The Germantown Police Department regularly receives questions about the legality of electric bicycles and golf carts. State law governs most regulations, and in some cases, local restrictions also apply. The information below is intended to help residents understand what is and is not permitted.

Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes)

What Is an E-Bike?
An electric bicycle, or e-bike, operates similarly to a traditional bicycle but includes an electric motor that provides assistance. Tennessee law generally treats e-bikes like traditional bicycles, not motor vehicles.

E-Bike Classes in Tennessee
Tennessee recognizes three classes of low-speed electric bicycles:
• Class 1 — Pedal-assist only. Motor assistance stops at 20 mph.
• Class 2 — Throttle-assisted. Motor assistance stops at 20 mph.
• Class 3 — Pedal-assist only. Motor assistance stops at 28 mph.

Registration, License and Insurance
E-bikes:
• Do not require registration
• Do not require a driver’s license
• Do not require motor vehicle insurance
• Most motor vehicle laws do not apply.

Where You May Ride
E-bikes may be operated on roads, shoulders and bike lanes where traditional bicycles are permitted. Riders must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic signals.

Sidewalk Use in Germantown
Under Tennessee law, electric bicycles may not be operated on sidewalks unless a local government has adopted an ordinance allowing it. Germantown has not adopted such an ordinance.

Riding an e-bike on any Germantown sidewalk is prohibited, regardless of class.
• This applies whether the rider is pedaling or using motor assistance.
• Walking an e-bike on the sidewalk is permitted.

Bike Path Use
• Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are generally permitted on bicycle paths. Germantown has no additional restrictions at this time.
• Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on bicycle paths.

Age and Helmet Requirements
• Individuals under 14 years of age may not operate a Class 3 e-bike.
• Riders and passengers on Class 3 e-bikes must wear a helmet.

Golf Carts and Street-Legal Vehicles

Golf carts are treated differently than e-bikes under Tennessee law and are considered motor vehicles in most circumstances.

Vehicle Classifications:
Traditional Golf Cart
Designed primarily for golf course use and typically limited to 20 mph. Traditional golf carts are not street legal.

Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)
A four-wheeled electric vehicle, excluding a traditional golf cart, with a top speed between 20 and 25 mph.

Medium-Speed Vehicle (MSV)
A four-wheeled electric or gasoline-powered vehicle, excluding a traditional golf cart, with a top speed between 30 and 35 mph.

Are Golf Carts Street Legal?
Traditional golf carts may not be operated on public roads in Germantown.

If modified to meet state and federal safety standards, a vehicle may qualify as an LSV or MSV. Once modified, it must:
• Be titled and registered
• Display a valid license plate
• Carry proof of insurance
• Be operated by a licensed driver with a valid Class D license

Required Equipment for LSVs and MSVs
Street-legal LSVs and MSVs must have:
• Headlamps
• Stop lamps
• Front and rear turn signals
• Tail lamps
• Reflectors
• Parking brake
• Mirrors
• Windshield meeting federal standards
• Seat belts at each seating position
• Vehicle Identification Number
• Registration and license plate
• Proof of insurance

Operational Restrictions
Low-Speed Vehicles
• May operate on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.
• May cross higher-speed roads only at intersections.

Medium-Speed Vehicles
• May operate on roads with posted speed limits of 40 mph or less.
• May cross higher-speed roads only at intersections.

Local Restrictions in Germantown
In Germantown, golf carts, LSVs and MSVs are prohibited:
• On sidewalks
• In City parks
• On the Germantown Greenway

DUI Laws Apply
Tennessee DUI laws apply to traditional golf carts, LSVs and MSVs. Operating any of these vehicles while impaired may result in arrest and criminal charges.