E-bikes and speed pedelecs in Tennessee (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Tennessee has three electric bicycle classes with a motor under 750 W and assistance to 20 mph (classes 1 and 2) or 28 mph (class 3). Since 1 July 2026 a person must be 16 to operate a class 3 electric bicycle on a street or highway, and all class 3 riders need a helmet. Electric bicycles are not subject to the laws applicable to motor vehicles.

RuleWhat applies
Legal classRiding on public roadsOwn e-bike class system (class 1, 2 or 3) [1]
Assistance stops atRiding on public roads20 mph [1]
Minimum ageRiding on public roadsA person under 16 years of age may not operate a class 3 electric bicycle on a street or highway. A person under 16 may ride as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle designed to accommodate passengers. [2]
HelmetRiding on public roadsThe operator and all passengers of a class 3 electric bicycle, regardless of age, must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet meeting federal CPSC or ASTM standards. [1]
LicenceRiding on public roadsAn electric bicycle and its operator are not subject to the requirements or laws applicable to motor vehicles, including the driver licence act. [1]
Plate and insuranceRiding on public roadsAn electric bicycle and its operator are not subject to the financial responsibility law or to the titling and registration chapters. [1]
Cycle pathsRiding on public roadsClass 1 and class 2 may be operated on any part of a street or highway where bicycles are authorised, including bicycle lanes, shoulders and paths or trails intended for bicyclists, subject to local or state-agency regulation for safety. Class 3 may not be operated on a path or trail where bicycles are authorised unless it is within or adjacent to a street or highway or the authority permits it. [2]
E-bike classesRiding on public roadsThree classes: class 1 (pedal assist) and class 2 (motor can propel alone) stop assisting at 20 mph, class 3 (pedal assist) at 28 mph. At least one wheel must be 20 inches or more in diameter. [1]
Maximum motor powerRiding on public roadsThe electric motor must be less than 750 watts. [1]

Notes

  • TCA 55-8-301 defines the electric bicycle as having two or three wheels, a wheel of 20 inches or more, fully operable pedals and a motor of less than 750 W. Class 1 and class 2 stop assisting at 20 mph and class 3 at 28 mph.
  • Before 1 July 2026 the age in TCA 55-8-307(a) was 14. Public Chapter 651 section 2 replaced it with 16 from 1 July 2026. The rule applies on a street or highway and is a delinquent act.
  • TCA 55-8-307(b) names only class 3. Other helmet duties for bicycle riders in title 55 were not read.
  • TCA 55-8-302 says an electric bicycle and its operator are not subject to requirements or laws applicable to motor vehicles, including the Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, the Uniform Classified and Commercial Driver License Act and the titling and registration chapters.
  • Public Chapter 651 section 1 (effective on becoming law in 2026) replaced TCA 55-8-306(a)(1) to (3). It also lets local governments and state agencies regulate or prohibit classes 1 and 2 on streets and highways where bicycles are authorised. Section 55-8-306(a)(4) bars electric bicycles on sidewalks unless authorised and the motor is disabled.

Sources

  1. Tennessee Department of Transportation: Tennessee Bicycle Laws, TCA 55-8-301 to 55-8-307 (Internet Archive snapshot of 3 June 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Tennessee Secretary of State: Public Chapter No. 651 (2026), Senate Bill 1782, electric bicycles (Internet Archive snapshot of 26 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

Tennessee and neighbouring states

StateLegal classMinimum ageHelmetLicencePlate and insuranceCycle paths
Tennessee
Three classes
Class 3: 16
Class 3: all riders
Not a motor vehicle
No plate, no insurance
Class 3 restricted on paths
Alabama
Class 1-3, bicycle rules
Class 3: 16
Class 3 only
None
Not required
Where bikes are allowed
Arkansas
Class 1-3, bicycle rules
Class 3: 16
Class 3, under 21
None
Not required
Class 3 restricted
Georgia
Three classes
15
Class 3: required
None needed
Not a motor vehicle
Class 1-2 yes; class 3 limited
Missouri
Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle)
16+ for Class 3
⚠ Not yet verified
Not required
Not required
Allowed, local limits
Mississippi
Three classes
Class 3: 16
⚠ Not yet verified
None needed
Not required
Where bikes allowed; paths can ban
North Carolina
Bicycle, one class
⚠ Not yet verified
Under 16 (bicycle rule)
Not required
Not a motor vehicle
⚠ Not yet verified
Virginia
Three classes
Class three: 14, or supervised
Local ordinance (14 and under)
Not a motor vehicle
Not a motor vehicle
Allowed unless prohibited

More rules in Tennessee

  • Car speed limitsOutside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (unless posted)
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner permit)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes where county/city allows sale · Minimum age to buy: 16 (16-17 need photo ID or an adult)
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; knives deleted from (a)(1) in 2014
  • Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only passengers under 18
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21

Compare with the other states and provinces →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.