The Department has received an increased number of complaints, questions, and concerns about juveniles and unlicensed drivers operating motorcycles, dirt bikes, golf carts, low-speed vehicles, and other electric vehicles on city streets and neighborhood streets open for public travel. Most neighborhood streets in the city are public streets open for public travel.
We know these vehicles are popular, and many families may not realize that some of them are not treated like bicycles under Tennessee law. Some may look like an e-bike or golf cart, but if they do not meet the legal requirements, they may be considered a motor vehicle and may require a driver’s license, registration, insurance, and required safety equipment before being operated on a public roadway.
Our goal is simple: keep everyone safe and ensure families understand the rules before anyone gets hurt or cited.
Electric Bicycles & Electric Scooters
Under Tennessee law, a legal electric bicycle must generally have fully operable pedals, two or three wheels, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts…