Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Virginia regulates electric scooters under Virginia Code § 46.2-908.1, primarily classifying them as "motorized skateboards or scooters."
While the state provides a baseline legal framework, it explicitly grants local counties and cities the authority to further regulate or even prohibit micromobility vehicles through local ordinances.
State-level classification and definition
Under Virginia Code § 46.2-100, a vehicle is defined as a motorized skateboard or scooter if it meets the following technical criteria:
Design: A device with no more than three wheels that has handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood or sat upon by the operator.
Power: Equipped with an electric motor or propelled by human power.
Weight: The device must weigh less than 100 pounds.
Speed: Capable of a maximum speed of no more than 20 mph on a paved level surface.
Identification: To remain in this category, the device should not have a manufacturer-issued vehicle identification number (VIN).
2026 Legislative Updates and Safety
As of January 2026, Virginia has maintained the bicycle parity model while increasing enforcement of distracted riding laws.
Current Status: Registration, titling, and insurance are not currently required for private e-scooters in Virginia.
Hands-Free Law: Effective through 2026, Virginia’s strict hands-free laws apply to scooter operators on public roads; holding a handheld personal communications device while riding is a primary offense.
House Bill 343: Introduced in the 2026 Session, this bill seeks to clarify local authority to mandate helmets for various micromobility users, potentially expanding requirements across more municipalities. However as of the start of 2026 it is not yet in force.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is required to operate an electric scooter in Virginia.
Minimum Age: The minimum age for operating an electric scooter independently is 14 years.
Supervision: Riders under 14 years of age may only operate a scooter under the direct supervision of a person at least 18 years old.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in Virginia, a scooter must be equipped with the following:
Brakes: A functional system capable of bringing the device to a controlled stop.
Night Lighting: For operation between sunset and sunrise, a white front lamp visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector or light visible from 600 feet are mandatory.
Side Visibility: The device should be equipped with reflectors or reflective material on the sides to ensure 360-degree visibility.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators generally have all the rights and duties applicable to bicyclists (Virginia Code § 46.2-904).
Roadways: Permitted on highways with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, unless a local ordinance specifically prohibits them.
Interstates: Operation is strictly prohibited on any part of the Interstate Highway System.
Sidewalks: State law permits riding on sidewalks and shared-use paths, provided the operator yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and gives an audible signal before passing.
Position: Riders must stay as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as safely practicable.
Helmet laws
Local Ordinances: State law allows any county, city, or town to pass an ordinance requiring helmets for riders 14 years of age or younger.
Regional Rules: Several Northern Virginia jurisdictions and coastal cities now mandate helmets for all riders under 18 years of age as of January 2026.
Adults: There is no statewide requirement for adults 18 and older to wear a helmet, though it is highly recommended by the Virginia DMV.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in Virginia, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
