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Franklin board weighs e-bike rules, enforcement and education after new state law
Summary
Staff reviewed Tennessee's Public Chapter 651 and how it affects e-bike access to streets, sidewalks, parks and greenways; aldermen urged both enforcement of existing restrictions on motorized 'e-motos' and a stakeholder-driven education and code-update process to distinguish class 1/2 e-bikes from higher-powered vehicles.
City staff summarized the recent state-level changes affecting electric bicycles and local options under Public Chapter 651, then led a lengthy board discussion about enforcement, education and potential local regulations.
The presenter reviewed the state distinctions: class 1 (pedal-assist) and class 2 (throttle) e-bikes typically top out near 20 mph and are treated like bicycles on roadways; class 3 (pedal-assist, up to 28 mph) are restricted from parks and greenways and riders must be at least 16 years old. Staff explained that local governments may prohibit class 1 and class 2 use on certain greenways or park trails by ordinance, but must file those local prohibitions with the Department of Safety.
Board members repeatedly distinguished between lower-powered e-bikes and higher-powered, throttle-dominant "e-motos," which several aldermen said are often the source of safety complaints. Alderman comments stressed three responses: better education for riders and parents, targeted enforcement of existing law (especially where motorized vehicles are already banned), and consideration of local ordinance language to control speeds or prohibit certain devices on trails and sidewalks.
Aldermen suggested concrete next steps: form a stakeholder working group including police, parks staff, retailers and neighborhood representatives; develop education sessions (including school- or HOA-based trainings and in-person demos); consider pilot signage and "share the path" guidance; and research whether local speed limits for e-bikes on multi-use paths are permissible under state law.
Multiple aldermen described near-miss incidents and safety concerns on neighborhood streets and trails, emphasized helmet and reflector use for night visibility, and called for an education-and-enforcement program before or concurrent with any ordinance changes. The board did not adopt any ordinance at the work session but several members volunteered to convene stakeholder meetings.
