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Northern Virginia police and park officials are stepping up education and enforcement as complaints grow about speeding, traffic violations and reckless riding involving e-bikes and more powerful electric dirt bikes.

The Vienna Police Department launched an E-Bike Safety Awareness Campaign on May 29 after residents raised concerns about unsafe riding near parks, trails, neighborhoods and schools. Officers have increased patrols in areas where problems have been reported while sharing guidance on legal and responsible riding.

Police spokesperson Irving Rodriguez said the department has received various complaints involving e-bikes and similar devices during the past year. Officials are reviewing the reports alongside information gathered through the campaign to identify trends and problem locations.

Three recent encounters involved juveniles riding electric vehicles that police determined were not lawful e-bikes.

On June 15, officers stopped a juvenile near 128 Center Street South on an electric dirt bike with no pedals, throttle-only operation and a reported top speed of 40 mph. Police explained licensing and registration requirements to the rider and a guardian. The juvenile was released to the guardian and walked the off-road vehicle away.

On June 17, officers stopped another juvenile after seeing the rider perform a wheelie on an electric dirt bike near Cherry Street Southeast and Center Street South. The vehicle reportedly could reach about 40 mph and was not legal for roadway use. Police counseled the juvenile about the unsafe behavior and reviewed the law with the rider and guardian.

Later that day, officers encountered a juvenile riding an electric dirt bike on a sidewalk in the 100 block of Park Street Southeast without a helmet. The rider did not stop immediately but was later detained. Police found that the vehicle did not qualify as a Class 1, 2 or 3 electric power-assisted bicycle. A guardian took custody of both the juvenile and the bike after officers explained classification rules, helmet requirements and restrictions on off-road-style electric dirt bikes.

Which e-bikes are legal

Virginia generally allows electric power-assisted bicycles wherever conventional bicycles may travel, including streets, sidewalks, bike lanes and trails. The rules depend on the bike’s classification and maximum assisted speed.

Class 1 e-bikes provide assistance only while the rider pedals and stop assisting at 20 mph. Class 2 models may use either pedals or a throttle but also have a 20 mph limit. Class 3 bikes are pedal-assisted and can reach 28 mph.

Class 3 riders must be at least 14 years old and wear a helmet. Virginia also permits local governments to prohibit Class 3 bikes on shared-use paths. Localities may restrict Class 1 and 2 bikes after a public hearing if officials determine that a ban is needed for public safety or legal compliance.

On the 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion Trail, only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes with top assisted speeds of 20 mph are permitted.

NOVA Parks, which owns and manages the trail, has received more complaints about unsafe behavior involving e-bikes, scooters and other motorized devices. The regional park authority is working with police and other public agencies to monitor the trail and explain which vehicles are allowed.

A particular concern is the growing use of high-powered motorized bikes, especially by young riders. Some resemble e-bikes but rely primarily on motors and can travel too fast to meet Virginia’s legal definition.

“We want only what is allowed by VA law” on the trail, Park Operations Superintendent Kevin Casalenuovo said. “This would be a class 1 or class 2 e-bike with 20 mph top speed.”

Complaints differ across the region

Vienna, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Herndon, Reston Association and other local agencies have recently distributed guidance explaining e-bike laws, safety practices and the distinction between legal bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles.

Loudoun County had received 188 e-bike-related complaints this year as of June 17, according to the sheriff’s office. Thirty-two arrived within 24 hours after the agency introduced an online form dedicated to collecting e-bike concerns.

Fairfax County and Herndon police, however, said they had not seen a noticeable increase in complaints.

Fairfax County police still provided educational materials to Fairfax County Public Schools for possible distribution to families before summer break began June 18. The guidance encourages parents to discuss safe and lawful riding with their children.

Herndon officers monitor the portion of the W&OD Trail that passes through downtown for illegal activity, though the department does not assign patrols specifically to enforce cycling etiquette.

Casalenuovo said e-bike sightings generally rise with the population density around each part of the trail. Busier eastern sections have more riders and a greater potential for conflicts. He described e-bike use as a gradual increase over several years as the vehicles have become more affordable and widely available.

Demand is also evident in Capital Bikeshare usage. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has added 260 electric bicycles to the network during the past three years. Although e-bikes account for 17% of the fleet, they generate 49% of all rides.

Battery assistance makes cycling more accessible, helps riders climb hills and supports longer or more frequent trips. County officials say those advantages can make e-bikes a practical, environmentally friendly alternative to cars for local transportation.

Their speed and acceleration also require added caution. Fairfax County advises drivers to expect e-bikes to approach more quickly than conventional bicycles, respect crosswalks and remain patient with younger riders who may have limited experience with traffic laws.

Vienna police and NOVA Parks are considering a community safety event along the W&OD Trail. Officers and park employees would distribute information, answer questions and speak directly with trail users.

The details remain under development, but Rodriguez said officials hope community interest could lead to additional outreach during the summer and early fall.