New law sets statewide safety standards for e-bikes
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday signed a bill into law establishing statewide rules for electric bicycles and micro-mobility devices.
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House Bill 2021 establishes a regulatory framework that updates definitions, sets basic operational safety requirements and creates age‑related standards, including:
The measure raises the minimum age a person can ride a Class 2 or Class 3 electric bicycle without direct supervision from 15 to 16. It also raises the minimum age a person can ride a bicycle on public property without a helmet from 16 to 18.
“Seeing the e-bicycle safety bill become law is a significant milestone and a testament to the dedication and hard work of the advocates, families and community members who worked tirelessly every day to improve safety on our roads,” said state Rep. Darius Kila, chair of the House Committee on Transportation and introducer of HB2021. “If this law helps save even one life or prevents even one family from experiencing tragedy, then every effort that went into passing it was worth it.”
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The law also clarifies that insurance is not required to operate a road-legal, permitted, properly classified e-bike. It also states that e-bikes operating on public roadways, sidewalks, or bicycle facilities must be properly registered, or riders may face a citation or temporary impoundment.
Hawaii Bicycling League executive director Travis Counsell said enhanced regulations will increase public safety amid the rapid growth of electric bicycles and other micro-mobility devices.
“Clear regulations like those in this bill help remove confusion, build confidence, and encourage more people to choose the affordable, healthy, and sustainable transportation options,” he said.
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