Malia Harunaga, Director of Adult Education for the Hawaii Bicycling League, joins producer/host Coralie Chun Matayoshi to discuss who is allowed to operate an e-bike, where you can and cannot ride, other important rules, and free hands-on workshops offered by the Hawaii Bicycle League.
Q. It seems like there’s been a big uptick of kids using e-bikes and causing accidents, and recently e-bikes have even been banned from some Oahu middle schools. Should kids even be riding e-bikes?
Some important pieces that come into play to answer this question. The Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) supports safe streets for all users, and our work in advocacy and education envisions a Hawaii in which there are no fatalities on our roadways. In Hawaii, those aged 15 and older are allowed to operate an e-bike (as long as it's registered under a household member). HBL supports safe riding, regardless of age. Many of the “e-bike” fatalities reported in the news did not actually involve e-bikes at all.
Q. What is an e-bike?
An e-bike (or electric bike) can look a lot like a traditional bicycle except an e-bike is equipped with an electric motor and rechargeable battery to provide the rider a power boost for climbing hills or traveling long distances. Some e-bikes provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling, while others have throttles and assist regardless of whether or not the pedals are being turned. Currently, Hawaii legally recognizes e-bikes as “low-speed electric bicycles.” These are “a two-or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour” (Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 291C-1). Nearly all the fatal “e-bike” crashes we’re hearing about in the news do not actually involve e-bikes. Instead, they are electric dirt bikes or e-motos (electric motorcycle) - bicycles that have extremely powerful motors capable of speeds well over 20 mph. Misrepresentation of these vehicles as e-bikes can lead to lack of trust and confusion, and ultimately can harm the e-bike industry and the efforts to promote sustainable transportation.
Q. Are e-bikes allowed to be ridden on the street?
In Hawaii, e-bikes are permitted wherever traditional bicycles are allowed - which is bike infrastructure such as bike lanes, protected bike lanes, and bike paths, and roadways (except the freeway). As a reminder, by law bicyclists using a roadway have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle, except as stated by special bicycle regulations and except for those provisions which by their nature cannot be applied to bicyclists. Learn more about the basics of e-bikes at: http://HBL.org/EbikeFastFacts. Bicyclists are required to ride as near to the right curb or on the shoulder as practicable when traveling slower than the speed of traffic. Bicyclists must utilize any usable bicycle lane that has been provided adjacent to a roadway when traveling at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic unless full lane usage is permitted. Full lane use is allowed when traveling at the normal speed of traffic, preparing for a turn, overtaking and passing, avoiding hazards or unsafe conditions, traveling in a lane too narrow to share, and avoiding a mandatory turn lane. Bicyclists may ride on the left-hand curb when on a one way only roadway with two or more lanes. Find out more about Hawaii bike laws at: http://HBL.org/bike-laws.
Q. What about places with pedestrians like sidewalks and multi-use paths – are e-bikes allowed there?
Bicycles, including e-bikes, are prohibited from being ridden on the sidewalks in a business district but may be ridden on sidewalks otherwise when traveling at a speed of 10 mph or less. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrian’s right-of-way and give an audible signal when passing. Check local ordinances for variations on this rule. For multi-use trails, Honolulu City & County Ordinance Section 15-18.10 states that: “Only bicycles without motors or authorized motor vehicles that are permitted by posted signs may be used on bicycle paths.”This legal language lags a bit behind, as its original intention was to restrict bicycles with gas-powered motors on multi-use trails. This may be confusing but again, e-bikes are legally viewed as bicycles in Hawaii so they can be ridden where conventional bicycles are allowed (but of course it’s wise to check posted signs that may restrict specific activities in your area). HBL has been working with HDOT to better clarify e-bike policy, including clearly defining what is an e-bike.
Q. Now that we know where you can ride an e-bike, who can ride one? Do you have to be a certain age?
In Hawaii, those aged 15 and older are allowed to operate an e-bike (as long as it's registered under a household member). E-bikes are vehicles and should be operated by responsible individuals. Like other vehicles with motors (e.g. cars, mopeds), they give the operator power and speed they wouldn’t naturally have, so it is very important the driver understands how to use their vehicle, drives in a predictable manner, and obeys all traffic laws.
Q. What about people carrying their kids while riding - is this legal?
“The bicyclist must ride on the permanent, regular seat attached to the bicycle. No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it was designed and equipped. Riding on bicycles” (Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-143). While we’re excited to see people opting to transport themselves with their keiki in a way that doesn’t harm the environment like getting around in a motor vehicle does, the bike MUST be equipped to carry your previous cargo. We strongly emphasize that parents must be good “role models” (e.g. wearing a helmet, being courteous to others, making smart & sensible decisions).
Q. Do you need a driver’s license to operate an e-bike, helmet, or any other equipment?
You don’t need a driver’s license to ride an electric bicycle according to federal law. While you don’t need a driver’s license or vehicle insurance to operate an e-bike in Hawaii, you do need to register your e-bike with the City & County if you are going to be riding on City streets. E-bike registration is a one-time fee of $30 and comes with a sticker decal to affix to your bike. (This is not only the law, but helpful in recovering your bike if it ever gets stolen!). Helmets are required by Hawaii law to be worn, properly fastened, by those riding bicycles under the age of 16: “No person under sixteen (16) years of age shall operate a bicycle on a street, bikeway, or any other public property unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or who rides in a trailer towed by the bicycle (Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-150). At faster speeds though, the risk increases, so we certainly recommend helmet usage by anyone going quickly on a bicycle or e-bike. Regardless of if you’re 15, 16, or 60-years-old, the law of gravity affects everyone the same. Bicycles must be equipped with brakes capable of bringing the bicycle to a complete stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement.
If riding at night, bicyclists need to have lights and reflectors. Not only so you can see what’s in front of you but in order to help others see you (streetlamps are not enough!) Hawaii law also requires: ”Any bicycle used from thirty (30) minutes after sunset until thirty (30) minutes before sunrise must have a head light, facing forward, which meets these specifications:
- Emits a white light;
- Is visible at least five hundred (500) feet from the front.
- Every bicycle must have a red reflector at least four (4) inches square, mounted in the rear, which can be seen at least six hundred (600) feet from the front of a vehicle with low beam lights on.
- Every bicycle in use during the time described in #1 above must have a 4-inch square reflective material or lighted lamps on each side which can be seen at least six hundred (600) feet from the front of the vehicle with low beam lights on, or a lighted lamp visible on both sides from a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet.
- Bicycles and/or riders may have additional lights or reflectors.
- A lamp as described in #1 above may be attached on the left arm or left leg of the bicycle operator but must conform with requirement #1 (Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-147).
Q. What about e-bike batteries starting fires?
All electric bicycles use lithium-ion batteries (same as the ones in your smartphone) to give you an extra boost. These batteries are generally reliable and safe, and they’re even safer when you know how to properly charge, handle, and store them. Here are some of our e-bike battery safety tips. First things first: read your e-bike user manual. It’s not just a piece of junk. It really does help! It's packed with crucial information tailored to your e-bike model. The manual will help you follow best practices to charge safely and prolong your battery life. If you have an accident on your e- bike, check and continuously monitor your battery for damage, heating, and swelling. Never charge or use a damaged battery. If you notice any bulging, leaking, or cracking, it’s time for a replacement. Charge in a cool well-ventilated area outside of the house. Always use compatible batteries and chargers. If you’re unsure, we recommend checking with the manufacturer or your local bike shop. Charge only when you are present. Never leave your battery plugged into a charger unattended. Charge in a safe area, away from flammable materials. Be mindful and do your best to avoid blocking hallways, doorways, or fire escapes. Remember, modern e-bike batteries are capable, safe, and reliable - if used and charged correctly.
Q. I’ve seen videos of kids doing wheelies and taking over all 4 lanes of traffic. Are there laws about this?
- “Do not ride a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions at the time” (Honolulu City & County Ordinance §15-18.4).
- “On a roadway, bicyclists must ride single file. On bicycle lanes and paths, riding two abreast is permitted when the lane or path is wide enough and when there is no rule or ordinance specifically prohibiting it” (Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 291C-145).
- “Bicyclists cannot carry a package or article which prevents the driver from using both hands to control and operate the bicycle. One hand must be on the handlebars at all times”(Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-146).
Be courteous to other road users. Ride in a predictable manner. If you can’t do this, you should not be on the road where you could jeopardize your life and potentially others. Parents - we know you probably love not having to drop off and pick up your keiki at school every day, but you need to make sure they know how to operate their vehicle (worth $2k+) and know it’s not a toy. If a child gets hurt on an e-bike, people can be quick to blame the e-bike, but really the parents are ultimately responsible for their children’s behavior and riding in a safe manner. If you give an e-bike to a kid, you expand their freedom - it’s hard to reel that back. Laws exist for a reason, and people on two-wheels breaking rules (e.g. doing wheelies, running through red lights) give a bad rap for everyone else riding. We need to create mutual respect on the road and doing childish things like this reflect poorly on riders everywhere. Driving is a privilege (this goes for all vehicles being operated on our roadways), and everyone has a right to be safe on the roadway.
We invite everyone with a bicycle (or looking to get into riding) to come out to one of the free hands-on workshops HBL offers. These are open to the public and held in various locations around Oahu, covering helpful material from learning the basics like bike handling skills & rules of the road to shifting gears & bike repair - find the next one near you at: https://HBL.org/workshops/.
To learn more about this subject, tune into this video podcast.
Disclaimer: this material is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The law varies by jurisdiction and is constantly changing. For legal advice, you should consult a lawyer that can apply the appropriate law to the facts in your case.