Subject:
Title
Request approval of the Transportation Safety Commission’s motions regarding Micro Mobility vehicles.
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
- On Sept. 15, 2025, the Vienna Town Council met in a work session to provide preliminary legislative agenda input.
- On Oct. 20, 2025, the Town Council met with Town’s state Delegate and state Senator to receive preliminary input.
- On Nov. 10, 2025 the Town Council held a public hearing and voted to approve the 2026 Town of Vienna Legislative Agenda, to include the following: “The Town of Vienna supports legislation that would require persons under the age of 16 or without a Virginia Driver’s License to be required to have some training before being permitted to operate mopeds or e-bikes on the public roads.”
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
In accordance with Section 5A of the “Town of Vienna Guide to Improving Street Safety,” the Town Council will consider all Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) motions and recommendations at a regularly scheduled Town Council meeting. If a motion is passed by the TSC, then the Department of Public Works (DPW) will present the motion to the Town Council.
DPW requests Town Council consideration of the TSC motions and recommendations regarding Micro Mobility vehicles.
At the Nov. 25, 2025, TSC meeting, the commission discussed concerns regarding micro mobility vehicles including e-bikes.
TSC members and Vienna residents have expressed concern regarding the dangers with micro mobility vehicles, specifically e-bikes, on shared used paths, sidewalks, and streets. TSC, Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC) have raised concerns regarding a lack of rider education and awareness as well as the risks of higher-speed crashes. Members of the TSC have also asked that our citizens be informed that e-bike batteries, which are typically lithium-ion, can be a fire hazard due to potential damage, improper charging, or manufacturing defects.
After discussion, the members of the TSC believed that the Town should consider a communication and educational campaign that would clearly explain the laws and dangers associated with e-bikes and other micro mobility vehicles. Additionally, the TSC agreed that the Town should consider advocating for legislation governing the use of micro mobility vehicles at the state level as well as consider local ordinances. The concern with a focus on just local ordinances is that many of the dangerous situations witnessed are occurring on the W&OD trail which is part of NOVA parks and therefore not under the jurisdiction of Vienna police. The Transportation Safety Commission made the following two motions:
Motion 1: Commissioner Nahigian made a motion that the TSC supports an educational and communication campaign regarding the laws and dangers of micro mobility vehicles, specifically E-bikes.
Commissioner Strunk seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously, 9 - 0.
Motion 2: Commissioner Kapitan made a motion that the TSC supports the Mayor and Town Council advocating for state legislation governing the use of micro mobility vehicles, specifically E-bikes.
Commissioner Nahigian seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously, 9 - 0.
Next Steps: Develop the details for an educational and communication campaign and provide Town Council with any support required for state legislation.
Expected Completion Time Frame: Implement campaign as soon as practicable in 2026. Consider recommendations for 2027 legislative agenda at initial Town Council Work Session in fall 2026.
Strategic Plan Initiative: Efficiently Mobile Community
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Finance Recommendation:
Purchasing Recommendation:
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council may direct staff to create an e-bike education program in its discretion. The Town included a request in the Town’s Legislative Agenda for additional state legislation related to e-bike safety training for underage e-bike operators. The General Assembly is in session, and it is too late for additional specific legislation to be proposed. The Town Attorney recommends the Town Council discuss possible additional legislative requests at a work session after the current General Assembly adjourns. If the General Assembly passes legislation that grants localities to adopt e-bike safety regulations, or the statewide regulations change, the Town Council can then decide how to move forward with local regulations or an education program.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council receive the Transportation Safety Commission’s motion and determine whether or not to advance it or not, based on the determination of the majority of the Town Council.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Project Account: N/A
GL Account: N/A
Prior Funding Approval: N/A
Decision Needed by This date: Jan. 26, 2026
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve the Transportation Safety Commission’s motion for an educational and communication campaign regarding micro mobility vehicles as described in this report;
and I further move for the Town Council to consider the TSC’s recommendations and continued advocacy for state legislation in 2026/27 as described in this report.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.