West Virginia has no dedicated statewide statute for electric kick scooters. Contrary to common misconception, e-scooters are not classified as mopeds under WV Code 17C-1-5A, because the moped definition requires foot pedals for muscular propulsion — which stand-up e-scooters lack.
Legal Status: Electric scooters occupy a gray area between "play vehicles" and "motor-driven cycles" in West Virginia law. Most consumer e-scooters do not meet the moped definition, so state-level titling, registration, and insurance requirements do not apply.
Municipal Regulation: Individual cities like Charleston, Wheeling, and Martinsburg may have their own ordinances governing e-scooter use. Riders should check local rules before riding.
Pending Legislation: As of early 2026, the WV Legislature is reviewing proposals to adopt a uniform "Electric Foot Scooter" definition and explicitly exempt e-scooters from motor-driven cycle classification.