Bicycle, E-Bike & Scooter Safety Information Bicycles, E-Bikes, Scooters, Dirt Bikes, and More Safety, Supervision, and the Law in Loudoun County From local neighborhoods to county trails and public roads, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is seeing more people, both children and adults, riding bikes, scooters, e-bikes, and other devices in ways that put themselves and others at risk. In response, the LCSO has launched a public education effort to raise awareness about the legal use and safe operation of these increasingly popular transportation and recreation devices. Not all equipment is allowed on sidewalks, trails, or roads, and not every rider is legally permitted to operate it. Whether you’re a parent, rider, or neighbor concerned about what’s happening in your community, it’s important to understand how these devices are classified and where they are allowed. This webpage outlines what you need to know about:

  • Bicycles, E-Bikes, and Mopeds
  • Motorized Scooters and Toys
  • Off-Road Dirt Bikes and ATVs
  • Helmet laws, age restrictions, and rider responsibilities If you or someone in your household is riding it, you’re responsible for knowing what it is, how it works, and where it’s permitted. W&OD Trail E-Bike Education Event Join the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with NOVA Parks' W&OD Regional Park and Friends of the W&OD Trail, for a free educational event on the safe and responsible use of e-bikes, electric dirt bikes, electric scooters, mopeds, and other electric personal mobility devices. Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Location: W&OD Trail parking area near Carolina Brothers, Ashburn, VA Learn about Virginia laws, safe operation, responsible riding, trail etiquette, and participate in hands-on riding demonstrations. Free and open to all ages. For additional information, please contact DFC Nelson (571) 420-1904
  • Bicycles and E-Bikes
  • Mopeds, Dirt Bikes and Other Motorized Devices
  • Scooters, Toys and Personal Mobility Devices Bicycles and E-Bikes A bicycle is defined as:
  • A device powered only by human effort
  • Has two or more wheels in a straight line
  • A seat designed for the rider
  • Includes most children’s bikes
  • Does not include toy ride-on vehicles for toddlers An electric power-assisted bicycle (E-Bike) has:
  • A seat
  • Pedals for human-powered movement
  • An electric motor up to 750 watts
  • No more than three wheels E-Bikes fall into three legal classes:
  • Class 1: Motor assists only when pedaling; stops assisting at 20 MPH
  • Class 2: Motor can propel the bike without pedaling; stops assisting at 20 MPH
  • Class 3: Motor can propel the bike without pedaling; stops assisting at 28 MPH How and Where to Ride
  • Helmets are required for riders under 15.
  • Class 3 E-Bike riders under 14 must be supervised by someone 18 or older.
  • Bicycles and E-Bikes are permitted on most sidewalks and trails, except where prohibited by signs.
  • May use bike lanes or travel in regular vehicle lanes, except where prohibited by signs.
  • When ridden on a public road, bicycles and E-Bikes are considered vehicles under Virginia law and must obey all traffic rules.
  • E-Bikes that exceed Class 3 standards are not permitted on sidewalks, trails, or roads.
  • E-Bike motors may not be modified from manufacturer specs. Mopeds, Dirt Bikes and Other Motorized Devices A moped is defined as:
  • A vehicle with 3 wheels or fewer
  • A seat at least 24 inches high
  • A gas, electric, or hybrid motor (50cc or less, or 750–1500 watts)
  • May or may not have pedals
  • Cannot be capable of exceeding 35 MPH How and Where to Ride
  • Helmets are required for all riders.
  • Mopeds must be registered with the DMV.
  • When used on public roads, mopeds are legally considered vehicles and must obey all traffic laws.
  • Mopeds are not allowed in bike lanes.
  • If capable of exceeding 35 MPH, a moped is considered a motorcycle under Virginia law. A motor-driven cycle or auto-cycle includes:
  • Gas engine under 150cc or electric motor greater than 1500 watts
  • Seat under 24 inches high
  • No manufacturer-issued VIN
  • Helmets required for riders under 15
  • These are not legal on public roads, sidewalks, or community trails All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and off-road dirt bikes (gas or electric):
  • Helmets required for all riders
  • Designed for off-road use only
  • Not legal on public roads, sidewalks, or community trails
  • May only be used on private property with written permission Scooters, Toys and Personal Mobility Devices This category includes:
  • Electric-powered toy vehicles
  • Motorized skateboards and scooters
  • Self-balancing devices like hoverboards and Segways
  • Electric personal assistive mobility devices (e.g., electric wheelchairs) How and Where to Ride:
  • Helmets are required for riders under 15.
  • Riders under 14 must be supervised by someone 18 or older.
  • Motorized devices in this category that exceed 20 MPH are not legal on public roads, sidewalks, or community trails.
  • Use is limited to private property with written permission. ⚠️ Note: Scooters are designed for a single rider. Carrying passengers is unsafe and increases the risk of injury. Helmet and Signaling Laws Helmet Required! Loudoun County Ordinance 462.03 requires riders under 15 to wear a helmet that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards when riding:
  • Bicycles
  • E-Bikes
  • Motorized scooters or skateboards
  • Electric mobility devices Signal Required! Virginia law requires all riders using sidewalks, trails, or crosswalks to:
  • Yield to pedestrians
  • Give an audible signal before passing (bell, horn, or verbal cue) Know Before You Ride (or Buy) Just because something is sold in a store or online doesn’t mean it’s safe or legal to use on public roads or trails. Whether you're a parent shopping for your child, a teen riding around town, or an adult using an E-Bike or scooter to commute, you’re responsible for understanding the law and riding safely.
  • Research the device
  • Know the laws
  • Understand where and how it can be used
  • Make helmets and safe riding non-negotiable
  • Supervise youth riders and set clear expectations If it’s operated in a public area, it must follow all applicable traffic and pedestrian laws. These laws exist for a reason — to prevent injuries, protect children, and keep our roads and neighborhoods safe for everyone. Questions or Concerns
  • Download our full brochure (PDF)
  • Learn more about motor vehicle laws at: dmv.virginia.gov
  • Emergency: 911
  • Non-Emergency: (703) 777-1021