West Virginia Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Where bicycles allowed

West Virginia defined e-bikes in 2020 (SB 660) and completed the three-class system in House Bill 2062, signed March 9, 2023, which recognized Class 2 throttles. E-bikes under 750 watts are exempt from registration, title and licensing and have the same rights as bicycles on roads and trails. Class 3 riders must be 16 or older, and riders and passengers under 15 must wear a helmet.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
16
E-bike helmet
Under 15
State parks
Where bicycles allowed
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in West Virginia

West Virginia rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2; under 750 WNoneNoNoNoUnder 15No state ruleYes, where bicycles allowed
E-bike, Class 3Class 3, 28 mph16NoNoNoUnder 15No state ruleOnly if path owner permits
Stand-up e-scooterNo state categoryNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state rule
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped: pedals, 2 bhp, 50 cc, 30 mphNo state ruleDriver's licenseYesUnconfirmedUnconfirmedNoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Same rights as bicycles
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required; paths within roadways allowed
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Cities regulate
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Over 50 cc is a motorcycle

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Must meet federal bicycle standard 16 CFR Part 1512; motor cutoff when pedaling stops or brakes are applied; speedometer on Class 3; no tampering with top speed or assist mode.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Class 3 e-bikes are barred from bike paths and multi-use trails away from roads unless the city, local authority or state agency that runs the path permits them. Private landowners may restrict or allow e-bikes.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in West Virginia

House Bill 2062 gives Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes the same access as traditional bicycles on trails, including public lands, and grants no access beyond what bicycles have. Class 3 needs express permission on trails.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
W. Va. Code 17C-1-70, 17C-11-8; HB 2062 (2023)
E-bike, Class 3
W. Va. Code 17C-11-8; HB 2062 (2023)
Stand-up e-scooter
none found
Seated e-scooter (moped)
W. Va. Code 17C-1-5a
Status
Partly verified
Open items
Exact Class 3 age text (statute subsection not visible; 16 per bill text); state label requirement; WV State Parks written e-bike policy; moped license, insurance and helmet rules; no state e-scooter category
Last verified
Q4 2026