Are Electric Scooters Legal in Tennessee?
Updated on December 1st, 2023
In Tennessee, electric scooters are regarded similarly to bicycles and e-bikes concerning road rules. Operators are obliged to follow traffic regulations just like other motor vehicles. Riders must ensure not to carry more passengers than the scooter is designed for and should ride close to the right-hand side of the road when traveling below normal traffic speeds, barring certain exceptions like passing or turning. Night-time scooter use requires a front lamp for visibility. While a driver's license is not necessary for electric scooter usage, the operator must be at least 16 years of age. Electric scooters should not be operated at speeds exceeding 15 mph.
In Tennessee, electric scooters are regulated under the same laws for the operation of bicycles and electric bicycles. Those provisions generally provide that such operators are subject to the duties that are applicable to operators of motor vehicles in regard to general compliance with the rules of the road. The provisions also provide, among other things, that no more persons than those for which the device was designed may be carried on a foot scooter; the operator of such a device on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under certain situations such as overtaking a vehicle or preparing to turn; and such devices operated at night must be equipped with a lamp on the front. A valid license is not required to drive a scooter.
A person who is under the age to operate a motor vehicle is not allowed to operate an electric foot scooter. Electric foot scooters cannot be driven at a speed in excess of 15 mph.
Max Speed
15
Minimum Age
16
Helmets Required?
No, but recommended for safety
