STAND. COM. REP. NO. 388

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 435

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. 435 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Amend the definition of "electric bicycles";

(2) Establish additional regulations for the registration and use of electric bicycles; and

(3) Increase the minimum age to operate an electric bicycle.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; Hawaiʻi Bicycling League; and six individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the increasing use of electric bicycles throughout the State has led to rising concerns over safety on public roads and bike paths, as the unique characteristics of electric bicycles, such as their speed and motorized assistance, can pose risks to riders, pedestrians, and other road users. Existing laws do not fully address the potential hazards associate with electric bicycles. This measure will provide clear and comprehensive regulations for operation, safety, and registration of electric bicycles, ensuring safer use and greater public awareness.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Deleting language that would have subjected an electric bicycle or a person operating an electric bicycle to the provisions of the traffic code relating to financial responsibility, driver's licenses, certificates of title, off-highway vehicles, and license plates;

(2) Defining "electric micro mobility device" and requiring the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro mobility devices;

(3) Specifying that no person under the age of fifteen shall operate a class 3 electric bicycle and explicitly allowing any individual to operate a class 1 electric bicycle or class 2 electric bicycle;

(4) Increasing the age limit from sixteen years old to eighteen years old for those who are required to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle;

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

(6) 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. 435, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 435, 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