Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
Q. What is an e-bike?
A. There are three classes of e-bikes:
– Class 1 e-bikes have a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
– Class 2 e-bikes have a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
– Class 3 e-bikes have a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.
Mopeds (which go less than 35mph), and motorcycles (which go faster) are prohibited from sidewalks and trails. An “e-moto” exceeds the speed and motor wattage of a Class 3 e-bike, even if it includes pedals and controls include an e-bike setting as an option.
As described by People for Bikes:
Q. Who can ride an e-bike?
A. Operators of Class 3 e-bikes, in addition to wearing a bicycle helmet, must be at least 14 years old or directly supervised by someone at least 18 years old.
Virginia State Code says:
§ 46.2-908.1. Electric personal assistive mobility devices, electrically powered toy vehicles, electric power-assisted bicycles, and motorized skateboards or scooters.
No person less than 14 years old shall drive any electric personal assistive mobility device, motorized skateboard or scooter, or class three electric power-assisted bicycle unless under the immediate supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old.
§ 46.2-914. Limitations on operation of mopeds.
B. No moped shall be driven on any highway by any person under the age of 16, and every person driving a moped shall carry with him a government-issued form of photo identification that includes his name, address, and date of birth.
Q. Can I ride an e-bike on the sidewalk?
A. Prince William County authorizes riding bikes on sidewalks. The Code of Virginia allows local jurisdictions to ban the use of bicycles (including e-bikes) from sidewalks, but the county has not done so yet.
Q. Can I ride an e-bike on trails in parks?
E-bikes (but not e-motos) are allowed on trails in Prince William County parks. Bikes are allowed only in designated areas such as trails The county does not, at this time, restrict Class 3 bikes on park trails.
No bikes (even pedal-only bikes) are authorized on trails in Manassas National Battlefield Park and Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge. At Prince William Forest Park, e-bikes are allowed on paved roads as well as designated unpaved “fire roads” but banned from hiking trails. E-bikes are allowed on trails which are not restricted to just hikers at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge..
At Leesylvania State Park, only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed, and only on trails not designated for use by just hikers. Conway Robinson State Forest also allows just Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on trails.
Q. Do I need a driver’s license or insurance to operate an electric bike?
A. Not in Virginia. Section 46.2-904.1 of the Code of Virginia says “An electric power-assisted bicycle is a vehicle to the same extent as is a bicycle.”
There are different requirements for mopeds and motorcycles. “E-motos” that have more than 750 watt engines and can exceed 28mph using just the throttle are NOT e-bikes.
Q. Do I need to obey traffic signals and stop signs when riding an e-bike?
A. Yes. Also, bicyclists must stay (with exceptions) as close as safely practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway and shall not ride more than two abreast.
Q. Do I need to wear a helmet when I ride an e-bike?
A. In Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park, a protective helmet is required for cyclists 14 or under,. The town of Quantico has passed the same requirement.
According to state law, all cyclists riding Class 3 electric power-assisted bicycles must wear a helmet.
Q. Can I wear headphones on an e-bike?
A. Prince William County code says “It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle, moped, bicycle or electric power-assisted bicycle on the highways in the county while using earphones on or in both ears.”
Q. Do I need a headlight?
A. According to county code, all bikes need a headlight on the front and a red reflector on the rear between sunset and sunrise
Resources
Code of Virginia
– Title 46.2. Motor Vehicles » Chapter 8. Regulation of Traffic » Chapter 8. Regulation of Traffic » Article 12. Bicycles
– Title 46.2. Motor Vehicles » Subtitle III. Operation » Chapter 8. Regulation of Traffic » Article 12. Bicycles » § 46.2-904.1. Electric power-assisted bicycles
– Title 46.2. Motor Vehicles » Subtitle III. Operation » Chapter 8. Regulation of Traffic » Article 12. Bicycles » § 46.2-905. Riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, motorized skateboards or scooters, and mopeds on roadways and bicycle paths
Fairfax County Park Authority
Electrically Assisted Bicycles and Other Conveyances
League of American Bicyclists
E-Bikes
Loudoun County
Bicycle, E-Bike & Scooter Safety Information
Safety Brochure
Mole Hill Bikes
Virginia Electric Bike Laws: A Complete Guide (2026)
National Park Service
Active Transportation Guidebook (2018)
Bicycles, Pedestrians, and Multi-Use Trails
Electric Bicycles (e-bikes) in National Parks
People For Bikes
Learn About the World of Electric Bikes
The E-Bike Problem is an E-Moto Problem
Virginia Bicycling Federation
Current Virginia Cycling Laws
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Electric Bikes in Virginia State Parks
Virginia Department of Transportation
Bike Safety