Are Electric Scooters Legal in Nashville?
Updated on December 1st, 2023
Electric scooters can be operated legally on Nashville streets, where riders are required to comply with the same traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles, including obeying traffic signals and signs. It is illegal to ride electric scooters on sidewalks within business districts. Outside of these areas, riders should yield to pedestrians and provide an audible signal when passing. Helmets are recommended for safety but are not a legal requirement. Electric scooters are limited to a top motor-powered speed of 20 miles per hour and riders must be 18 years of age or older to operate them.
Fully legal. A bicycle, electric bicycle or electric scooter SUMD shall not be operated upon a sidewalk within a business district. 2. Whenever operating a bicycle, electric bicycle or electric scooter SUMD upon a sidewalk, the user shall yield to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. 3. Helmet use is encouraged while riding. 4. When riding on a street, users must follow the rules of the road as one would in a motor vehicle. Administration definition of low-speed electric bicycle. Each electric bicycle must have fully operable pedals, an electric motor of less than 750 watts, and a top motor-powered speed of less than 20 miles per hour when operated by a rider weighing 170 pounds. An operator shall only not allow a powered SUMD to be operated by a person who is less than eighteen (18) years or older.
Max Speed
20
Minimum Age
18
Helmets Required?
No
