VIENNA — The Vienna Police Department is conducting a monthslong e-bike safety and enforcement campaign in response to juveniles modifying e-bikes to exceed legal speed limits. The campaign focuses on keeping trails, parks, neighborhoods, and streets safe.

"We've seen reckless driving, we've seen stunts, we've seen riders traveling at a high rate of speed, or sometimes juveniles not wearing helmets when they are required to," said Irving Rodriguez, a spokesman for the Vienna Police Department. He noted that the modified bikes are quiet. "They are known to be extremely quiet, and if you combine that with pedestrians on a sidewalk or on the street, or in a busy park, that could lead to somebody getting seriously injured," Rodriguez said.

Vienna police have been stopping e-bike riders to educate them on safety equipment and Virginia traffic laws. The department has also contacted parents of e-bike riders. "Parents don't know that the children are modifying these class 1, 2 or 3. e-bikes, and that's the biggest issue we're having at the moment," Rodriguez said. He stated that some kids are removing an e-bike's speed limiter or turning it off completely, adding that the method is easily researched on YouTube. Fairfax County police are also proactively engaging with children riding e-bikes in the community.

Virginia classifies e-bikes into categories based on their features. Class 1 e-bikes have pedal-assist, a maximum motor power of 750 watts, no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 20 miles per hour. Class 2 e-bikes also have a maximum motor power of 750 watts and may include a throttle. Class 3 e-bikes feature pedal assist and can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour. Anyone riding a Class 3 e-bike in Virginia must be at least 14 years old and wear a helmet.

Motors on legal e-bikes in Virginia must not exceed 750 watts. A driver's license or license plates are not required for Class 3 e-bikes. Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on the W&OD Trail. If the maximum speed of a bike is tampered with, it is no longer considered an e-bike under Virginia regulations. Vehicles exceeding the Class 3 standard are classified as mopeds or motorcycles by Fairfax County Government.

On June 17, 2026, Vienna police stopped a juvenile riding an electric dirt bike on the sidewalk without a helmet. An investigation into this incident determined that the e-bike did not meet Class 1, 2, or 3 criteria. Riders traveling faster than posted speed limits, performing stunts, or riding unsafely near people may be stopped and could receive a fine. Police have identified hotspots for e-bike activity near the Vienna Community Center and areas close to the W&OD trail. Vienna police previously enforced regulations against off-road vehicles, which resulted in a reduction of such vehicles in the town.