We, the undersigned Virginia residents, ask the Virginia General Assembly to establish a basic safety and licensing requirement for the operation of electric bicycles on public roads, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and shared-use paths. E-bikes are an important and increasingly popular form of transportation and recreation, but their motor-assisted speed, acceleration, and weight create risks that differ from those of traditional bicycles—particularly for young and inexperienced riders. Current Virginia law does not require an e-bike operator to demonstrate knowledge of traffic laws or safe e-bike operation before riding in public spaces.

We propose an education-centered system rather than burdensome motor-vehicle regulation. Anyone who already possesses a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit would satisfy the requirement. Other riders could obtain a Virginia Electric Bicycle Operator Permit after completing an age-appropriate safety course and basic knowledge test covering traffic signals, right-of-way, pedestrian safety, crosswalks, helmet use, braking and handling, nighttime visibility, distracted riding, and the differences among e-bike classes. The proposal would also establish reasonable age restrictions, require helmets for riders under 18, preserve appropriate adult-supervised use for younger children, and emphasize education rather than punishment for first-time violations.

We respectfully ask Delegate Vivian Watts and the Virginia General Assembly to consider legislation establishing these safeguards while preserving responsible access to e-bikes. We also ask Virginia DMV to begin separately tracking e-bike crashes, including rider age, e-bike class, helmet use, and motor-vehicle involvement, so that future policy can be based on reliable Virginia-specific data. Our goal is not to discourage e-bike use, but to ensure that people operating motor-assisted bicycles in our communities have the basic knowledge and preparation necessary to ride safely.