Tennessee e-bike regulations
Tennessee regulates electric bicycles under the Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 55-8-301 to 55-8-307), enacted in 2016 via Public Chapter 823. The law adopts the standard three-class e-bike system (Class 1, 2, and 3), defines e-bikes as bicycles (not motor vehicles) provided motor wattage does not exceed 750W and top assisted speeds stay within class limits, and exempts e-bikes and their riders from motor-vehicle requirements such as titling, registration, and financial-responsibility (insurance) laws. Riders are generally subject to the same rules of the road as bicyclists. No statewide age minimum, helmet mandate, or licensing requirement applies specifically to e-bikes at the state level, though local governments and land managers (e.g., parks, greenways, school districts) may impose additional restrictions on where e-bikes, particularly Class 2 and 3, may be operated. No major pending 2024-2025 legislative amendments to the core three-class framework were identified as enacted; municipalities and counties retain authority to regulate e-bike use on local trails, sidewalks, and greenways.
Overview
Tennessee statutes
Part definitions (electric bicycles, three-class system)
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-301
Defines Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bicycles based on motor operation (pedal-assist only vs. throttle) and maximum assisted speed (20 mph for Class 1/2, 28 mph for Class 3), consistent with the national three-class model. Enacted as part of the Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act, Acts 2016, ch. 823.
Justia / Tennessee CodeRequirements and laws applicable to electric bicycles
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-302
Provides that an electric bicycle and its operator are not subject to motor vehicle requirements, including titling, registration, and the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, and that electric bicycles are generally treated as bicycles for purposes of Title 55.
OpenJurist / Tennessee CodeElectric bicycles part (full part, §§ 55-8-301–55-8-307)
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 55-8-301 to 55-8-307
Comprehensive part governing electric bicycle classification, equipment (e.g., speedometer for Class 3), age and helmet considerations for Class 3, applicable rules of the road, and authority of local governments/land managers to regulate or restrict e-bike access on paths and trails.
Tennessee Secretary of State - Public Chapter 823Tennessee Bicycle Laws (TDOT guidance, includes e-bikes)
Tenn. Code Ann. Title 55, Ch. 8
TDOT's public guidance summarizing bicyclist rights and responsibilities under Tennessee traffic law, noting bicycles (and by extension e-bikes) have the legal status of vehicles on the roadway.
Tennessee Department of Transportation
Tennessee government links
Last verified 2026-09-08
Tennessee meeting calendar (state, county & city)
September 2026
Showing Tue, Sep 15, 2026 — tap the day again for the whole month
Metropolitan Council Meeting
Metropolitan Council · Public body
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 · 06:30 PM
Historic Metro Courthouse, 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN
Metro Council's next full legislative meeting confirmed for September 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., with committee meetings (e.g., Government Operations, Public Health & Safety) on September 1 and September 9, 2026.
Tennessee meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Marsha Blackburn
U.S. Senator • Republican
Bill Hagerty
U.S. Senator • Republican
State officials
Will Reid
Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Transportation
Sen. Becky Massey
Chair, Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, TN General Assembly • Republican
Bill Lee
Governor of Tennessee • Republican