Tennessee

Helmet Laws

• Bicycles:
  • Riders under 16 are required by law to wear a helmet while bicycling.

• E-Bikes:
  • Helmets are required for all riders of Class 3 e-bikes, regardless of age.
  • Riders under 16 operating any e-bike must wear a helmet.

E-Bike Classification

Tennessee follows the 3-class e-bike system, defined as:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph

• Class 2: Throttle-assist (with or without pedaling), up to 20 mph

• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph

✔ E-bikes are not motor vehicles under Tennessee law.
✔ No license, insurance, or registration is required for Class 1–3 e-bikes.

Where You Can Ride

• Sidewalks:
  • E-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks.

• Bike Lanes:
  • Allowed for all e-bike classes unless posted otherwise.

• Shared-Use Paths / Trails:
  • Class 1 & 2 are generally permitted.
  • Class 3 may be restricted unless authorized by local ordinance.

• Roadways:
  • All e-bike classes may operate on roads where bicycles are allowed. Riders must follow traffic laws.

Age Restrictions

• Riders must be at least 14 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.

• No minimum age is set for Class 1 or 2, though supervision is advised for young riders.

Lights & Equipment

• Required for night riding:
  • A white front light visible from 500 feet
  • A red rear reflector or light visible from 600 feet

• Brakes must allow safe stopping and all e-bikes should have standard reflectors.

Source:

Tennessee Code – Title 55, Chapter 8