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Hawaii e-bike laws
- ClassesAct 259 (2026) defines an e-bike as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and a motor of 750 W or less. Class 1 and 2 assist to 20 mph; Class 3 assists to 28 mph and needs a speedometer. Devices over 750 W that can go faster than 28 mph are "high-speed electric devices", not e-bikes, and are banned from public roads, bike lanes, paths, sidewalks and other public areas. Riders must keep all wheels on the ground and sit normally; wheelies and stunts on public streets are banned.
- Age & helmetUnder 16 may ride a Class 2 or 3 e-bike only under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or other adult 18 or older who is physically present (HRS 291C-143.5). · Under 18 must wear a properly fitted, fastened bicycle helmet on a street, bikeway or other public property (HRS 291C-150, raised from under 16).
- Local rules on fileNone yet: state law applies
Jump to county & city rules ↓Check your bike's class here →
Statewide rules
| E-bike classes allowed | Act 259 (2026) defines an e-bike as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and a motor of 750 W or less. Class 1 and 2 assist to 20 mph; Class 3 assists to 28 mph and needs a speedometer. Devices over 750 W that can go faster than 28 mph are "high-speed electric devices", not e-bikes, and are banned from public roads, bike lanes, paths, sidewalks and other public areas. Riders must keep all wheels on the ground and sit normally; wheelies and stunts on public streets are banned. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | Under 16 may ride a Class 2 or 3 e-bike only under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or other adult 18 or older who is physically present (HRS 291C-143.5). |
| Helmet rule | Under 18 must wear a properly fitted, fastened bicycle helmet on a street, bikeway or other public property (HRS 291C-150, raised from under 16). |
| Where you can ride | Wherever bicycles may ride. All classes may use sidewalks at 10 mph or less, except in business districts or where a county ordinance bans it (HRS 291C-145(g)). Counties may post bike lanes and paths to keep motorized bikes off them. |
| License / registration | Registration required, with a one-time $30 fee paid to the county director of finance. No riding an unregistered e-bike on a public road, sidewalk or bike facility; police may cite or impound it (HRS 249-14, 249-15). No insurance required. |
County & city rules
Highlighted counties have local e-bike rules we've checked against an official source. Everywhere else, state law applies. Parks, trails and HOAs can still post their own rules.
Tap a county, or pick one below.
No local e-bike rules on file for Hawaii yet. State law applies until we verify a county or city rule.
Local rules change. Cities, counties and park agencies update their rules often. Check the linked source before you ride.
Sources
Based on the text of Act 259 (HB2021 CD1, 2026) and HDOT's July 16, 2026 release.
- https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2021_CD1_.HTM
- https://hidot.hawaii.gov/administration/new-law-enacted-to-improve-electric-bicycle-safety/
This is a summary, not legal advice. Local rules can be stricter; check the sources above.
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