Hawaii Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Varies by park

Act 259 of 2026 (HB 2021), signed July 15, 2026, adopted the three-class system for e-bikes up to 750 watts and banned high-speed electric devices from roads, bike lanes, paths and sidewalks. Riders under 16 may not operate Class 2 or 3 e-bikes without direct adult supervision, and all bicycle riders under 18 must wear a helmet. E-bikes must carry the $30 one-time bicycle registration; a 2025 e-bike bill was vetoed by Gov. Josh Green.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
16, younger with adult supervision
E-bike helmet
Under 18
State parks
Varies by park
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Hawaii

Hawaii rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1Class 1, 750 W maxNoneNoYes, $30 one-timeNoUnder 18Yes, 10 mph max, not business districtsPaths open to bicycles unless county posts ban
E-bike, Class 2Class 2, 750 W max16, younger with adult supervisionNoYes, $30 one-timeNoUnder 18Yes, 10 mph max, not business districtsPaths open to bicycles unless county posts ban
E-bike, Class 3Class 3, 750 W max16, younger with adult supervisionNoYes, $30 one-timeNoUnder 18Yes, 10 mph max, not business districtsPaths open to bicycles unless county posts ban
High-speed e-bikeHigh-speed electric device: over 750 W and over 28 mph16Yes, motorcycleYesYesUnder 18NoNo
Stand-up e-scooterElectric foot scooter15NoNoCounty ruleUnder 18County ordinanceCounty ordinance
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped: 2 hp max, 30 mph, no gears16YesYesNoUnder 18NoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1. Counties may restrict sidewalks
  • E-bike, Class 2. Counties may restrict sidewalks
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required
  • High-speed e-bike. Banned on public ways unless registered as electric motorcycle
  • Stand-up e-scooter. 15 mph max; no passengers
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Barred from bike lanes and paths

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage; speedometer on Class 3; point-of-sale sign, rider booklet and written road-legal disclosure from sellers (in effect 120 days after signing or when HDOT rules are adopted); bicycle lamp and reflector rules at night.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Counties may restrict e-bikes on sidewalks, may post bike lanes and paths closed to motorized bicycles, and must regulate electric foot scooters by ordinance no less strictly than state law. Honolulu Bill 52, signed in February 2025, bars children under 16 from Class 2 or 3 e-bikes unless supervised, bans e-bikes over 750 watts and prohibits stunt riding.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Hawaii

DLNR Division of State Parks e-bike rules were not confirmed.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1
HRS 291C-1, 291C-145, 291C-150, 249-14; Act 259 (2026)
E-bike, Class 2
HRS 291C-143.5, 291C-145, 249-14; Act 259 (2026)
E-bike, Class 3
HRS 291C-1, 291C-143.5, 291C-145, 249-14; Act 259 (2026)
High-speed e-bike
HRS 291C-1; Act 259 (2026)
Stand-up e-scooter
HRS 291C-139; Act 259 (2026)
Seated e-scooter (moped)
HRS 286-2; Act 259 (2026)
Status
Partly verified
Open items
DLNR state parks and Na Ala Hele trail rules for e-bikes; moped license age and insurance not confirmed from statute; HDOT implementing rules under Act 259 still pending.
Last verified
Q4 2026