Tennessee law treats electric bicycles differently from motorcycles and other motor vehicles, but riders still have rules to follow depending on the type of e-bike they operate.
Under Tennessee law, electric bicycles are divided into three classes:
- Class 1: The motor only assists while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph.
- Class 2: The motor can propel the bike without pedaling but stops at 20 mph.
- Class 3: The motor provides assistance only while pedaling and stops assisting at 28 mph.
To qualify as an electric bicycle under state law, the bike must have two or three wheels, fully working pedals, wheels at least 20 inches in diameter and an electric motor producing less than 750 watts.
Where can e-bikes be ridden?
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can generally be ridden wherever regular bicycles are allowed, including bike lanes, road shoulders and bicycle paths or trails.
Class 3 e-bikes have more restrictions. They generally cannot be ridden on bicycle paths or trails unless the path is within or next to a street or highway, or the local government has specifically allowed them.
E-bikes also cannot be ridden on sidewalks unless the local government or state agency allows bicycles on the sidewalk. If sidewalk riding is allowed, the electric motor must be turned off.
Local governments can also place additional restrictions on where e-bikes can be ridden.
Class 3 riders have helmet requirements
Anyone riding a Class 3 electric bicycle, including passengers, must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets federal safety standards.
Children under 14 cannot operate a Class 3 e-bike on a street or highway. They can, however, ride as passengers on a Class 3 e-bike designed to carry passengers.
E-bike labels and modifications
New electric bicycles sold in Tennessee must have a permanent label showing the bike’s class, top assisted speed and motor wattage.
Riders also cannot knowingly modify an e-bike to increase its speed without properly updating the required classification label. Doing so is a Class C misdemeanor.
Class 3 e-bikes must also have a speedometer when operated on a street or highway.
While e-bikes are generally not subject to laws governing motor vehicles, riders are still required to follow Tennessee’s bicycle laws and any local rules that apply.
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