HONOLULU — Gov. Josh Green signed Act 259, formerly House Bill 2021, into law July 15, 2026, establishing updated statewide safety standards for electric bicycles and other micro-mobility devices. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) supports the new law, which builds on statewide efforts to improve roadway safety by creating consistent rules for the growing number of e-bikes and other devices on Hawaiʻi’s roads.

“Act 259 provides clearer rules that will help improve safety for everyone who uses our roads,” said Maj. Herbert Soria, commander of HPD’s Traffic Division. “Our goal is to ensure the public understands the new law and why it matters. By working together and following these standards, we can create safer roads for everyone.”

Under Act 259, riders and the public should be aware of several important changes:

• Establishes a statewide three-class system for e-bikes.
• Requires riders younger than 18 to wear a helmet.
• Requires riders younger than 16 to have adult supervision when operating Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes.
• Clarifies where e-bikes and scooters may be operated. Higher-powered electric devices that do not qualify as legal e-bikes may not be operated on public roads, bike lanes, sidewalks or shared-use paths.
• Prohibits unsafe riding behaviors, including stunts and wheelies. 
• Provides law enforcement with clearer authority to address illegal or noncompliant devices.

HPD encourages all riders and parents to review the new requirements and ensure their devices comply with state law before riding on public roadways. Officers will continue working with community partners to educate the public about the new law and promote the safe, responsible operation of these devices.

The department remains committed to reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities through education, enforcement and community engagement as part of its ongoing Safer Roads, Together 2026 initiative. For more information about safe riding practices, visit https://www.honolulupd.org/safer-roads-together/.

Review Act 259: https://tinyurl.com/2355584z.