Virginia Moped (Motorized Bike) Regulations

Autocycler · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 02:35 PM

Mopeds, Electric Power-assisted Bicycles, and Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices Generally the laws for the operation of mopeds, electric power-assisted bicycles, and electric assistive mobility devices are similar to the operation of bicycles.
"Moped" means every vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground that has (i) a seat that is no less than 24 inches in height, measured from the middle of the seat perpendicular to the ground and (ii) gasoline, electric, or hybrid motor that displaces less than 50 cubic centimeters. Moped operators must be at least 16 years old and must carry some form of identification that includes name, address, and date of birth. A moped is considered a vehicle while operated on a highway. Mopeds can not be ridden on sidewalks or bike paths. Some localities in Northern Virginia may impose restrictions on the operation of mopeds. Localities can require additional safety equipment for moped operation.

"Electric power-assisted bicycle" means a vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is equipped with (i) pedals that allow propulsion by human power and (ii) an electric motor with an input of no more than 1,000 watts that reduces the pedal effort required of the rider. Operators must be at least 14 years old or be under the supervision of someone at least 18 years old. An electric power-assisted bicycle shall be considered a vehicle when operated on a highway.

"Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is capable of traveling at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. The term "motorcycle" does not include any "electric personal assistive mobility device," "electric power-assisted bicycle," "farm tractor," "golf cart," "moped," "motorized skateboard or scooter," "utility vehicle" or "wheelchair or wheelchair conveyance" as defined in this section.

"Motor-driven cycle" means every motorcycle that has a gasoline engine that (i) displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters; (ii) has a seat less than 24 inches in height, measured from the middle of the seat perpendicular to the ground; and (iii) has no manufacturer-issued vehicle identification number.

“Motorized skateboard or scooter" means every vehicle, regardless of the number of its wheels in contact with the ground, that (i) has no seat, but is designed to be stood upon by the operator, (ii) has no manufacturer-issued vehicle identification number, and (iii) is powered by an electric motor having an input of no more than 1,000 watts or a gasoline engine that displaces less than 36 cubic centimeters. The term "motorized skateboard or scooter" includes vehicles with or without handlebars, but does not include "electric personal assistive mobility devices."

An electric personal assistive mobility device is a self-balancing two-nontandem-wheeled device that is designed to transport only one person and is powered by an electric propulsion system that limits the device's maximum speed to fifteen miles per hour or less. Such devices must be equipped with a system that will enable the user to bring the device to a controlled stop. These devices may be operated on highways with a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less if no sidewalk is provided or if use of the sidewalk is prohibited. Operators must be at least 14 years old or under the supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old. An electric personal assistive mobility device is considered a vehicle when operated on a highway.

Reference: §§46.2-100,46.2-908.1,46.2-914,46.2-915.2,46.2-1051

Autocycler · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 02:38 PM

Above statutes Courtesy of the Virginia Dept. of Transportation

deacon · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 02:47 PM

I hate that they consider electric assist vehicles as a moped. I'm going on the its a bike till they stop me lol... I'm from nc though and they don't even mention electric.

Autocycler · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 02:59 PM

In most states, electric bikes are even more nebulus than gas powered bikes. I've come across arguments about the fairness of regulating one type of "powered" bike and letting the electric bikes slide on by.

I think it helps that electric bikes are generally a bit more stealthy

Steve

**fairracing31** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 01:16 PM

Martinsville Police to Step up Enforcement on Moped Traffic Violations

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The Martinsville Police Department has received a number of complaints involving mopeds (motorized scooters and bicycles) impeding traffic and committing violations of Virginia Code. This notice is given to inform the cyclists and moped operators of their responsibility when riding on public streets and highways.

Any person operating a bicycle (manual or power-assisted) or any personal mobility device or moped (manual or power-assisted) on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic must ride as close as safely possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following circumstances which are addressed by Virginia Code Section 46.2-905. The key points are summarized below:

When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction; or

When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or

When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right curb or edge; or

When avoiding riding in a lane that must turn or diverge to the right; and

When riding upon a one-way road or highway, a person may also ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as safely practicable.

In addition, any person operating a vehicle of the types detailed above should not ride more than two vehicles abreast. Persons riding two abreast should not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and should move into a single file formation as quickly as is practical when being overtaken from the rear by a faster moving vehicle. On a roadway which has multiple defined lanes, the operator must ride in a single traffic lane.

Beginning on Friday, August 21, 2009, Martinsville Police will step up enforcement of these regulations and will issue citations on any violation.

“We are concerned for the safety of all our motorists and pedestrians on city streets. We aren’t trying to single-out anyone. But there have been quite a few complaints received about moped-related traffic violations recently. We welcome moped traffic, so long as operators obey the law and ride safely. Therefore, we are stepping up our enforcement on these types of violations in order to prevent accidents and make our roadways safer”, said MPD Captain Tim Porter.

Martinsville Police to Step up Enforcement on Moped Traffic Violations | Martinsville Daily