Alexandria adopted new rules for e-bikes, electric scooters and other micromobility devices, setting requirements for where they can be ridden and how riders must interact with pedestrians.
The city council approved the updated laws on Aug. 20, replacing portions of the city’s older rules with regulations addressing the increasingly popular devices.
The ordinance allows bicycles, “Class 1” and “Class 2” e-bikes (capped at a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph) and electric scooters on sidewalks unless otherwise prohibited by city signage. “Class 3” e-bikes, which can go up to 28 mph, are prohibited from sidewalks and can only use shared-use paths specifically designated by the city.
The distinction prompted questions from council members about how riders of Class 3 e-bikes could safely navigate parts of Alexandria, including areas around U.S. 27 where sidewalk use is prohibited.
City officials acknowledged that the ordinance may need to change as they see how the rules work in practice.
“I think we’re probably going to amend this at some point in the future as we figure it out, because it’s an emerging technology,” said Alexandria Councilmember Stacey Graus. “We’re trying to catch up to it.”
Graus said the city needs to balance allowing residents to enjoy the technology with keeping riders and others safe, while also making sure the regulations are enforceable.
Pedestrian safety is a central part of the new rules.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way on sidewalks, shared-use paths, trails, crosswalks, parks and other shared public areas. Riders must slow down and provide enough space when passing pedestrians and, when necessary for safety, give an audible warning.
If pedestrian traffic becomes too congested to safely ride, riders are required to dismount and walk.
The ordinance also requires anyone 16 or younger on an e-bike or e-scooter to wear a helmet. Riders on public roadways also cannot wear headphones or earbuds in both ears if doing so prevents them from hearing surrounding traffic.
Council members also discussed how police would enforce the new regulations, with officials emphasizing that officers aren’t expected to stop riders simply to determine what class of e-bike they are using.
“If you’re running people over with your bicycle, now we have something that we can do with it,” Alexandria Mayor Andy Schabell said. “So, I don’t foresee anyone being harassed by our police department without good cause, right? You’re going to be doing something wrong.”
The ordinance allows officers to issue warnings and provide educational materials instead of citations for certain first violations when appropriate.
After a first warning, a $50 fine can be issued for a first offense, $100 for a second and $250 for a third or subsequent offense.
The city said they expect to monitor how the regulations work and make changes if problems emerge.
