Virginia Beach, VA Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
Electric power-assisted bicycle: ...equipped with...an electric motor with an input of no more than seven hundred fifty (750) watts. Electric power-assisted bicycles shall be classified as follows: (1)"Class one" means...ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour; (2)"Class two" means...ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty (20) miles per hour; and (3)"Class three" means...ceases to provide assistance...at the speed of twenty-eight (28) miles per hour.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 7 defines "electric power-assisted bicycle" at City Code § 7-1 and splits it into three classes: Class one motors assist only while the rider pedals and cut off at 20 mph; Class two motors can propel the bike without pedaling and also cut off at 20 mph; Class three motors assist only while pedaling but cut off at 28 mph. All motors are capped at 750 watts. Under § 7-59(b), riding any class is allowed on the city's sidewalks and designated bicycle paths outside the resort area, but riders must yield to pedestrians, sound an audible signal before passing, and dismount when needed to avoid contact.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a Class 3 e-bike on Virginia Beach sidewalks?
What separates the three e-bike classes in Virginia Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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