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Tennessee e-bike laws
- ClassesClass 1 and 2 (20 mph) and Class 3 (28 mph pedal-assist). An e-bike has 2 or 3 wheels (at least one 20 in. or larger), working pedals and a motor under 750 W (TCA 55-8-301). New e-bikes must carry a class label.
- Age & helmetClass 3: 16 or older from July 1, 2026 (Public Chapter 651 of 2026, TCA 55-8-307(a)). It was 14 before. No minimum age for Class 1 or 2. · Class 3: every rider and passenger, any age, must wear a bicycle helmet (TCA 55-8-307(b)). On any bicycle, riders and passengers under 16 must wear a helmet on highways, streets and sidewalks (TCA 55-52-105).
- Local rules on fileNone yet: state law applies
Jump to county & city rules ↓Check your bike's class here →
Statewide rules
| E-bike classes allowed | Class 1 and 2 (20 mph) and Class 3 (28 mph pedal-assist). An e-bike has 2 or 3 wheels (at least one 20 in. or larger), working pedals and a motor under 750 W (TCA 55-8-301). New e-bikes must carry a class label. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | Class 3: 16 or older from July 1, 2026 (Public Chapter 651 of 2026, TCA 55-8-307(a)). It was 14 before. No minimum age for Class 1 or 2. |
| Helmet rule | Class 3: every rider and passenger, any age, must wear a bicycle helmet (TCA 55-8-307(b)). On any bicycle, riders and passengers under 16 must wear a helmet on highways, streets and sidewalks (TCA 55-52-105). |
| Where you can ride | Class 1 and 2: anywhere bicycles may ride, including bike lanes, shoulders and bike paths or trails, unless a local government or state agency restricts them. Class 3: not on bike paths or trails unless the path is next to a road or the local government or agency allows it. No sidewalk riding unless bikes are allowed there and the motor is off (TCA 55-8-306, as amended by Public Chapter 651 of 2026). |
| License / registration | Not required. E-bikes are exempt from motor vehicle rules, including registration, titling, driver licensing and financial responsibility (TCA 55-8-302). |
County & city rules
Highlighted counties have local e-bike rules we've checked against an official source. Everywhere else, state law applies. Parks, trails and HOAs can still post their own rules.
Tap a county, or pick one below.
No local e-bike rules on file for Tennessee yet. State law applies until we verify a county or city rule.
Local rules change. Cities, counties and park agencies update their rules often. Check the linked source before you ride.
Sources
Based on Tennessee statute text as published by TDOT, and Public Chapter 651 (2026).
- https://www.tn.gov/tdot/local-programs-community-investments/community-investments-office/bicycle-and-pedestrian-program/resources11/tennesse-bicycle-laws.html
- https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/114/pub/pc0651.pdf
This is a summary, not legal advice. Local rules can be stricter; check the sources above.
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