2023 West Virginia Code › Chapter 17C. Traffic Regulations and Laws of the Road › Article 11. Operation of Bicycles and Play Vehicles › §17C-11-8. Electric Bicycles; Requirements; Exclusions; Age Restrictions

(a) The operator of an electric bicycle has all of the rights and privileges and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle subject to this chapter, except as otherwise provided by this section and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
(b) A person owning or operating an electric bicycle is not subject to the provisions of 17A-1-1
et seq
., 17B-1-1
et seq
., or 17D-1-1
et seq
. of this code, relating to registration, title, driver's license, and financial responsibility requirements.
(c) A person may not tamper with or modify an electric bicycle so as to change the motor-powered speed capability or motor engagement between pedal-assist and throttle-assist types of engagement. If a motor on an electric bicycle is modified so that a limit established in 17C-1-70 of this code is exceeded, that vehicle is no longer an electric bicycle. The provisions of this subsection are not applicable to a modified electric bicycle operated solely and exclusively on a person's own property.
(d) An electric bicycle must comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. Part 1512).
(e) The motor on an electric bicycle must disengage or cease to propel the electric bicycle when the operator stops pedaling, or when the operator applies the brakes and stops pedaling.
(f) A Class 3 electric bicycle must be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the electric bicycle is traveling in miles per hour.
(g) Class 2 electric bicycles are permitted to use a throttle to propel the bicycle.
(h) Electric bicycles operated on public roadways, public bicycle paths, public multiuse paths, and other public rights-of-way where bicycles are permitted to travel are subject to the following restrictions:
(1) Class 1, and Class 2 electric bicycles being used on roads and trails where traditional, non-electronic bicycle use is allowed will be given the same rights and privileges of a traditional, non-electric bicycle and will be subject to all of the duties of a traditional, non-electric bicycle. This rule intends to facilitate increased access to public lands that may otherwise be inaccessible to those with disabilities, health issues, or age-related limitations.
(2) A Class 3 electric bicycle may not be operated on a bicycle path, multiuse trail, or single-use trail unless it is within a highway or roadway:
Provided
, That the provisions of this subdivision are not applicable to a bicycle path, multiuse trail, or single-use trail if the municipality, local authority, or governing body of a state agency that has jurisdiction over the bicycle path, multiuse trail, or single-use trail expressly permits that operation.
(3) Electric bicycles will not be given special access beyond what traditional or non-electric bicycles are allowed. For example, electric bicycles will not be allowed on roads or trails or in areas where traditional, non-electric bicycle travel is prohibited.
(4) This subsection may not be construed to limit the authority of the owner of a private way or the owner of private property to restrict or allow the operation of electric bicycles on the way or property.
(i) Age restrictions related to the operation of electric bicycles are as follows:
(2) A person under 15 years of age who is an operator or passenger on an electric bicycle shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet, pursuant to the Child Bicycle Safety Act, 17C-11A-1
et seq
. of this code.
(j) A person under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances shall not operate a Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 electric bicycle.