STAND. COM. REP. NO. 265-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2021

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 2021 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles;

(2) Prohibit the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations;

(3) Beginning December 31, 2026, establish labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles;

(4) Prohibit the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations;

(5) Amend the definition of "bicycle" for purposes of county vehicular taxes;

(6) Define "electric bicycle" in place of "low-speed electric bicycle";

(7) Define "electric micro-mobility device" and require the same regulations as electric foot scooters;

(8) Prohibit a person under the age of sixteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle;

(9) Authorize a person under the age of fourteen to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision;

(10) Prohibit a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk;

(11) Authorize a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances;

(12) Prohibit a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of eighteen without a helmet;

(13) Repeal the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes; and

(14) Substitute the term "motor scooter" with the term "motor-driven cycle".

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; one member of the Honolulu City Countil; Kauaʻi Police Department; Department of Transportation Services for the City and County of Honolulu; Ulupono Initiative; AAA Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Bicycling League; Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; and seven individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Your Committee finds that the growing popularity of electric bicycles and other electric micromobility devices has raised public safety concerns due to inconsistent regulations, unsafe riding behaviors, and a lack of clarity regarding where and how these devices may be operated. Without comprehensive safety guidelines, enforcement mechanisms, or age-based restrictions, riders and pedestrians face increased risks on public roads and sidewalks. This measure addresses these concerns by establishing clear operational rules, registration requirements, and age limitations to promote safer use of electric micromobility devices and enhance overall traffic safety.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying that motor vehicle insurance shall not be required for the operation of an electric bicycle;

(2) Authorizing a county or state law enforcement officer or designated official to seize a non-road-legal, nonconforming electric bicycle or high-speed electric device;

(3) Further clarifying that the definition of "high-speed electric device" does not include an electric vehicle;

(4) Clarifying that no person under the age of sixteen may operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle unless under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian;

(5) Authorizing the operation of class 1, class 2, and class 3 electric bicycles on sidewalks at speeds no greater than ten miles per hour, subject to certain restrictions;

(6) Authorizing the counties to adopt ordinances to establish further restrictions on the operation of an electric bicycle on a sidewalk;

(7) Requiring the counties to adopt certain definitions to ensure consistency in vehicular tax treatment and classification;

(8) Specifying that the labeling, signage, and public information requirements for electric bicycles shall take effect one hundred twenty days after the effective date of this measure, or earlier upon the adoption of rules;

(9) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(10) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2021, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2021, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

DARIUS KILA, Chair