Stay Safe, Ride Smart: Understand and Follow Hawaiʻi’s E-Bike and Scooter Safety Laws

Message from Maui Police Department, Lānaʻi Patrol Division

Aloha Lānaʻi,

There is a growing concern regarding the unsafe operation of e-bikes and e-scooters by children and adults not only on Lānaʻi but throughout Hawaiʻi, as the laws regulating these modes of transportation are not always adhered to.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric foot scooters (e-scooters) have become increasingly popular in Hawaiʻi as a convenient and eco-friendly way of getting around. However, with their rise in popularity comes the need for heightened awareness of e-bike safety and the laws and regulations that apply to their use.

An e-bike is a low-speed electric bicycle that can travel at a speed of less than 20 mph on a paved level surface, powered solely by such a motor. An e-scooter is a device with two or three wheels, handlebars, and either a floorboard to stand on or a seat or saddle to sit on. It is powered by an electric motor or human power and travels at a speed of less than 15 mph.

E-bikes are classified as bicycles with electric motors and are generally allowed on bike lanes, paths, and roads where bicycles are permitted. It is essential to always wear a helmet when riding an e-bike. Helmets are not only a legal requirement for riders under 18 years old but are also a crucial safety measure for riders of all ages. It is important to note that riders under 18 years old, by law, are required to wear a helmet while riding an electric bike. Moreover, riders under 16 years old, by law, are required to wear a helmet when riding a regular bicycle. Unfortunately, multiple children are observed in public not wearing helmets for safety here in Lānaʻi. Wearing a properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 60% and is estimated to prevent 37% of fatal injuries.

In Hawaiʻi, electric bike laws provide guidelines and regulations for the safe and legal operation of e-bikes throughout the state. Understanding these laws is crucial for everyone who owns an e-bike or plans to purchase one. In Hawaiʻi, e-bikes are categorized based on their maximum speed and motor power. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20MPH. Class 1 e-bikes are equipped with pedal assist only, meaning they don't have a throttle, and Class 2 e-bikes are equipped with a throttle for electric propulsion without pedaling. Any electric bike over 750 watts (1hp) would then be considered a moped unless it's one of those electric dirt bikes that goes more than 20MPH. Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike in Hawaiʻi. Not all parents know these laws when they purchase an e-bike or e-scooter for their child. Allowing a child under the minimum age requirement to operate an e-bike or e-scooter in Hawaiʻi may result in a traffic infraction, fine, confiscation of the bike, and/or court.

When it comes to where you can ride e-bikes in Hawaiʻi, the rules generally align with traditional bicycle regulations. E-bikes are permitted on bike lanes, paths, and roads where bicycles are allowed. However, it's crucial to check local ordinances and restrictions as they may vary between counties or municipalities. By following Hawaiʻi's electric bike laws and regulations, riders can enjoy the benefits of e-bike transportation while promoting safety and responsible riding practices here in Lānaʻi.

In conclusion, it is important to familiarize yourself with Hawaiʻi's traffic laws and regulations regarding e-bikes and regular bicycles.

291C-143.5 Low-speed electric bicycles; operator age. No person under the age of fifteen (15-years-old) shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle as defined under title 15 United States Code section 2085.

291C-141 Effect of regulations. (a) It is a traffic infraction for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this part.

- The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate this chapter.

- These regulations applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any highway or upon any bicycle path set aside for the preferential or exclusive use of bicycles subject to those exceptions stated herein.

291C-150] Bicycle helmets. (a) No person under sixteen (16-years-old) shall operate a bicycle upon a street, bikeway, or any other public property unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that has been tested by a nationally recognized agency such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, or the Children's Safety Network, and is designed to fit the user and protect against head trauma. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or who rides in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

- A violation of this section is punishable by a fine of not more than ($25.00 dollars). The parent or legal guardian having control or custody of an unemancipated minor whose conduct violates this section shall be liable for the amount of the fine imposed pursuant to this section.

291C-146 Carrying articles. No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the use of both hands in the control and operation of the bicycle. A person operating a bicycle shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

291C-147 Lamps and other equipment on bicycles. (a) Any bicycle used from thirty minutes after sunset until thirty minutes before sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front.

- Every bicycle shall be equipped with a red reflector at least four-square inches in size which shall be visible for six hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.

(c) Every bicycle when in use at the time described in subsection (a) shall be equipped with reflective material at least four-square inches in size and of sufficient size and reflectivity to be visible from both sides for six hundred feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle, or, in lieu of such reflective material, with a lighted lamp visible from both sides from a distance of at least five hundred feet.