STAND. COM. REP. NO. 387

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 184

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 184 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require operators of low-speed electronic bicycles to possess a valid driver's license, instruction permit, or provisional license.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Kauai Path, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Bicycling League; PeopleForBikes Coalition; Get Fit Kauai; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that it is essential for laws governing electric bicycles to remain current in order to address the rapid advancements in technology and the growing presence of electric bicycles on the streets. Your Committee further finds that the existing definition of a low-speed electric bicycle no longer encompasses the various types of electric bicycles used across the State. Outdated regulations can lead to confusion, safety concerns, and inconsistent enforcement. Your Committee believes that updating electric bicycle laws will ensure clearer guidelines and promote a safer environment for all road users.

Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Defining "electric bicycle" and its classes in place of "low-speed electric bicycle", as well as defining "high-speed electric device";

(2) Amending the definition of "bicycle";

(3) Prohibiting a person under the age of fifteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle;

(4) Prohibiting a person from operating a class 3 electric bicycle unless they satisfy certain requirements;

(5) Authorizing any individual to operate a class 1 electric bicycle and class 2 electric bicycle;

(6) Specifying that the requirements of this measure apply only to a county with a population of five hundred thousand or more;

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

(8) 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. 184, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 184, 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