Committee opens discussion on e‑bikes and scooters; police to return with options

The Transportation Advisory Committee opened a discussion Oct. 20 on whether the city should pursue local measures and education about electric bicycles and scooters.

Committee member Ms. Waller said she had seen rising use of electric bicycles and scooters across neighborhoods and asked staff to identify what the city can do within its jurisdiction and what requires state action. Members described riders without lights or helmets and noted frequent unsafe operation around schools and parks. Several members emphasized parental responsibility and community education as a first step.

Don Bright, the city’s chief of police, said the department is preparing a packet of applicable laws and educational materials for public distribution. He reported the department has already documented at least four crashes involving e‑bikes where the e‑bicycle struck vehicles. Bright explained Tennessee classifies electric bicycles into class 1–3 categories (with class 3 capable of higher speeds and carrying age/helmet requirements) and said many bicycle laws are out of date relative to modern electric devices. He recommended education, enforcement where feasible, and support for state‑level updates to law.

Committee members asked Chief Bright and staff to return at the next TAC meeting with a 30‑day package that outlines what the city can and cannot regulate locally, suggested ordinance options or draft language if available, and recommended community education measures; Ms. Waller offered to help coordinate outreach with homeowners associations and other community groups.

No ordinance or formal action was adopted at the meeting; staff will provide a packet of options for the committee to consider.