Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Tennessee regulates electric scooters under a framework established by the 2019 "Electric Scooter Act" (T.C.A. § 55-8-301).
The state primarily treats these vehicles similarly to electric bicycles, granting riders the same rights and duties as cyclists while allowing local governments in cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville to set specific rules for sidewalk use and parking.
State-level classification and definition
Under Tennessee Code § 55-8-101, an electric scooter is defined by its physical and performance characteristics.
Design: A device with handlebars and an electric motor that is solely powered by the motor or human power.
Weight: Must weigh less than 100 pounds.
Speed: Capable of a maximum speed of no more than 20 mph on a paved level surface.
DUI Status: Under § 55-10-401, an electric scooter is considered a "motor-driven vehicle" specifically for the purposes of driving under the influence laws.
2026 Legislative Updates and Road Rules
Note: As of January 2026, Tennessee has maintained its bicycle-parity model for micromobility while increasing enforcement of local "Business District" sidewalk bans.
Current Status: Registration, titling, and insurance are not required for electric scooters at the state level.
Operational Speed: While the device can be designed for 20 mph, state law generally expects an operational speed of 15 mph when utilized on public roadways.
Local Authority: Counties and municipalities have the right to further regulate, limit, or even ban shared-scooter fleets within their specific jurisdictions.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is required by the state to operate an electric scooter.
Minimum Age: Tennessee state law does not specify a minimum age for private operation; however, a minimum age of 16 is widely recognized as the standard for independent road use.
Rental Rules: Shared mobility providers (like those in Nashville) strictly require riders to be at least 18 years old and carry a valid government-issued ID.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in Tennessee, a scooter must meet the following safety standards:
Brakes: A functional braking system is mandatory.
Night Lighting: For use after dark, the scooter must be equipped with a front lamp emitting white light and a red rear light or reflector.
Power: The motor must be electric; gas-powered scooters are generally subject to more restrictive moped laws.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators are granted the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists on public ways.
Roadways: Permitted on any road where bicycles are allowed, including roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Riders should stay as far to the right as practicable.
Sidewalks: Generally prohibited unless a local ordinance specifically allows it. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville have passed ordinances banning e-scooters from sidewalks in their respective central business districts.
Bike Lanes: Riders are permitted to use designated bike lanes, shoulders, and multi-use paths intended for bicycle use.
Helmet laws
Mandatory: Under Tennessee law, helmets are required for any person under the age of 16 years who is operating or riding on an electric scooter.
Adults: Riders 16 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet, although it is strongly recommended for safety and to reduce personal liability in the event of an accident.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in Tennessee, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
