Virginia Electric Bike Laws

2023 Virginia E-bike Laws

*The below information is current as of January 1, 2023 to the best of our knowledge!

In Virginia, E-bikes are regulated like bicycles. The same rules of the road apply to both e-bikes and human-powered bicycles. This means that they are not subject to the registration, licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles. (Source: Virginia Code 46.2-904.1)

Virginia designates three classes of e-bikes which we go into further detail below. Each Class of E-bikes has it's own laws surrounding where it can and can't be ridden.

Other Virginia Laws

All ebikes manufactured after January 1, 2021 must have a prominently displayed label containing the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. (Source: Virginia Code 46.2-904.1)
The ebike motor speed and engagement cannot be modified without the label (#1) being replaced after modification. (Source: Virginia Code 46.2-904.1)
A city, town or state agency that has jurisdiction can restrict where e-bikes are allowed. When in doubt, check for local rules and regulations. (Source: Virginia Code 46.2-904.1)

Shop E-bikes

Shop Now

Our E-bike Experience

Learn More

Our e-bike brands

Learn More

What is an Ebike

*The below information is current as of January 1, 2022!

In Virginia, a "Electric power-assisted bicycle" means a vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is equipped with (i) pedals that allow propulsion by human power, (ii) a seat for the use of the rider, and (iii) an electric motor with an input of no more than 750 watts.

These bikes are then separated into 3 classes depending on the bikes top speed and whether or not it has a throttle.

(Source: Virginia Code 46.2-100)

If your "ebike" has meets any of the following criteria it is not an "Electric power-assisted bicycle" but is most likely regulated as a moped or motorcycle.

Not an Ebike

cannot be pedaled
does not have a seat (scooter)
has a motor with a peak torque over 750 Watts
the bike does more than 20 mph with a throttle installed
the bike does more than 28 mph without a throttle installed

Find More Information about "unclassified ebikes" at the bottom of the page.

Class 1 E-bikes

CLASS 1 EBIKE DEFINITION

"Class one" means an electric power-assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. (Max 750 Watt Motor)
Source: (Virginia Code 46.2-100)

VIRGINIA CLASS 1 Ebike LAWS

Class 1 e-bikes are categorized as a non-motorized vehicle and may be ridden in places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roads, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or shared-use paths. *Exceptions do apply
(Source: Virginia Code 46.2-904.1)

Ebikes on the Creeper Trail

Ebikes are not allowed on the Creeper Trail as of 11/1/2022.

We have received many questions on whether you can ride ebikes on the Creeper Trail in Damascus, Virginia. After extensive research and talking to a member of the board that regulates the trail, we can tell you that ebikes are NOT ALLOWED on the Creeper Trail.

The Creeper trail is actively looking at changing this rule, but because the National Forest Service owns a portion of the trail, it complicates the issue. The Forest Service has to do Geological studies involving the possibility of more erosion before the local jurisdiction can make an exception for ebikes. The board told us that once that happens, the town of Damascus and Abington will allow ebikes according to the Forest Services decision.

Ebikes in National Parks

As of January 1, 2021 all e-bikes (as long as they are class 1-3) are categorized as non-motorized vehicles and can be ridden most places a traditional bike is allowed. National Parks Superintends do hold the power to restrict ebike usage if they feel like it is to the benefit of the public, so please check with your specific park. (Source: National Park Service: Electric Bikes, NPS.gov)

Ebikes in National Forest:

All e-bikes are prohibited from being ridden on any non-motorized trails in our National Forest!

As of March 31st the USDA Forest Services issued directives to clarify how ebikes are managed in National Forest. They wrote the 3 classifications into their laws and then regulated them as motorized vehicles. A common misunderstanding is that if your e-bike is under 750 watts it is allowed in the national forest. This is incorrect information!

At this time, ebikes are only allowed on forest service roads where other motor vehicles are already allowed. Local Jurisdictions can make exceptions but at this point you can only ride electric bikes on trails that are open to motorized vehicles.

(Source: USDA Forest Service)

Ebikes In Virginia Wildlife Managment Areas:

As of 2021, Virginia opened its WMA (Wildlife Management Area) lands up to class 1 & class 2 ebikes. (Source: WMA Rules)

Ebikes in Virginia State Parks:

Class 1 e-Bikes are legal to ride on all mountain biking trails in our state parks as of April 10, 2019. This opens up trail networks such as Douthat and Shenandoah River State Park trail networks to mountain E-bikes. (Source: Virginia DCR)

EBIKES IN Massanutten Western Slopes

Massanutten has legalized class 1 e-mountain bikes on their Western Slope trails. This is one of the best local places to ride your new class 1 e-mountain bike in the Shenandoah Valley. (Source: Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition)

SHOP NOW

Class 2 E-bikes

CLASS 2 Ebike DEFINITION

"Class two" means an electric power-assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that "has a throttle and" may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph. (Max 750 Watt Motor)
Source: (Virginia Code 46.2-100)

VIRGINIA CLASS 2 Ebike LAWS

Class 1 e-bikes are categorized as a non-motorized vehicle and may be ridden in places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roads, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or shared-use paths. Find more information on laws for specific areas is below.
(Source: Virginia Code 46.2-904.1)

EBIKES ON THE CREEPER TRAIL

Ebikes are not allowed on the Creeper Trail as of 11/1/2022.

We have received many questions on whether you can ride ebikes on the Creeper Trail in Damascus, Virginia. After extensive research and talking to a member of the board that regulates the trail, we can tell you that ebikes are NOT ALLOWED on the Creeper Trail.

The Creeper trail is actively looking at changing this rule, but because the National Forest Service owns a portion of the trail, it complicates the issue. The Forest Service has to do Geological studies involving the possibility of more erosion before the local jurisdiction can make an exception for ebikes. The board told us that once that happens, the town of Damascus and Abington will allow ebikes according to the Forest Services decision.

EBIKES IN NATIONAL PARKS

As of January 1, 2021 all e-bikes (as long as they are class 1-3) are categorized as non-motorized vehicles and can be ridden most places a traditional bike is allowed. National Parks Superintends do hold the power to restrict ebike usage if they feel like it is to the benefit of the public, so please check with your specific park. (Source: National Park Service: Electric Bikes, NPS.gov)

EBIKES IN NATIONAL FOREST:

All e-bikes are prohibited from being ridden on any non-motorized trails in our National Forest!

As of March 31st the USDA Forest Services issued directives to clarify how ebikes are managed in National Forest. They wrote the 3 classifications into their laws and then regulated them as motorized vehicles. A common misunderstanding is that if your e-bike is under 750 watts it is allowed in the national forest. This is incorrect information!

At this time, ebikes are only allowed on forest service roads where other motor vehicles are already allowed. Local Jurisdictions can make exceptions but at this point you can only ride electric bikes on trails that are open to motorized vehicles.

(Source: USDA Forest Service)

EBIKES IN VIRGINIA WILDLIFE MANAGMENT AREAS:

As of 2021, Virginia opened its WMA (Wildlife Management Area) lands up to class 1 & class 2 ebikes. (Source: WMA Rules)

EBIKES IN VIRGINIA STATE PARKS:

Class 2 e-Bikes are legal to ride on on any bicycle path or trail designated for such use in our state parks. This opens up trail networks such as Douthat and Shenandoah River State Park trail networks to mountain E-bikes. (Source: Virginia DCR)

EBIKES IN MASSANUTTEN WESTERN SLOPES

Class 2 Ebikes are not allowed on the Massanutten Western Slopes. (Source: Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition)

SHOP NOW

Class 3 E-bikes

Class 3 Ebike Definition

"Class three" means an electric power-assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. (Max 750 Watt Motor)
Source: (Virginia Code 46.2-100)

VIRGINIA CLASS 3 Ebike LAWS

Class 3 e-bikes are categorized as a non-motorized vehicle and may be ridden in places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roads, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or shared-use paths. They are a vehicle when operated on a road, so road laws like stop signs do apply. All operators and passengers of Class 3 e-bikes must wear a helmet (Source: Virginia Code 46.2-904.1).

Class 3 ebikes are not legal on all greenways and bike paths, so be sure to check on the specific trail before you ride.

Source: (Virginia Code 46.2-100)

CREEPER TRAIL

Ebikes are not allowed on the Creeper Trail as of 11/1/2022.

We have received many questions on whether you can ride ebikes on the Creeper Trail in Damascus, Virginia. After extensive research and talking to a member of the board that regulates the trail, we can tell you that ebikes are NOT ALLOWED on the Creeper Trail.

The Creeper trail is actively looking at changing this rule, but because the National Forest Service owns a portion of the trail, it complicates the issue. The Forest Service has to do Geological studies involving the possibility of more erosion before the local jurisdiction can make an exception for ebikes. The board told us that once that happens, the town of Damascus and Abington will allow ebikes according to the Forest Services decision.

National Parks

As of January 1, 2021 all e-bikes (as long as they are class 1-3) are allowed in our National Parks anywhere a traditional bike is allowed.

SHOP NOW

unclassified E-bikes

unclassified ebikes

A Pedal-Equipped bicycle that has a motor with more than 750 Watts of peak torque, does more than 20 Mph with a throttle installed, and/or does more than 28 Mph without a throttle installed is often referred to as an "unclassified ebike" but is regulated as either an off-road motorcycle, moped, or motorcycle.

Unclassified Ebike LAWS

MOPED LAWS

Unclassified Ebikes are regulated as moped if the motor is at or under 1500 watts and/or it operates below 35 mph. (Virginia law 46.2-100)

Your moped (unclassified Ebike) must be titled and registered with the DMV (unless it qualifies as an offroad motorcycle)
You must be at least age 16 to drive a moped.
Every moped driver operating on Virginia roadways must carry a government-issued photo ID (does not have to be a driver's license).
Every driver and passenger must wear a Virginia State Police-approved helmet while riding a moped. Drivers must also wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles unless the moped has a windshield.
It is illegal to drive a mopeds on the interstate.
It is illegal to drive a moped if your license is suspended or revoked for convictions of DUI, underage consumption of alcohol, refusing a blood/breath test, or driving while suspended/revoked for a DUI-related offense.
If your driving privilege is suspended or revoked for a DUI-related conviction, you must comply with all requirements imposed by DMV and the court before operating a moped.
Individuals with outstanding fines for high-occupancy toll lanes or toll violations cannot register any motor vehicle, including mopeds, until those fines have been paid.

If you are traveling through Virginia, or are a temporary Virginia resident, you must still meet the above requirements, even if they are not required in your home state.

Note: These requirements do not apply to mopeds that are solely operated on private property.

Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Off-road MOTORCYCLE LAWS

Unclassified Ebikes are regulated as off-road motorcycle if it is designed exclusively for off-road use by an individual rider with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground. (Virginia law 46.2-100)

Cannot be operated on any public highway or other public property (46.2-915.1)
Must Wear DOT approved helmet (46.2-915.1)
Other Off-Road Motorcycle Laws (46.2-915.1)

MOtorcycle LAWS

"Unclassified Ebikes" are regulated as a motorcycle if they have a motor over 1500 watts and/or the bike operates above 35 mph. (Virginia law 46.2-100)