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Fauquier County, VA Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Fauquier County Code § 16-8
Class 1/2 top assisted speed
20 mph
Class 3 top assisted speed
28 mph
Class 3 e-bikes in parks
Banned entirely
Warrenton Branch Greenway
No e-bikes of any class
Fine range
$50 to $1,000

Summary

Fauquier County's parks chapter defines Class 1, 2 and 3 electric power-assisted bicycles by top assisted speed, then bars Class 3 e-bikes from county parks entirely under § 16-8. Other e-bikes may only ride in areas the director designates for self-propelled vehicles, and no e-bike of any class may use the Warrenton Branch Greenway.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fauquier County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

"Bicycle or other self-propelled vehicle" shall include, but not be limited to, scooters, electric power-assisted bicycles, tricycles, wagons, roller skates and skateboards. Electric power-assisted bicycles shall be classified as follows: "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 twenty (20) miles per hour; ... "Class t ... hree" 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 twenty-eight (28) miles per hour. ... (5)Operate any moped, minibike, go-cart, trail bike, Class three electric power-assisted bicycle, or similar motorized vehicle in the park.(6)Operate any bicycle, electric power-assisted bicycle, scooter, tricycle, wagon, roller skates, skateboard or other similar self-propelled vehicle in any park except in areas designated for such use. Electric power-assisted bicycles shall not be ridden on the Warrenton Branch Greenway.

Full Breakdown

Section 16-8(a) defines an electric power-assisted bicycle as a bicycle or other self-propelled vehicle and sorts them into three classes: Class one assists only while the rider pedals and cuts off at 20 miles per hour; Class two can propel the bike without pedaling but also cuts off at 20 miles per hour; and Class three assists only while pedaling but cuts off at a higher 28 miles per hour. Subsection (c)(5) then bans operating a Class three electric power-assisted bicycle, along with mopeds, minibikes, go-carts and trail bikes, anywhere in a county park.

Subsection (c)(6) further restricts bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, scooters, tricycles, wagons, roller skates and skateboards to areas the director has designated for such use, and singles out electric power-assisted bicycles as barred from the Warrenton Branch Greenway specifically, regardless of class. Section 16-8(b) applies the county's general traffic laws and state vehicle laws within park areas and lets the director set and post speed limits for bicycle and vehicle traffic. A separate rule at § 16-8.1 requires any bicycle ridden in a park to stay to the right, travel single file in groups of two or more, yield to pedestrians, and signal turns, with racing barred except under a § 16-3 permit.

Violations & Fines

Riding a Class 3 electric power-assisted bicycle in any Fauquier County park, or riding any e-bike outside a director-designated area or on the Warrenton Branch Greenway, violates § 16-8 and is punishable under § 16-9(b) by a fine of $50 to $1,000, up to thirty days in jail, or both. Park rangers and deputies enforcing traffic rules on park property may cite riders on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a Class 3 e-bike in a Fauquier County park?
No. Section 16-8(c)(5) bans operating a Class three electric power-assisted bicycle, defined as one assisting up to 28 miles per hour while pedaling, in any county park, grouping it with mopeds, minibikes and go-carts as prohibited motorized vehicles.
Are e-bikes allowed on the Warrenton Branch Greenway?
No. Section 16-8(c)(6) specifically states electric power-assisted bicycles shall not be ridden on the Warrenton Branch Greenway, a restriction that applies regardless of whether the bike is Class one, two or three.
What is the difference between Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes under county rules?
Under § 16-8(a), Class one and Class two assist only up to 20 miles per hour, with Class two able to propel the bike without pedaling; Class three assists only while pedaling but cuts off at a higher 28 miles per hour, which is why only Class three is barred from county parks outright.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fauquier County

All Fauquier County rules

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