HB 435 Hawaii House · 2025 Regular Session

RELATING TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES.

Summary
Establishes additional regulations for the registration and use of electric bicycles. Amends the definition of electric bicycles subject to various state laws and classifies electric bicycles by top assisted speed. Defines "electric micro mobility device" and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro mobility devices. Prohibits anyone under fifteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Increasing the age for those required to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 17, 2025 Last action Feb 11, 2025
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What changed between versions

HB435 HB435_HD1 · 13 edits
MAJOR
This bill expands Hawaii's electric bicycle regulations to include 'electric micro mobility devices' (like e-scooters and one-wheels) and clarifies rules for all e-bike classes. It adds registration requirements for e-bikes, sets a minimum age of 15 for operating Class 3 e-bikes, and raises the helmet age requirement from 16 to 18 for bicycles and micro mobility devices. The bill also requires distributors to provide safety information at the point of sale and prohibits tampering with e-bike speed capabilities.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from only electric bicycles to include electric micro mobility devices, which were previously unregulated under state law.
DEFINITION

Added definition for 'electric micro mobility device' covering devices like one-wheels and electric skateboards that weigh 75 pounds or less.

Added specific definitions for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bicycles based on motor assistance speed limits.

REQUIREMENT

Added registration requirement for electric bicycles with a $30 permanent fee, except Class 3 e-bikes which have a separate fee.

Required distributors to place signage at point of sale warning about age restrictions and provide purchasers with a booklet of state laws.

Prohibited tampering with electric bicycle speed capabilities or classification labels.

Required Class 3 electric bicycles to have speedometers displaying speed in miles per hour.

Added requirement that micro mobility devices used at night must have rear lights visible from the rear.

Added maximum speed limit of 15 mph for electric foot scooters and micro mobility devices.

ELIGIBILITY

Raised minimum operating age for Class 3 electric bicycles from 15 to 15 (no change) but added helmet requirement for all Class 3 operators and passengers.

Raised minimum helmet age requirement for bicycles and micro mobility devices from 16 to 18 years old.

Added prohibition on operating electric foot scooters or micro mobility devices by anyone under 15 years old.

Added prohibition on carrying passengers on electric foot scooters or micro mobility devices.

Added requirement that rental services must provide helmets and copies of local ordinances to renters under 18.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Feb 11, 2025
Committee
Reported from TRN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 388) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA.
lower
Feb 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Grandinetti, Evslin, Kitagawa, La Chica, Miyake, Muraoka, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran.
lower
Jan 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to TRN, JHA, referral sheet 2
lower
Jan 21, 2025
Introduced
Introduced and Pass First Reading.
lower
Jan 17, 2025
Introduced
Pending introduction.
lower
17 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors