Officials step up focus on e-bike, mini-bike safety

By Gene Powell, staff writer

The growing use of e-bikes, e-dirt bikes and mini-bikes on area roads and trails has prompted local education and enforcement efforts, as well as a state review of laws governing the vehicles.

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn raised the issue during the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting June 23, citing concerns about younger riders operating e-bikes, e-dirt bikes and mini-bikes on public roads, shared-use paths and privately owned trails. Alcorn pointed to a recent incident on Wiehle Avenue in Reston in which a young rider struck a median, fell into a traffic lane and was injured.

"I fear it's a matter of time before we have a serious injury or worse," Alcorn said.

State lawmakers also are examining the issue. A working group created this year under House Bill 1120, introduced by Delegate JJ Singh, is studying possible safety legislation involving electric power-assisted bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, along with e-dirt bikes, motorized skateboards, scooters and similar devices.

Fairfax County police, the Town of Vienna and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office have expanded education and enforcement efforts, including instructional traffic stops, safety advisories and online videos promoting safe and legal operation.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office has created an online traffic complaint form for residents to report unsafe riding. When a complaint identifies a juvenile or home address, deputies will attempt to contact a parent or guardian to discuss Virginia law, the agency said in a June 15 social media post.

Several Fairfax County supervisors noted that legal e-bikes can provide transportation for young people who may not have reliable ways to get to school, jobs, sports practices and other activities.

Fairfax County police have published guidance explaining the difference between legal e-bikes and illegal e-dirt bikes under Virginia law. Legal e-bikes have operable pedals and motors rated at 750 watts or less and do not require registration, licensing or insurance. E-dirt bikes lack pedals, can exceed 35 mph and are classified as motor vehicles, requiring registration, licensing and insurance. Riders may face violations, including reckless driving charges. Mini-bikes also are classified as motor vehicles under state law.

Virginia law requires riders and passengers younger than 15 to wear helmets on all classes of e-bikes. Riders of e-bikes capable of traveling faster than 20 mph, sometimes called e-motos, must be at least 14 years old.

In his June Hunter Mill District newsletter, Alcorn noted that slower-speed e-bikes generally are permitted wherever traditional bicycles are allowed. Faster e-bikes, however, are prohibited on sidewalks and on some parks, trails and shared-use paths, including the Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Reston Association's privately owned trails.

The Vienna Police Department launched an E-Bike Safety Awareness Campaign in May after receiving increasing complaints about excessive speeds, traffic violations and unsafe riding near parks, neighborhoods, schools and trails. The department said it will continue targeted patrols in areas where concerns have been reported and encourages residents to report dangerous riding.

NOVA Parks officials said they are partnering with law enforcement agencies in Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties to educate users of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail about which powered vehicles are allowed.