Murfreesboro's City Attorney will present a draft electric bicycle ordinance to the City Council at its workshop on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. The draft would add the city's first rules written specifically for e-bikes, including a 28 mph limit on public roadways, helmet and age requirements, and fines of up to $50 per violation.
This is a draft for review. The agenda packet says: "Formal consideration will be brought to the council at later date after review and integration of suggested changes." Nothing in the draft has been adopted.
What does the draft ordinance cover?
The item is listed as "E-bike Ordinance Review" (Item 6, with the agenda title "Bicycles and Electric Bicycles Ordinance"). Jeffrey Peach, City Attorney, is the presenter. It would add Sections 32-1221 through 32-1229 to Article XII of Chapter 32 of the City Code, written to be consistent with state law (T.C.A. § 55-8-301 and following). The packet lists the fiscal impact as "No cost to the City."
The draft says e-bikes and their riders are subject to the existing bicycle rules in Article XII, such as signals, lanes, parking, open containers and night equipment, unless the new sections say otherwise. If the two conflict, the new e-bike sections control.
What counts as an e-bike?
The draft defines an electric bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled device with at least one wheel 20 inches or larger, fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. It adopts the state's three classes:
- Class 1: the motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops assisting at 20 mph.
- Class 2: the motor can propel the bike on its own and stops assisting at 20 mph.
- Class 3: the motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops assisting at 28 mph.
The draft gives e-bike riders the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, but says references to motor vehicles in the city code do not apply to e-bikes.
What are the rules for streets, trails and greenways?
Riders must keep as near to the right side of the road as practicable and obey traffic signs and signals. Speed must be reasonable and prudent, and never more than 28 mph on any public roadway. Riders may not cling to a moving vehicle or ride against traffic. No one may lift a wheel off the ground while riding on a path, trail, greenway or sidewalk.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may go wherever bicycles are authorized, including bicycle lanes, shoulders and paths or trails intended for bicyclists. Class 3 e-bikes may not use bicycle lanes, shoulders, paths or trails unless they are within or adjacent to a street or highway, or the city otherwise authorizes it. The draft's definition of "highway" does not include interstates.
Existing Article XII applies to park areas, recreational areas and open spaces as well as streets. See the city's greenways, parks and running trails for where people ride.
Can e-bikes be ridden on sidewalks?
Generally no. The draft prohibits e-bikes on sidewalks unless the motor is disabled and the city has expressly authorized it. It is never allowed in the Central Business District or where signs or the code prohibit it. Anyone on a sidewalk must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. The packet does not map the Central Business District; the Public Square guide covers downtown.
What are the helmet and age rules?
The draft requires anyone under 16 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when riding or riding as a passenger on an e-bike on a public roadway or sidewalk. On a Class 3 e-bike, the operator and all passengers must wear a helmet that meets federal standards, regardless of age.
No one under 14 may operate a Class 3 e-bike on a street or highway. A child under 14 may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike designed to carry passengers.
One difference appears inside the packet. The City Attorney's Oct. 27 memo to the council says helmets are required for riders and passengers "under 18," while the draft text and the council communication both say under 16.
What equipment is required?
An e-bike used on a street must meet state and federal equipment standards, including 16 C.F.R. Part 1512. The motor must cut off when the brakes are applied, or run through a switch that cuts it off when released. A Class 3 e-bike must have a speedometer showing miles per hour. Existing bicycle rules also apply, including a front white light and rear reflector at night.
What are the penalties, and what are parents responsible for?
A violation of the e-bike sections would be a civil offense with a fine not to exceed $50 per violation, replacing the misdemeanor provision for those sections. The memo notes some e-bike violations may also be state misdemeanors, and violations of the general bicycle rules remain misdemeanors.
Existing Section 32-1201(B) also says a parent or guardian shall not authorize or knowingly permit a child to violate the article.
When and where is the meeting?
The workshop is at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 12 at the Airport Business Center. The city's Safe Streets grant is a separate road safety effort. The Murfreesboro City Hall guide has contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the e-bike ordinance in effect?
No. It is a draft under review at the Nov. 12 workshop. The packet says formal consideration will come to the council at a later date after suggested changes are reviewed.
How fast can an e-bike go under the draft?
No more than 28 mph on public roadways, and never faster than is reasonable and prudent.
Do kids have to wear helmets on e-bikes?
Under the draft text, riders and passengers under 16 must wear helmets, and everyone on a Class 3 e-bike must wear one regardless of age. The memo in the packet says under 18, which conflicts with the draft text.
Can a 12-year-old ride a Class 3 e-bike?
Not as the operator on a street or highway. The draft sets 14 as the minimum age to operate a Class 3, though a younger child may ride as a passenger on a bike designed for one.
How much is the fine?
Up to $50 per violation, as a civil offense.
Sources: Murfreesboro City Council Workshop Meeting agenda packet, Nov. 12, 2026, including the council communication, draft Sections 32-1221 through 32-1229 and the City Attorney's memo of Oct. 27, 2026; City of Murfreesboro Agenda Center.
*AI-generated illustration.*