CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Town Council has adopted new rules governing use of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail, prohibiting most motorized vehicles while allowing certain electric bicycles and mobility devices on the portion of the trail within town limits.
Council adopted Ordinance 20260819 on Aug. 19, establishing the Eastern Shore Rail Trail as a public nonmotorized transportation facility and recreational shared-use path. The ordinance took effect upon adoption.
The action follows a similar measure approved by the Northampton County Board of Supervisors on July 14. County supervisors adopted Ordinance 2026-003 to establish rules for the trail in areas under county jurisdiction and provide civil penalties for violations.
The Eastern Shore Rail Trail is planned as approximately 49.1 miles of paved shared-use path extending from Cape Charles in Northampton County to Hallwood in Accomack County. In Cape Charles, the trail terminates at the corner of Fig Street and Mason Avenue.
Under the new town ordinance, motor vehicles generally will not be permitted on the trail. The prohibition includes golf carts, motorized skateboards, motorized scooters and Class 3 electric power-assisted bicycles.
Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles will be permitted.
Virginia law generally defines Class 1 electric bicycles as pedal-assist bicycles whose motors stop providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph. Class 2 bicycles can use a motor to propel the bicycle without pedaling, but motor assistance also ends at 20 mph. Class 3 electric bicycles provide assistance while the rider is pedaling and can assist at speeds of up to 28 mph.
The ordinance provides exceptions for motorized vehicles used by emergency personnel and for motorized vehicles used by people with mobility disabilities.
The Town Council cited public safety as a reason for establishing the restrictions.
Section 46.2-904.1 of the Code of Virginia allows local governments to prohibit certain electric power-assisted bicycles on shared-use paths under their jurisdiction when officials determine restrictions are necessary for public safety or compliance with other laws.
The town held a public hearing on the ordinance before the council acted Wednesday.
The measure is intended to keep regulations within Cape Charles consistent with those adopted by Northampton County as development of the trail continues.
The Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation is responsible for constructing the trail and is expected to manage and maintain the facility. Once completed, the route is intended to serve both recreational users and people using the trail as an alternative form of transportation.
Cape Charles and Northampton County have characterized the trail as a nonmotorized transportation corridor and recreational shared-use path open to the public.
The council’s ordinance adds a new Section 28-8 to the Cape Charles Town Code and establishes penalties for violations of the trail rules.
The regulations mean traditional bicycles, pedestrians and permitted Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can share the Cape Charles portion of the trail, while faster Class 3 e-bikes and most other motorized vehicles will have to remain off the trail.
The ordinance became effective immediately following its adoption Aug. 19.
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