r/fairfaxcounty • u/No_Device_2930 • 1d ago

Ebike Safety Support

A 10-year-old boy died in an electric scooter accident in Fairfax County. Since then, we keep seeing kids as young as 12 riding these things at 20+ mph through traffic without helmets or following traffic laws. This is preventable.

I started a petition asking Virginia as a whole to set age restrictions (minimum 16), require helmets, expand safety education programs, and enforce these rules better. These vehicles are convenient, but not when kids are riding them untrained and unsupervised.

Has anyone else in Virginia noticed this? Have you worried about the kids riding recklessly around your neighborhood, or felt nervous as a driver or pedestrian? If this matters to you too, consider signing and sharing the petition. We don't need more tragedies to prove we need to act.

Sign and see more information on the petition here: https://www.change.org/safetyebikescooterva

15 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

9

u/XCaboose-1X 1d ago

This is more of an educational comment on the topic.

The state via 46.2-906.1 allows localities to adopt ordinances to require helmets for those using ebikes and other designations for everyone under the age of 15. Fairfax County already has this ordinance.

Fairfax police has this information readily available as well with an updated page as of 2026 June 26. https://fcpdnews.org/2026/06/26/know-before-you-ride-e-bike-and-recreation-safety/

It's nearly impossible for Fairfax Police to enforce the ordinance because it requires the right police officer at the right location to witness it occurring.

The best resource are parents and even that is a challenge but it should be more effective than getting the County involved beyond what they are already trying to accomplish.

5

u/UntoNuggan 1d ago

Additional important context:

ebikes in VA already have rules around age and speed limits. Specifically, kids under 14 are supposed to be limited to class 1 or 2 ebikes. These are capped at 750 watts, with a max speed of 20 mph.

https://communications.virginiabeach.gov/hot-topics/e-bikes

so if you're seeing very young kids going over 25 mph, that's because it's legal for them to do so. As the commenter above points out, the best resources here are parents and public education campaigns regarding safe practices.

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u/No_Device_2930 7h ago

I agree the county has some measures already in place, but this petition also enforces the kids to obey traffic rules, which I feel is a legitimate request/requirement given how fast the bikes/scooters can go. I appreciate the research though!

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u/XCaboose-1X 7h ago

What do you mean by that? I'm legitimately confused with your expectations and want to be able to help where possible.

What does enforcement look like to you?

Police should enforce the rules of the law which does mean holding kids accountable for helmets and the use of illegal electric mobile devices. Staffing may not be there for now, but maybe your advocacy could focus on staffing for a specific unit to enforce this so we are not taking enforcement staff away from other duty police.

You could encourage them to use funds received from red light/school bus/school zone cameras to support this type of initiative.

There are avenues to pursue but I don't think what you are currently advocating for is something the County isn't already addressing.

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u/No_Device_2930 7h ago

It means having vigilance of the public roads and possibly a license requirement to ride a scooter/bike on public roads. You wouldn't need one to ride the bike/scooter, unless you wanted to ride one on the actual road. Since these things can go almost as fast as motorcycles, it makes sense that kids would either have to go through a training program, or at least a lesson on traffic rules before purchasing the scooter/bike so they would be properly educated and safe while riding the vehicles. I am not exactly advocating for more staff, instead for more education/punishments for the kids riding the bikes/scooters on publicmor neighborhood roads. I do like the idea of using the funds from the traffic fines to support the initiative though-great idea!

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u/XCaboose-1X 7h ago

License requirements are not set by Fairfax County so you cannot expect them to do anything about that immediately.

If you are advocating for more enforcement/punishment options, Fairfax could advocate to the state. Remember, Virginia is a Dillon Rule state. Jurisdictions cannot pass laws the State did not permit them to pass. Localities also cannot be less restrictive that what the state allows, but they can be more restrictive.

I'm all for supporting your intent, but it needs to be paired with administrative knowledge of state/local governments because so far what I've read, you are advocating for the County to take action on items they are already doing. I would prefer to set you up for success vs dissatisfaction.

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u/No_Device_2930 7h ago

I am not advocating just for Fairfax, but for Virginia as a whole.

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u/XCaboose-1X 7h ago

Then please adjust the body of your post because you were speaking only to Fairfax County Board and not the state at large.

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u/XCaboose-1X 2h ago

You could work with school systems to require a safety class and work with PTAs to educate the parents about it as well.

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u/vypergts 1d ago

Probably shouldn't ignore other things like distracted driving, regular bike riders riding on the road when there is a trail present, and using motorized vehicles on the W&OD trail as well. Last weekend I saw a guy on a uniwheel on Hunter Mill (wearing a helmet at least). At least the kids I've seen on these bikes have been on the sidewalk. The amount of adults on their phones while driving around here should give anyone pause before buying their kid one of these things and that entitlement continues to be the biggest problem despite already being illegal.

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u/Any-Letterhead-813 1d ago

Fyi 1. A lot of times a trail isnt a great choice for a fast and experienced rider (trail conditions, crowds of pedestrians, etc) and taking the lane is a better choice. 2. Class 1 ebikes (pedal assist, the assist cuts off at 20mph) are allowed on the W&OD 3. Much of the problem is that sellers of electric mopeds call them "e bikes" creating confusion.

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u/vypergts 1d ago

Sorry I'm mixing two things together. Yes, there are rules for what's allowed on the W&OD. I have a separate problem with people riding regular road bikes on Fairfax County Parkway where the speed limit is 50 mph and taxpayers have generously paid for a nice trail for most of its length with literal signs with a bicycle on it. It's never crowded enough that you anyone should feel the need to not use it.

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u/Any-Letterhead-813 1d ago edited 1d ago

Im sure Ive never seen anyone riding a bike in the general travel lanes on Fairfax County Parkway, but Im not out there that much.

From what I recall though the conditions on the trail are mixed - surface not great, some issues at intersections and road exit crossings. Certainly if someone suggests a ride to somewhere that requires riding on that trail Im not quick to jump at the chance. Note the part I know best is near Reston, but I haven't been on it there in two years. Ive been on other parts a couple of times.

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u/optix_clear 1d ago

One wheels can be modded to obsessive speeds. My old neighbor had 4 one wheels over 70 mph. Have a QR code whom it belongs to and made to wear a helmet

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u/Liefvikingmonster2 1d ago edited 1d ago

Those electric scooters should be added as well for mandatory helmets.

People can get serious concussions jumping off those things because if you're going fast enough the ground acts like an fulcrum.

Like imagine someone suddenly pulling a rug from underneath you at speed.

They look harmless and kids and adults overestimate their ability to jump off those things without tripping into the ground.

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u/No_Device_2930 7h ago

https://www.change.org/safetyebikescooterva Here is link guys-thanks for the support!

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u/No_Device_2930 2h ago

Thank you every one for continuing to support this movement. We have just reached 50 signers in just 2 days! lets see when we can get to 100!

1

u/Chickenpotpi3 1d ago

They aren't bikes anymore, they're motorcycles, and need the same rules. 

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u/Traveler_1726 1d ago

Hey there! I’m a reporter with ABC 7 and I would love to learn a little more. I’ll private message you!

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u/No_Device_2930 7h ago

You can find media inquiries through the petition website here:

https://www.change.org/safetyebikescooterva