Bill 52 (24), CD1
February 19, 2025 Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 52 (24), CD1 into law.
In a nutshell: Bill 52 states for Honolulu County that those on e-bikes under the age of 18 must wear a helmet and confirms that wheelies are in fact a crime.
https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=23753
SECTION 2. Section 15-2.33, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 2021, is amended to read as follows:
Motor. As used in the terms “bicycle equipped with a motor,” “bicycles equipped with motors,” “motorized bicycle,” and “bicycle with motor attached,” and for the purposes of those terms only, an electric motor.”
§15-18. Safe driving of bicycles equipped with motors on public streets, paths, or trails.
(a) Except as otherwise allowed by law, no bicycle equipped with a motor exceedinq 750 watts may be operated on any public street, highway, alley, path, or trail, including a bikeway as defined by 15-2.5.
(b) A bicycle eguipped with a motor may be operated only with all of the bicycle’s wheels facing forward and in contact with the ground at all times, and with the operator seated with one leg on each side of the seat; provided that it is not a violation of this subsection if a wheel of the bicycle loses contact with the ground briefly due to the condition of the road surface or other circumstances beyond the control of the operator.
(c) It is unlawful for an individual to operate a bicycle eguipped with a motor in an unsafe manner or engage in exhibition driving on any public street, highway, alley, path, trail, or other public right-of-way; provided that this subsection does not apply to an individual engaging in exhibition riding as part of a parade, tournament, or other activity permitted by the city.
(d) An individual operating a bicycle eguipped with a motor may not:
(1) Stand or kneel on any seat, ride on the bicycle’s handlebars, or engage in any other non-standard riding position;
(2) Perform a maneuver where one or more wheels are intentionally lifted from the ground; or
(3) Engage in any other maneuver that endangers the operator or any other person.
§15-18. Helmet requirement for minors operatinq bicycles equipped with motors.
No person under 18 years of age may operate a bicycle eguipped with a motor unless that person is wearing a helmet that:
(1) Is specifically designed for that purpose;
(2) Is eguipped with a chin strap; and
(3) Meets the helmet testing and design reguirements of HRS § 291C150(a).”