scooter (moped)
Va. Code 46.2-100; DMV moped rules
Status
Verified
Open items
Bill numbers behind 2020 chapters 59 and 260; whether Virginia State Parks admits Class 3 anywhere; HB 269 (motorized mobility vehicle registration) was continued to 2027
Last verified
Q4 2026