                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

ELECTRIC POWER-ASSISTED BICYCLES (§ 46.2-904.1)

A. 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.

B. 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&#8217;s licenses, registration, certificates of title,
financial responsibility, off-highway motorcycles, and license plates.

C. 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.

   2. 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.

   3. 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.

D. 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.

E. 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.

F. 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.

   1. 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.

   2. 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.

   3. 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, &#8220;trail&#8221; 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. 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.

HISTORY: 2020, cc. 59, 260.