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Bill

HB 236

RELATING TO LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tina Grandinetti and 11 co-sponsors

Hawaii establishes statewide regulations and safety standards for low-speed electric bicycles to clarify licensing, operational requirements, and usage rules.

Referred to TRN, JHA, referral sheet 1
#increase #low-speedelectricbicycles #minimumage
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Bill Summary · HB 236

Legislative bill overview

HB 236 establishes regulatory frameworks and safety standards for low-speed electric bicycles (e-bikes) in Hawaii. The bill likely defines classification criteria, operational requirements, and licensing/registration provisions for e-bikes to ensure consistent statewide regulations and public safety.

Why is this important

E-bike usage is growing rapidly in Hawaii as an alternative transportation method, but current regulations are fragmented or unclear. Establishing clear statewide standards protects riders and pedestrians while removing legal uncertainty for retailers and users, potentially encouraging sustainable transportation adoption.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition disputes: Disagreement over what constitutes a "low-speed" e-bike (motor wattage caps, speed limits) versus regular bicycles, affecting which vehicles are regulated and taxed
  • Registration and licensing costs: Whether requiring registration/licensing creates barriers to adoption for lower-income residents or conflicts with treating e-bikes as bicycles rather than vehicles
  • Infrastructure readiness: Questions about whether existing bike lanes and paths are designed for e-bike speeds and whether the bill adequately addresses safety with shared-use facilities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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