Bill > SB647

This bill amends various Hawaii state laws to establish comprehensive regulations for low-speed electric bicycles (defined by federal law as electric bicycles with pedals and a motor under 750 watts that can't exceed 20 miles per hour), which are currently not explicitly addressed in state statutes. The bill removes existing definitions of "bicycle" that included low-speed electric bicycles and instead creates a new, separate section specifically governing their use. Key provisions include setting an age restriction of 15 years or older to operate a low-speed electric bicycle, prohibiting carrying passengers, requiring operation at speeds no greater than 15 miles per hour, and mandating that counties develop local ordinances regulating their use on roadways, bikeways, and sidewalks. Additionally, the bill modifies definitions in multiple sections of state law to exclude low-speed electric bicycles from definitions of "moped" and "motorized bicycle" and adds them to the list of "vulnerable users" for legal purposes. The bill gives counties the authority to create specific regulations about low-speed electric bicycle operations while ensuring a baseline of safety standards and operational guidelines are established at the state level.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=647&year=2026