As electric bicycles become common on Chattanooga streets and trails, local law enforcement agencies are reminding riders that e-bikes are subject to many of the same rules that apply to traditional bicycles.
The Chattanooga Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office this month released a summary of Tennessee’s e-bike laws and say the effort is intended to educate riders before enforcement becomes necessary.
“These vehicles are growing in popularity, and many people might not be aware of the legal requirements for operating them,” the agencies say in a joint release. “We want everyone to enjoy these vehicles, but they must be operated legally, safely and responsibly.”
Under Tennessee law, an electric bicycle must generally have fully operable pedals, two or three wheels and an electric motor producing less than 750 watts. Unlike motor vehicles, e-bikes do not require a driver’s license, registration or insurance.
However, riders must obey traffic laws when operating on public roads and highways. That includes following traffic signals and signs, riding on the right side of the roadway in the same direction as traffic, using hand signals when turning and equipping bicycles ridden at night with a white front light and a red rear light or reflector visible from 500 feet.
State law divides e-bikes into three classes based on how they provide assistance and their maximum assisted speed.
Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph, while Class 2 models can be propelled by a throttle up to 20 mph. Both classes may generally be ridden anywhere conventional bicycles are allowed, but cannot be ridden on sidewalks unless the motor is disabled and bicycles are otherwise permitted.
Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph and are subject to additional restrictions. They may carry a passenger only if the bike is designed to do so and the passenger is younger than 14. They also cannot be operated on bicycle paths or trails where bicycles are otherwise allowed, must be equipped with a speedometer and require riders to wear a helmet.
As of July 1, Tennessee law also requires Class 3 e-bike operators to be at least 16 years old.
The agencies say riders younger than 16 are also required to wear helmets under Tennessee’s bicycle helmet law.
Police and sheriff’s officials say the information campaign is intended to improve safety as e-bike use continues to increase, but warned that officers will take enforcement action when riders violate the law or create safety hazards.
Additional information on Tennessee bicycle and e-bike laws is available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation.