HONOLULU (KHON2) — Travis Counsell, Executive Director of the Hawaii Bicycling League, joins producer/host Coralie Chun Matayoshi to discuss new legislation to define and regulate e-bikes and other electric devices like foot scooters and skate boards, including the three classifications of bikes, where you can ride them on the streets, whether you can ride them on sidewalks, whether you have to be a certain age, registration and helmet requirements, ban on dangerous stunts like wheelies, potential parental liability and government authority to seize unregistered or non-conforming devices, equipment requirements for carrying children and riding at night, how to prevent lithium-ion battery fires, and the many free and educational activities that the Hawaii Bicycling League offers to the public. The Governor is expected to sign this legislation and has until July 15, 2026 to veto bills.
Q. As e-bikes grow in popularity, we are seeing an increase in the number and severity of e-bike injuries and even deaths, with some doctors calling it an epidemic. Recognizing that stunts like wheelies can take lives while helmets can save lives, the Hawaii State Legislature just passed an important bill to help define and regulate e-bikes and other electric devices like foot scooters and skate boards. Can you tell us more about House Bill 2021?
Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) has been working for over the past two years with numerous partners at the City and State as well as community groups to update our laws regarding electric bicycles and other electric devices. We’re excited that HB2021 passed this year and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. It is an update to a bill that was vetoed last year on a technicality and provides much needed updates to definitions and regulations. HBL looks forward to providing education and awareness around this updated law. This 25-page bill includes:
- New definitions for electric bicycles to include the three classes of e-bikes.
- A new definition for high-speed electric devices, known as e-Motos, which also bans them from public roadways.
- A new definition for electric micro-mobility devices to capture new technology.
- Updated helmet requirements for anyone under 18.
- A few other clarifications regarding enforcement, retailer expectations, and more.
Q. What is an e-bike, and can you tell us the difference between the 3 classes of e-bikes?…