Falls Church May Now Seize, Destroy Or Sell 'Emotos'

FALLS CHURCH, VA — The city of Falls Church has adopted state-granted authority to seize and destroy or sell off-road motorcycles, including electric models known as "emotos," unlawfully operated on city streets or sidewalks.

State law defines electric power-assisted bicycles, or e-bikes, as vehicles with pedals, a seat and an electric motor rated at no more than 750 watts. They fall into three classes. Class 1 and Class 2 motors stop providing assistance at 20 mph, while Class 3 motors stop assisting at 28 mph. Class 2 bikes can operate without pedaling.

The ordinance does not apply to legal e-bikes in those three classes. Vehicles that exceed the e-bike limits may instead be classified as mopeds, off-road motorcycles or other motor vehicles, depending on their characteristics.

In 2024, Virginia granted cities authority to seize, impound and dispose of unlawfully operated off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Falls Church has now adopted that authority. Previously, vehicles could only be impounded and returned to the owner after payment of a fine.

The ordinance does not require police to seize the bikes for disposal. Officers could still choose to impound them.

Peter Honnef, professional standards manager for Falls Church police, told the City Council that Fairfax and Arlington counties have not adopted similar authority, but some Hampton Roads localities have.

The city also updated its definition of various electronic vehicles and their use on "shared use" paths and trails.