Electric Scooter Laws in Tennessee – Complete Guide 2025

Quick facts

  • Classification: Electric foot scooters, separate from motor vehicles
  • Min age: 15 years old with Class M-Limited license for road use
  • Helmet required: Under 16 years old, encouraged for all
  • Max speed: 20 mph maximum capability, 15 mph on public roads
  • License/registration: Class M-Limited license required, no registration
  • Sidewalk riding: Allowed where not locally prohibited
  • Bike lane access: Yes, same rules as bicycles
  • Scooter sharing: Present in Nashville and Memphis with permits
  • Last checked: September 22, 2025

What Tennessee riders need to know

Tennessee got serious about electric scooter regulation back in 2019, putting together some of the clearer state-level rules you’ll find anywhere. The Volunteer State requires a Class M-Limited license to ride on public roads. To qualify under the legislation, electric scooters must weigh less than 100 lbs and have a maximum speed of 20 mph, with an operational limit of 15 mph on public roadways.

What makes Tennessee interesting is how they handle the licensing requirement while keeping scooters exempt from registration and titling. It’s a middle ground approach that acknowledges these aren’t toys without drowning riders in motorcycle-level bureaucracy.

Section 55-8-302 applies to an electric scooter and any person operating an electric scooter, including an exclusion from chapters 3 and 4 of this title, relating to titling and registration. Tennessee Code § 55-8-208 specifically addresses electric scooter regulation.

This bill extends the present law provisions that apply to the operation of bicycles and electric bicycles to also apply to electric scooters, meaning scooter riders follow bicycle traffic laws while operating on roads and bike paths.

For DUI purposes, an electric scooter will be considered a motor-driven vehicle, so impaired riding carries the same penalties as driving under the influence. The state gives local governments broad authority to regulate scooters within their boundaries.

Where you can ride

Roadways: Electric scooters can operate on public roads where bicycles are permitted, but you’re limited to 15 mph regardless of what your scooter can actually do. Stay in bike lanes where they exist, and stick to the right side of the road when they don’t.

Bike lanes:This is where most experienced riders spend their time. Tennessee treats scooters the same as bicycles in bike lanes, so you follow standard cycling etiquette and traffic rules.

Sidewalks: State law permits sidewalk riding, but cities can restrict it. Nashville has banned sidewalk riding in downtown areas, while smaller cities often allow it with speed restrictions and pedestrian right-of-way rules.

Trails and parks: State park trails follow the same rules as public roads, with the 15 mph speed limit applying. Many local parks have their own regulations that may be more restrictive than state law.

Equipment and vehicle requirements

Weight and speed specifications

Your scooter must weigh less than 100 pounds and have a maximum speed capability of 20 mph. That speed restriction is about the actual top speed your scooter can achieve, not what you ride at on public roads where you’re limited to 15 mph.

I’ve seen plenty of riders get caught off guard by that weight requirement. Some of the dual motor scooters and longer range models easily exceed 100 pounds, which technically makes them illegal for road use in Tennessee.

Required equipment

Tennessee doesn’t specify detailed equipment requirements, but following standard vehicle safety practices means you need:

  • Working brakes capable of controlled stops
  • Headlight and taillight for visibility
  • Reflectors for low-light conditions
  • Horn or bell for pedestrian warnings

Local municipalities may require additional equipment, especially for night riding.

Rider requirements

Age and licensing

Here’s where Tennessee gets strict compared to most states. A privately-owned electric scooter on the road must be operated by an individual at least 15-years-old who holds a Class M-Limited license.

Getting a Class M-Limited license means taking a written test and paying fees, but it doesn’t require a road test like a full motorcycle license. The process takes about the same time as getting a regular driver’s permit.

Helmet requirements

Helmets are mandated for riders under the age of 16. Anyone 16 and older can legally ride without a helmet, though it’s strongly recommended for safety.

Alcohol and drug rules

Since Tennessee considers electric scooters motor-driven vehicles for DUI purposes, operating under the influence carries the same penalties as drunk driving. This includes license suspension, fines, and potential jail time for repeat offenses.

Parking, storage, and riding etiquette

Parking regulations vary by city since the state doesn’t set specific statewide parking rules. Common requirements include:

  • Park in designated areas where available
  • Don’t block sidewalk access, especially ADA-compliant pathways
  • Avoid parking near building entrances or bus stops
  • Secure your scooter properly to prevent theft

When sharing bike lanes, give cyclists plenty of room and use your horn or bell when passing. On sidewalks where permitted, ride at walking speed and dismount when it gets crowded.

Enforcement and penalties

Enforcement happens primarily at the local level through municipal police departments. Common violations and typical penalties include:

  • Riding without proper license: $50-$150 fines
  • Exceeding 15 mph speed limit: $75-$125
  • Helmet violations for minors: $25-$50
  • Improper parking in restricted areas: $25-$75
  • Equipment violations (lights, etc.): $25-$100

DUI charges carry the same penalties as motor vehicle DUI, including license suspension and potential jail time.

Insurance and liability

Tennessee doesn’t require specific insurance for electric scooters, but since they’re considered motor-driven vehicles for some purposes, checking your existing coverage is wise. Many auto insurance policies exclude coverage for two-wheeled motor vehicles.

In accidents, standard negligence principles apply. The at-fault party bears responsibility for damages, though determining fault can become complex when scooters, pedestrians, and cars are all involved.

Local exceptions to state law

Nashville: Runs the most comprehensive scooter program in Tennessee. The city requires permits for shared scooter operators and has designated no-ride zones in busy pedestrian areas like Broadway downtown.

Private scooter owners can ride on roads and in bike lanes throughout the city, but sidewalk riding is prohibited in the downtown core and Gulch area. Nashville requires working lights for night riding and enforces the 15 mph speed limit actively during rush hours.

Memphis: Allows private electric scooters following state regulations but takes a cautious approach to shared scooter programs. The city requires special permits for commercial operations and limits the number of scooters each company can deploy.

They prohibits sidewalk riding in the downtown business district and requires dismounting in Beale Street entertainment areas during peak hours. The city enforces stricter parking requirements near the Mississippi riverfront and in historic districts.

Knoxville: Follows state regulations closely but has added local parking restrictions around the University of Tennessee campus. Electric scooters must be parked in designated bike parking areas near campus buildings.

The city allows sidewalk riding in residential areas but requires riders to yield to pedestrians and use walking speeds. Knoxville has seasonal restrictions in some tourist areas during peak fall foliage season.

Chattanooga: Permits electric scooters but has implemented specific rules for the downtown aquarium and riverfront areas. Riders must dismount and walk scooters through crowded pedestrian zones during events and festivals.

The city requires registration with local police for any shared scooter operations and has designated specific parking zones near major attractions.

Special circumstances

University campuses: Both the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University have campus-specific policies that are often more restrictive than state or city law. Check with campus security before riding on university property.

Tourist areas: During major events like CMA Music Festival in Nashville or Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, cities often implement temporary restrictions on scooter operation in high-traffic areas. Pay attention to posted signs and temporary barriers.

Interstate highway restrictions: Electric scooters are prohibited on interstate highways and their on/off ramps throughout Tennessee.

FAQs

Do I really need a Class M-Limited license to ride an electric scooter in Tennessee? Yes, if you’re riding on public roads. This catches many riders off guard since most states don’t require any license. The good news is it’s just a written test, no road test required.

Can teenagers ride electric scooters? Yes, but they need to be at least 15 years old and have a Class M-Limited license. Riders under 16 must wear helmets.

What happens if my scooter weighs more than 100 pounds? Technically it’s not legal for road use as an “electric foot scooter” under Tennessee law.

Can I ride on sidewalks everywhere in Tennessee? State law allows it, but cities can restrict sidewalk riding. Nashville, Memphis, and other major cities prohibit it in downtown areas.

Do I need insurance for my electric scooter? Not required by law.

Can I get a DUI on an electric scooter? Yes, Tennessee specifically treats electric scooters as motor-driven vehicles for DUI purposes. Same penalties as drunk driving apply.

Resources and citations

Stay up to date

To stay current with the ever evolving legal landscape of electric scooters, make sure you sign up to our newsletter to get updates for your local and state regulations as they come through. You can also regularly check back to our e-scooter state law page to get the latest updates for all states.

We’re riders, not lawyers. This information covers Tennessee electric scooter laws as we understand them and is intended for informational purposes only, not legal advice.

For specific legal questions, especially regarding licensing requirements, DUI charges, or accident liability, consult with a local attorney familiar with Tennessee traffic law. When in doubt about local regulations, contact your city clerk’s office or local police department for current information.

Tennessee provides a pretty clear image of what they expect from their citizens if they want to ride their electric scooter legally. The rules are straight forward and even if there are smaller irregularities between cities there aren’t any major rule changes as you cross city lines.

Keep the 15 mph, wear a helmet if you’re under 16 and take the appropriate test for the m-class license and you’re ready to hit the streets.

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