Bill > SB1117

This bill comprehensively updates Hawaii's transportation laws regarding electric mobility devices, focusing on safety, rebates, and operational guidelines. The legislation renames the existing electric bicycle and electric moped rebate program to the Electric Mobility Device Rebate Program, expanding its scope to include adaptive electric bicycles and electric micro-mobility devices. The bill increases the maximum rebate from $500 to $750, with potential additional assistance for low-income individuals, students, and those without motor vehicles. It establishes new age and safety restrictions, prohibiting individuals under 15 from operating class 3 electric bicycles and those under 18 from operating electric motorcycles or motor-driven cycles. The bill also mandates specific operational rules for electric bicycles, such as maintaining all wheels on the ground, facing forward while seated, and avoiding unsafe maneuvers. Additionally, the legislation allows electric bicycles on public sidewalks under certain conditions, adjusts helmet requirements, and creates a new subaccount within the highway development special fund to support the rebate program. The bill aims to promote safer and more accessible alternative transportation options while providing financial incentives for residents to adopt electric mobility devices.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1117&year=2026