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Virginia Senate declines electric‑bicycle registration bill
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Summary
Senate Bill 6, which would have required registration, decals and a basic safety program for Class 1–3 electric bicycles and imposed a $30 registration fee, failed on a 10–17 roll call after senators questioned practicality and impacts on children and visitors.
RICHMOND — Senate Bill 6, a measure that would have required owners of Class 1–3 electric bicycles to register their bicycles with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and display identification decals, failed in the Senate on March 13.
Senator Nestor, the bill’s patron, told colleagues the measure was aimed at safety as electric‑bicycle use increased. "Owners of class 1, class 2, and class 3 electric bicycles would register their bicycle with the Commonwealth with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles," the sponsor said, describing a program that would issue decals mailed to owners and require completion of a basic e‑bicycle safety and education program before registration.
Supporters cited national and local crash data to justify the proposal; the sponsor noted that, "Nationwide, there were 104 fatalities involving electric bicycle from 2017 to 2022," and pointed to a recent jump in crashes in Loudoun County.
Opponents questioned logistics and fairness. Senator Berry called the concept "very unnecessary," asking why "a 9 year old or 12 year old riding an ebike have to register a bike?" Senator Kottkamp focused on implementation, warning that decal placement options could be hidden on small frames: "If we're having a 6 to 10 letter ID decal, you can't see it properly," he said, asking how enforcement would ensure visibility. Senator Sault asked whether visitors or renters would be required to register; the sponsor replied that rented fleet bikes are already registered and that purchasers would have to register.
Senators pressed on a $30 registration fee and whether the bill would create a new bureaucracy; the sponsor said the fee would fund the safety program and that the process would use existing DMV infrastructure.
After limited floor debate, the Senate voted on the motion to pass the bill. The clerk recorded Ayes 10, No 17, and the presiding officer announced that Senate Bill 6 failed.
The chamber did not adopt any amendments on the floor; senators discussed the possibility of future amendments such as a grace period for previously purchased bikes.
Outcome: Senate Bill 6 failed on a 10–17 roll call. The bill’s sponsor said the measure could be revised before future consideration.
