Virginia Beach's Mobility & Curb Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In Virginia Beach, Virginia, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
E-Bike Classes
Virginia Beach classifies electric bicycles into three classes under City Code § 7-1, with Class one through three e-bikes permitted on city sidewalks and bicycle paths under § 7-59, subject to resort-area and boardwalk limits elsewhere in Chapter 7.
Key details: Class one cutoff: 20 mph, pedal-assist only. Class two cutoff: 20 mph, throttle allowed. Class three cutoff: 28 mph, pedal-assist only. Motor power cap: 750 watts maximum. Sidewalk-yield violation: $50 civil penalty.
Failing to yield to pedestrians, not signaling before passing, or not dismounting when required on a sidewalk or bike path is a civil violation under § 7-59(d), punishable by a fine of up to $50.
Shared E-Scooter Rules
Virginia Beach requires a nonexclusive city franchise license before any company can offer motorized scooters for hire, and bans riding rental scooters in the Rudee Loop resort core unless the unit is company-owned or licensee-operated.
Key details: No-ride zone: Arctic Ave to 42nd St resort core. Rental scooters: Franchise license required to operate. Citywide speed cap: 25 mph on any street. Penalty: Traffic infraction, fine up to $200.
Violating § 7-58.1 or § 7-58.2, like most Chapter 7 offenses, is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $200 under § 7-2's general chapter penalty.
Compared to other cities, Virginia Beach takes a harder line on shared e-scooter rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Red-Light Cameras
Virginia Beach runs red-light traffic cameras under City Code § 21-222, authorized by state law, with a flat $50 civil penalty for violations caught on camera at monitored intersections.
Key details: Penalty per violation: $50 civil penalty. Governing state law: Code of Virginia § 15.2-968.1. Administered by: City Manager's office. Data misuse penalty: $1,000 civil penalty. School-zone speed cameras: Not enacted locally.
Running a red light caught on camera: $50 civil penalty, contestable in court. Improperly disclosing camera-collected personal data: separate $1,000 civil penalty per violation.
Bike Lane Rules
Virginia Beach's signature 28-foot-wide concrete bike path runs alongside the Atlantic Avenue boardwalk and is governed by City Code Chapter 21 rules requiring single-file riding, 10 mph speed in congested zones, and yielding to pedestrians at all crossings.
Key details: Path width: ~28 ft concrete. Speed (resort): 10 mph in crowds. Class 3 e-bike: Prohibited on path. State law: Va. Code 46.2-800.
Civil penalty $25-$100 for boardwalk riding, failure to yield, or wrong-way operation. Class 4 misdemeanor possible for repeat or reckless violations.
The Bottom Line
Virginia Beach's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Virginia Beach is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Virginia Beach's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.