VIRGINIA BEACH — In the 15 years since David Thomas has operated an electric bicycle store on 25th Street at the Oceanfront, he’s seen interest in the mode of transportation grow.

It started out as a trend among older adults, but has now become popular with people of all ages, he said.

“In the past 10 years, I’m seeing younger folks using them,” said Thomas. “They’re putting the car keys down.”

He’s also concerned that teenagers riding electric dirt bikes in the resort area are giving responsible pedal-assisted riders a bad name.

“They shouldn’t be penalized because 14 year olds are doing wheelies,” he said. “A low speed e-bike is nothing more than a bicycle. It’s illegal e-bikes that most likely create a problem.”

City officials are exploring options for regulating the use of e-bikes

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