Are Electric Scooters Legal in Virginia?
Updated on December 1st, 2023
It is unlawful in Virginia to operate (i) an electric personal assistive mobility device at a speed faster than 25 mph or (ii) a motorized skateboard or scooter at a speed faster than 20 mph. Further restrictions prohibit operating a motorized skateboard or scooter capable of speeds over 20 mph at such speeds. Individuals under 14 years of age are not permitted to operate any electric personal assistive mobility device or class three electric power-assisted bicycle unless they are directly supervised by someone at least 18 years old. The use of electric personal assistive mobility devices is allowed on highways with speed limits not exceeding 25 mph, unless a sidewalk is available or its use is prohibited by § 46.2-904. Operations in crosswalks are also permissible where allowed for pedestrians, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles.
No person shall at any time or at any location operate (i) an electric personal assistive mobility device at a speed faster than 25 miles per hour or (ii) a motorized skateboard or scooter at a speed faster than 20 miles per hour. No person shall operate a skateboard or scooter that would otherwise meet the definition of a motorized skateboard or scooter but is capable of speeds greater than 20 miles per hour at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour. No person less than 14 years old shall drive any electric personal assistive mobility device, motorized skateboard or scooter, or class three electric power-assisted bicycle unless under the immediate supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old.
An electric personal assistive mobility device may be operated on any highway with a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less. An electric personal assistive mobility device shall only operate on any highway authorized by this section if a sidewalk is not provided along such highway or if operation of the electric personal assistive mobility device on such sidewalk is prohibited pursuant to § 46.2-904. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the operation of an electric personal assistive mobility device or motorized skateboard or scooter in the crosswalk of any highway where the use of such crosswalk is authorized for pedestrians, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles.
Max Speed
20 mph for electric scooters, 25 mph for electric personal assistive mobility devices.
Minimum Age
14 years old without the need for adult supervision, under 14 requires supervision by an adult at least 18 years old.
Helmets Required?
Virginia law does not state a helmet requirement for riders of electric scooters who are 14 years of age or older. Helmets are recommended for safety but may not be legally mandated.
