STAND. COM. REP. NO. 166

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 486

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. 486 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Prohibit:

(A) The operation of an electric bicycle on a highway, street, or roadway;

(B) A person from operating an electric bicycle in an unsafe manner; and

(C) A person from removing a manufacturer- or factory-installed speed limiting device from an electric bicycle or operating an electric bicycle in which the manufacturer- or factory-installed speed limiting device was removed;

(2) Require the Department of Transportation to develop a traffic safety education program and public awareness campaign to educate the public on general electric bicycle riding safety, rules of the road, and laws pertaining to electric bicycles; and

(3) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Hawaiʻi Bicycling League; Moped Doctors Inc.; Law Office of Georgette A. Yaindl, LLLC; and three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Transportation.

Your Committee finds that the increasing popularity of electric bicycles in the State has led to a rise in safety concerns, including a significant number of accidents and fatalities involving cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Your Committee further finds that the removal of speed-limiting devices and unsafe riding practices have compounded these dangers, placing riders and the public at risk. This measure will reduce accidents involving electric bicycles by ensuring speed-limiting devices remain intact and implementing education and awareness programs to promote safe riding practices and compliance with traffic laws.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Removing the provisions that prohibited:

(A) The operation of a bicycle equipped with a motor on a highway, street, roadway, or any other areas designated for motor vehicles; and

(B) The reckless or unsafe operation of an electric bicycle;

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

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for 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. 486, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 486, 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