Honolulu Council Proposes Stricter E-Bike Regulations Amid Growing Safety Concerns

The Honolulu City Council is taking action to address the rising use of high-speed electric bikes on Oahu by proposing new legislation aimed at regulating their operation on public roads, parks, and sidewalks. This move comes in response to increasing safety concerns, particularly for younger riders, and the growing number of complaints from residents about reckless e-bike use.

Stricter Regulations for E-Bikes and Electric Dirt Bikes

The proposed legislation, introduced by council members Val Okimoto, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, and Augie Tulba, aims to bring Hawaii’s e-bike laws in line with national standards by introducing a three-class system. This system would classify e-bikes based on their speed and level of assistance:

• Class 1: E-bikes that provide motor assistance only when the rider is pedaling, with a top speed of 20 mph.
• Class 2: E-bikes with a motor that can propel the bike without pedaling, but only up to 20 mph.
• Class 3: E-bikes that provide motor assistance only when pedaling, with a top speed of 28 mph, and are equipped with a speedometer.

Currently, Hawaii’s laws do not utilize this classification system, leading to a “gray area” where certain e-bikes, especially those capable of speeds beyond Class 1 and Class 3 limits, are frequently seen on public roads. This has raised concerns about safety, particularly when these high-speed e-bikes are used on sidewalks and in parks.

Addressing the Gray Areas

One of the key concerns driving the proposed regulations is the confusion between electric bikes and electric dirt bikes. The latter, which are off-road vehicles without functional pedals and capable of much higher speeds, often masquerade as e-bikes, complicating enforcement and heightening safety risks.

Council member Dos Santos-Tam highlighted the dangers posed by these high-speed e-bikes, particularly to children. He noted that the lack of clear regulations puts young riders at risk, with some e-bikes capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 mph, far beyond what is safe for public roads.

Community and Industry Support

The Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) has expressed support for the council’s efforts, noting that Hawaii’s current e-bike definition is outdated and does not meet industry standards. HBL Executive Director Travis Counsell emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach, aligning with the three-class system adopted by many other states.

The council’s proposals also reflect growing concerns statewide, with the Honolulu Department of Emergency Services reporting an increase in accidents involving e-bikes. These incidents often involve younger, less experienced riders colliding with vehicles or pedestrians, underscoring the urgency for more comprehensive regulations.

What’s Next?

The full Honolulu City Council is expected to hold a first reading of Bill 52 and consider Resolution No. 199 at its upcoming meeting. These legislative efforts aim to provide clarity and safety for e-bike users, ensuring that electric bikes are used responsibly and in a manner that protects all road users.

RELATED CONTENT

• FDNY Firefighter Injured in E-bike Shop Blaze
• Manhattan E-Bike Crisis Triggers Flurry of New State Laws to Protect Public
• New York City to Roll Out Sidewalk Charging Stations, Safer E-Bikes for Delivery Workers
• Watertown, NY Grapples with E-Bike Boom and Safety Concerns
• 8 Best Practices for Electric Scooter Etiquette