Electric scooters are a popular mode of transportation throughout the University of Virginia. While we recognize the convenience of getting around Grounds, the UVA University Police Division is committed to ensuring students follow all safety protocols. All UVA students, faculty, and staff should be aware of the university policy for operating electric scooters throughout Grounds (including wearing a helmet).
These regulations exist for all electric scooters, whether owned by the operator or utilized through ride-share services like VEO Ride.
Are there Virginia laws for riding an electric scooter?
Yes. Virginia Law states that a motorized scooter is considered a vehicle when operated on a public roadway. Therefore, you must follow all traffic laws when operating an electric scooter. There are also local ordinances for both the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County that you must follow when operating an electric scooter.
What happens if you break these laws?
University Police regularly conduct traffic stops for electric scooter violations on or near Grounds. Any officer conducting a traffic stop can issue a warning or traffic ticket for the violation. While many common violations are traffic infractions, which may result in fines, several violations fall under Reckless Driving, a Class 1 Misdemeanor. If convicted, the operator may be fined up to $2,500 and confined to jail for up to a year.
UVA Police reserve the right to report violations to the VEO Ride service, which may result in termination from the program.
What can I do to follow the state and local laws?
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Obey all traffic lights.
- Stop at all stop signs.
- Use hand signals when turning.
- Do not ride on sidewalks or the downtown mall.
- Do not ride faster than 20mph.
- Do not park your electric scooter on the sidewalk.
- Do not operate an electric scooter while intoxicated.