{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-904.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-904.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-904.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-904.1.html"}],"law_id":80684,"edition_id":1,"section_id":80684,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-904.1","catch_line":"Electric power-assisted bicycles","history":"2020, cc. 59, 260.","full_text":"A\n\nExcept as otherwise provided in this section, an electric power-assisted bicycle or an operator of an electric power-assisted bicycle shall be afforded all the rights and privileges, and be subject to all of the duties, of a bicycle or the operator of a bicycle. An electric power-assisted bicycle is a vehicle to the same extent as is a bicycle.B\n\nAn electric power-assisted bicycle or person operating an electric power-assisted bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this Code relating to requirements for driver’s licenses, registration, certificates of title, financial responsibility, off-highway motorcycles, and license plates.C\n\n1. On and after January 1, 2021, manufacturers and distributors of electric power-assisted bicycles shall permanently affix a label, in a prominent location, to each electric power-assisted bicycle that they manufacture or distribute. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric power-assisted bicycle and shall be printed in Arial font in at least nine-point type.2\n\nAn electric power-assisted bicycle shall comply with equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 16 C.F.R. Part 1512.3\n\nAll class three electric power-assisted bicycles shall be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the bicycle is traveling in miles per hour.D\n\nNo person shall tamper with or modify an electric power-assisted bicycle so as to change the motor-powered speed capability or engagement of an electric power-assisted bicycle, unless the label required by subdivision C 1 is replaced after modification.E\n\nAn electric power-assisted bicycle shall operate in a manner such that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied.F\n\nExcept as set forth in this subsection, an electric power-assisted bicycle may be ridden in places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roads, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or shared-use paths.1\n\nFollowing notice and a public hearing, a locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or shared-use path may prohibit the operation of class one or class two electric power-assisted bicycles on such path, if it finds that such a restriction is necessary for public safety or compliance with other laws.2\n\nA locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or shared-use path may prohibit the operation of class three electric power-assisted bicycles on such path.3\n\nA locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail may regulate the use of electric power-assisted bicycles on such trail. For purposes of this subdivision, “trail” means a trail that is specifically designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread that is made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials.G\n\nEach operator and passenger of a class three electric power-assisted bicycle shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the current standards provided by either the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials International. Failure to wear a helmet shall not constitute negligence, be considered in mitigation of damages of whatever nature, be admissible in evidence, or be the subject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages arising out of the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a class three electric power-assisted bicycle, nor shall anything in this section change any existing law, rule, or procedure pertaining to any civil action, nor shall this section bar any claim that otherwise exists.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":289171,"text":"Except as otherwise provided in this section, an electric power-assisted bicycle or an operator of an electric power-assisted bicycle shall be afforded all the rights and privileges, and be subject to all of the duties, of a bicycle or the operator of a bicycle. An electric power-assisted bicycle is a vehicle to the same extent as is a bicycle.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":289172,"text":"An electric power-assisted bicycle or person operating an electric power-assisted bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this Code relating to requirements for driver’s licenses, registration, certificates of title, financial responsibility, off-highway motorcycles, and license plates.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":289173,"text":"1. On and after January 1, 2021, manufacturers and distributors of electric power-assisted bicycles shall permanently affix a label, in a prominent location, to each electric power-assisted bicycle that they manufacture or distribute. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric power-assisted bicycle and shall be printed in Arial font in at least nine-point type.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C2"},"3":{"id":289174,"text":"An electric power-assisted bicycle shall comply with equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 16 C.F.R. Part 1512.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C3"},"4":{"id":289175,"text":"All class three electric power-assisted bicycles shall be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the bicycle is traveling in miles per hour.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"D"},"5":{"id":289176,"text":"No person shall tamper with or modify an electric power-assisted bicycle so as to change the motor-powered speed capability or engagement of an electric power-assisted bicycle, unless the label required by subdivision C 1 is replaced after modification.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"E"},"6":{"id":289177,"text":"An electric power-assisted bicycle shall operate in a manner such that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"7":{"id":289178,"text":"Except as set forth in this subsection, an electric power-assisted bicycle may be ridden in places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roads, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or shared-use paths.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"F1"},"8":{"id":289179,"text":"Following notice and a public hearing, a locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or shared-use path may prohibit the operation of class one or class two electric power-assisted bicycles on such path, if it finds that such a restriction is necessary for public safety or compliance with other laws.","type":"section","prefixes":["F","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"F1","prefix_anchor":"F1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"F2"},"9":{"id":289180,"text":"A locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or shared-use path may prohibit the operation of class three electric power-assisted bicycles on such path.","type":"section","prefixes":["F","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"F2","prefix_anchor":"F2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F1","next_prefix":"F3"},"10":{"id":289181,"text":"A locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail may regulate the use of electric power-assisted bicycles on such trail. For purposes of this subdivision, “trail” means a trail that is specifically designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread that is made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials.","type":"section","prefixes":["F","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"F3","prefix_anchor":"F3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F2","next_prefix":"G"},"11":{"id":289182,"text":"Each operator and passenger of a class three electric power-assisted bicycle shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the current standards provided by either the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials International. Failure to wear a helmet shall not constitute negligence, be considered in mitigation of damages of whatever nature, be admissible in evidence, or be the subject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages arising out of the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a class three electric power-assisted bicycle, nor shall anything in this section change any existing law, rule, or procedure pertaining to any civil action, nor shall this section bar any claim that otherwise exists.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F3"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14963,"edition_id":1,"name":"Bicycles","identifier":"12","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12875,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:51:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:51:08","permalink":{"id":230435,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14963,"identifier":"12","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/12\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12875,"edition_id":1,"name":"Regulation of Traffic","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":230189,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12875,"identifier":"8","token":"46.2\/III\/8","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12827,"edition_id":1,"name":"Operation","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12827,"identifier":"III","token":"46.2\/III","url":"\/46.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":83630,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-903","catch_line":"Riding or driving vehicles on sidewalks; exceptions","url":"\/46.2-903\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-903","metadata":false},{"id":81222,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-904","catch_line":"Use of roller skates and skateboards on sidewalks and shared-use paths; operation of bicycles and certain motorized and electric items and devices on sidewalks, crosswalks, and shared-use paths; local ordinances","url":"\/46.2-904\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-904","metadata":false},{"id":80684,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-904.1","catch_line":"Electric power-assisted bicycles","url":"\/46.2-904.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-904.1","metadata":false},{"id":63829,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-905","catch_line":"Riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, motorized skateboards or scooters, and mopeds on roadways and bicycle paths","url":"\/46.2-905\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-905","metadata":false},{"id":81404,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-906","catch_line":"Carrying articles or passengers on bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds","url":"\/46.2-906\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-906","metadata":false},{"id":80855,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-906.1","catch_line":"Local ordinances may require riders of bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and electric power-assisted bicycles to wear helmets","url":"\/46.2-906.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-906.1","metadata":false},{"id":67237,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-907","catch_line":"Overtaking and passing vehicles","url":"\/46.2-907\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-907","metadata":false},{"id":57085,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-908","catch_line":"Registration of bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric personal delivery device, and electric power-assisted bicycle serial numbers","url":"\/46.2-908\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-908","metadata":false},{"id":85691,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-908.1","catch_line":"Electric personal assistive mobility devices, electrically powered toy vehicles, electric power-assisted bicycles, and motorized skateboards or scooters","url":"\/46.2-908.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-908.1","metadata":false},{"id":62459,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-908.1:1","catch_line":"Personal delivery devices","url":"\/46.2-908.1_1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-908.1_1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":81222,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-904","catch_line":"Use of roller skates and skateboards on sidewalks and shared-use paths; operation of bicycles and certain motorized and electric items and devices on sidewalks, crosswalks, and shared-use paths; local ordinances","url":"\/46.2-904\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-904","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":63829,"structure_id":14963,"section_number":"46.2-905","catch_line":"Riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, motorized skateboards or scooters, and mopeds on roadways and bicycle paths","url":"\/46.2-905\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-905","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-904.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2020. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 59<\/a> and 260<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":230445,"object_type":"law","relational_id":80684,"identifier":"46.2-904.1","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-904.1","url":"\/46.2-904.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-904.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/12\/46.2-904.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Electric power-assisted bicycles","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-904.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Except as otherwise provided in this section, an electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> or an operator<\/span> of an electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> shall be afforded all the rights and privileges<\/span>, and be subject to all of the duties, of a bicycle or the operator<\/span> of a bicycle. An electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> is a vehicle<\/span> to the same extent as is a bicycle. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> An electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> or person operating an electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> is not subject to the provisions of this Code relating to requirements for driver<\/span>’s licenses, registration, certificates of title, financial responsibility<\/span>, off-highway<\/span> motorcycles<\/span>, and license plates<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> 1. On and after January 1, 2021, manufacturers and distributors of electric power-assisted bicycles<\/span> shall permanently affix a label, in a prominent location, to each electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> that they manufacture or distribute. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> and shall be printed in Arial font in at least nine-point type. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> An electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> shall comply with equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission<\/span>, 16 C.F.R. Part 1512. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> All class three<\/span> electric power-assisted bicycles<\/span> shall be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the bicycle is traveling in miles per hour. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> No person shall tamper with or modify an electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> so as to change the motor-powered speed capability or engagement of an electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span>, unless the label required by subdivision C 1 is replaced after modification. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> An electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> shall operate in a manner such that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Except as set forth in this subsection, an electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> may be ridden in places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways<\/span><\/span>, roads, shoulders<\/span>, bicycle lanes<\/span>, and bicycle or shared-use paths<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Following notice and a public hearing<\/span>, a locality or state agency having jurisdiction<\/span> over a bicycle or shared-use path<\/span> may prohibit the operation of class one<\/span> or class two<\/span> electric power-assisted bicycles<\/span> on such path, if it finds that such a restriction is necessary for public safety or compliance with other laws<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> A locality or state agency having jurisdiction<\/span> over a bicycle or shared-use path<\/span> may prohibit the operation of class three<\/span> electric power-assisted bicycles<\/span> on such path. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> A locality or state agency having jurisdiction<\/span> over a trail<\/span> may regulate the use of electric power-assisted bicycles<\/span> on such trail<\/span>. For purposes of this subdivision, “trail<\/span>” means a trail<\/span> that is specifically designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread that is made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Each operator<\/span> and passenger of a class three<\/span> electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span> shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the current standards provided by either the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission<\/span> or the American Society for Testing and Materials<\/span> International. Failure to wear a helmet shall not constitute negligence<\/span>, be considered in mitigation of damages<\/span> of whatever nature, be admissible<\/span> in evidence<\/span>, or be the subject of comment by counsel<\/span> in any action for the recovery of damages<\/span> arising out of the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a class three<\/span> electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span>, nor shall anything in this section change any existing law<\/span>, rule, or procedure pertaining to any civil action<\/span>, nor shall this section bar any claim that otherwise exists. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nELECTRIC POWER-ASSISTED BICYCLES (\u00a7 46.2-904.1)\n\nA. Except as otherwise provided in this section, an electric power-assisted\nbicycle or an operator of an electric power-assisted bicycle shall be afforded\nall the rights and privileges, and be subject to all of the duties, of a bicycle\nor the operator of a bicycle. An electric power-assisted bicycle is a vehicle to\nthe same extent as is a bicycle.\n\nB. An electric power-assisted bicycle or person operating an electric\npower-assisted bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this Code relating to\nrequirements for driver’s licenses, registration, certificates of title,\nfinancial responsibility, off-highway motorcycles, and license plates.\n\nC. 1. On and after January 1, 2021, manufacturers and distributors of electric\npower-assisted bicycles shall permanently affix a label, in a prominent\nlocation, to each electric power-assisted bicycle that they manufacture or\ndistribute. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted\nspeed, and motor wattage of the electric power-assisted bicycle and shall be\nprinted in Arial font in at least nine-point type.\n\n 2. An electric power-assisted bicycle shall comply with equipment and\n manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the U.S. Consumer Product\n Safety Commission, 16 C.F.R. Part 1512.\n\n 3. All class three electric power-assisted bicycles shall be equipped with a\n speedometer that displays the speed the bicycle is traveling in miles per\n hour.\n\nD. No person shall tamper with or modify an electric power-assisted bicycle so\nas to change the motor-powered speed capability or engagement of an electric\npower-assisted bicycle, unless the label required by subdivision C 1 is replaced\nafter modification.\n\nE. An electric power-assisted bicycle shall operate in a manner such that the\nelectric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling\nor when the brakes are applied.\n\nF. Except as set forth in this subsection, an electric power-assisted bicycle\nmay be ridden in places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways,\nroads, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or shared-use paths.\n\n 1. Following notice and a public hearing, a locality or state agency having\n jurisdiction over a bicycle or shared-use path may prohibit the operation of\n class one or class two electric power-assisted bicycles on such path, if it\n finds that such a restriction is necessary for public safety or compliance\n with other laws.\n\n 2. A locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or shared-use\n path may prohibit the operation of class three electric power-assisted\n bicycles on such path.\n\n 3. A locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail may regulate\n the use of electric power-assisted bicycles on such trail. For purposes of\n this subdivision, “trail” means a trail that is specifically\n designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread that is made\n by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials.\n\nG. Each operator and passenger of a class three electric power-assisted bicycle\nshall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the current\nstandards provided by either the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or the\nAmerican Society for Testing and Materials International. Failure to wear a\nhelmet shall not constitute negligence, be considered in mitigation of damages\nof whatever nature, be admissible in evidence, or be the subject of comment by\ncounsel in any action for the recovery of damages arising out of the operation,\nownership, or maintenance of a class three electric power-assisted bicycle, nor\nshall anything in this section change any existing law, rule, or procedure\npertaining to any civil action, nor shall this section bar any claim that\notherwise exists.\n\nHISTORY: 2020, cc. 59, 260.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}