E-Bike Laws · TN
Tennessee
Verified from statute
3-class system
- Yes — 2 or 3 wheels (one at least 20"), fully operable pedals, motor under 750 W; Class 1 pedal-assist to 20 mph, Class 2 throttle to 20 mph, Class 3 pedal-assist to 28 mph. Label (class, top assisted speed, wattage) required; modifying speed without relabeling is a Class C misdemeanor. [TCA 55-8-301, -303, -304 (via TDOT)]
Age limits
- Changed July 1, 2026: under 16 may not operate a Class 3 on any street or highway (was under 14); may ride as a passenger on a passenger-designed Class 3. [TN General Assembly — SB1782 (Pub. Ch. 651)]
Helmets
- Class 3 operator and all passengers, regardless of age, must wear a helmet meeting CPSC or ASTM standards (Class C misdemeanor). [TCA 55-8-307(b) (via TDOT)]
Where you can ride
- Class 1/2 may use streets, bike lanes, shoulders and paths/trails where bicycles may; since April 2026 local governments and state agencies may regulate or ban Class 1/2 there. Class 3 not allowed on paths/trails unless within/next to the road or locally permitted. [TN General Assembly — SB1782 (Pub. Ch. 651)]
- No e-bike on sidewalks unless the local government/agency authorizes bicycles on that sidewalk and the motor is disabled. [TCA 55-8-306(a)(4) (via TDOT)]
License / registration / insurance
- Not subject to motor-vehicle laws: no driver license, financial responsibility (insurance), title or registration. [TCA 55-8-302 (via TDOT)]
Speed & equipment
- Assist cutoff 20 mph (Class 1/2) or 28 mph (Class 3); motor under 750 W. [TCA 55-8-301 (via TDOT)]
- Must meet 16 CFR 1512; motor must cut out when brakes are applied or a switch is released. Class 3 needs a speedometer (mph). Night: white front lamp and red rear reflector/lamp visible 500 ft; brakes able to stop within 25 ft from 10 mph. [TCA 55-8-305 and 55-8-177 (via TDOT)]
Cities in Tennessee
No city rules verified yet. Cities and counties can add restrictions (sidewalks, paths, parks) — check your city's municipal code.
Official sources
- TDOT: Tennessee Bicycle Laws (TCA 55-8-301 to -307)
- TN General Assembly — SB1782 (Pub. Ch. 651)
- HA0645 amendment text (as enacted language)
- Tennessee statutes (official)
- Tennessee DMV / motor vehicles (official)
- 15 U.S.C. §2085 (Cornell LII)
Last verified: Oct 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary — always confirm with the linked official source or local authorities.
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