Virginia

How the law defines it: Three-class system ("electric power-assisted bicycle"). Up to 3 wheels, pedals, a seat, motor input up to 750 W. Class 1: pedal-assist to 20 mph. Class 2: throttle, to 20 mph. Class 3: pedal-assist to 28 mph. Has the rights and duties of a bicycle; not a motor vehicle.

Helmet

No statewide requirement. Localities may require helmets for riders 14 and younger.

Minimum age

Class 3: under 14 only with immediate supervision by someone 18 or older.

Speed limit or cap

20 mph motor assist (Class 1 and 2), 28 mph (Class 3)

Motor power cap

750 W

License, registration, insurance

Exempt from driver's license, registration, title, financial responsibility and license plate requirements.

Also worth knowing

Manufacturers must label class, top assisted speed and wattage; tampering without relabeling is prohibited. Class 3 needs a speedometer. Motor must cut out when pedaling stops or brakes are applied. Batteries must be spill-proof, sealed or gelled.

How the law defines it: "Motorized skateboard or scooter": any number of wheels, with or without handlebars, made to sit or stand on, electric motor, no VIN, under 100 lb, top motor-only speed 20 mph. Not a motor vehicle.

Helmet

No statewide requirement. Localities may require helmets for riders 14 and younger.

Minimum age

Under 14 only with immediate supervision by someone 18 or older.

Speed limit or cap

20 mph riding speed (also the device's motor-only speed limit in the definition)

Motor power cap

None in statute (under 100 lb)

License, registration, insurance

Not a motor vehicle; statute sets no license or registration.

Also worth knowing

Scooters capable of more than 20 mph may still be ridden but not faster than 20 mph. May be parked on sidewalks if it does not block pedestrians.

How the law defines it: Covered by "motorized skateboard or scooter": any number of wheels, with or without handlebars, made to sit or stand on, electric motor, no VIN, under 100 lb, top motor-only speed 20 mph. This includes electric skateboards and one-wheel boards.

Helmet

No statewide requirement. Localities may require helmets for riders 14 and younger.

Minimum age

Under 14 only with immediate supervision by someone 18 or older.

Speed limit or cap

20 mph riding speed (also the device's motor-only speed limit in the definition)

Motor power cap

None in statute (under 100 lb)

License, registration, insurance

Not a motor vehicle; statute sets no license or registration.

Also worth knowing

Virginia's definition expressly includes skateboards and applies 'regardless of the number of its wheels', so it reaches four-wheel boards and one-wheel boards alike. Boards capable of more than 20 mph may not be ridden faster than 20 mph.

How the law defines it: Covered by "motorized skateboard or scooter" when the device is under 100 lb: any number of wheels, with or without handlebars, made to sit or stand on, electric motor, no VIN.

Helmet

No statewide requirement. Localities may require helmets for riders 14 and younger.

Minimum age

Under 14 only with immediate supervision by someone 18 or older.

Speed limit or cap

20 mph riding speed (also the device's motor-only speed limit in the definition)

Motor power cap

None in statute (under 100 lb)

License, registration, insurance

Not a motor vehicle; statute sets no license or registration.

Also worth knowing

Electric unicycles are not named, but the definition applies 'regardless of the number of its wheels' and 'with or without handlebars'. Many unicycles can exceed 20 mph or weigh over 100 lb; the statute says a device that would otherwise qualify but can exceed 20 mph may not be ridden faster than 20 mph. A unicycle of 100 lb or more is not covered.