E-Bike Laws · HI
Hawaii
Partially verified
3-class system
- Class 1 (pedal-assist, 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle, 20 mph), Class 3 (pedal-assist, 28 mph, speedometer); motor 750 W or less. Devices over 750 W and capable of over 28 mph are "high-speed electric devices", not e-bikes. An e-bike is a "bicycle" under HRS 291C-1 and 249-1. [Hawaii Act 259 (2026), HB2021 CD1]
Age limits
- Under 16 may not operate a Class 2 or Class 3 e-bike unless directly supervised by a parent, guardian or adult 18+ (HRS 291C-143.5). [Hawaii Act 259 (2026), HB2021 CD1]
Helmets
- Under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet on a bicycle (which includes e-bikes) on a street, bikeway or other public property (HRS 291C-150, raised from 16 by Act 259). [Hawaii Act 259 (2026), HB2021 CD1]
Where you can ride
- Sidewalks: Class 1–3 allowed at no more than 10 mph, except in business districts or where a county ordinance prohibits it (HRS 291C-145(g)). Counties may post lanes and paths to bar motorized bicycles. [Hawaii Act 259 (2026), HB2021 CD1]
- High-speed electric devices (over 750 W and over 28 mph) are banned on public roads, bike lanes, paths, sidewalks and other public areas. No wheelies or stunts; all wheels on the ground; rider seated normally. [HDOT: Act 259 (2026) e-bike law]
License / registration / insurance
- E-bikes must be registered ($30 permanent fee) to be ridden on a public road, sidewalk or bicycle facility (HRS 249-14(b)); no insurance required. Driver-license rule: Not verified yet — check official source. [Hawaii Act 259 (2026), HB2021 CD1]
Speed & equipment
- Label with class, top assisted speed and wattage; sellers must give buyers a booklet on state e-bike law and disclose registration, equipment, helmet and age rules (new 291C section; effective 120 days after July 15, 2026 or on HDOT rules). [Hawaii Act 259 (2026), HB2021 CD1]
- Act 259 took effect July 15, 2026; HDOT is drafting rules. [HDOT: Act 259 (2026) e-bike law]
Cities in Hawaii
No city rules verified yet. Cities and counties can add restrictions (sidewalks, paths, parks) — check your city's municipal code.
Official sources
- Hawaii Act 259 (2026), HB2021 CD1
- HDOT: Act 259 (2026) e-bike law
- Hawaii statutes (official)
- Hawaii DMV / motor vehicles (official)
- 15 U.S.C. §2085 (Cornell LII)
Last verified: Oct 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary — always confirm with the linked official source or local authorities.
Spot something outdated or wrong? Report an update (please include an official source link).