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Honolulu County, HI Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Motor limit
750 watts maximum
Where allowed
Streets, highways, alleys, paths, trails
Riding position
Seated, both wheels on ground
Stunts
Wheelies and handlebar-riding banned
Youth helmet
Required under 18 with chin strap

Summary

Oahu law caps electric bicycle motors at 750 watts, permits use on streets, highways, alleys, paths, and trails, and requires safe, seated, forward-facing riding at all times.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Honolulu County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Except as otherwise allowed by law, no bicycle equipped with a motor exceeding 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 equipped 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 equipped 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 equipped 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. (Added by Ord. 25-6)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Supplement 10, 12-2025 Ordinance No. 25-40 through Ordinance No. 25-56).

Full Breakdown

Revised Ordinances of Honolulu § 15-18.13 bars operating a bicycle equipped with a motor exceeding 750 watts on any public street, highway, alley, path, or trail, including designated bikeways. Honolulu's code does not create separate Class 1/2/3 categories like some mainland cities. Riders must keep both wheels on the ground and stay seated with one leg on each side; standing, handlebar-riding, and wheel-lifting stunts are banned, except during a permitted parade or activity. Riders under 18 must wear a chin-strapped helmet meeting HRS § 291C-150(a) standards under the companion § 15-18.14.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the 750-watt limit or riding unsafely (standing, handlebar-riding, stunts) violates § 15-18.13 and is enforced as a citable traffic offense; riding under 18 without the required helmet violates § 15-18.14 separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Honolulu use Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bike categories?
No. ROH § 15-18.13 regulates any 'bicycle equipped with a motor' by a flat 750-watt cap and safe-riding rules rather than the three-class system some mainland states use.
Can e-bikes ride on Oahu bike paths and trails?
Yes, as long as the motor doesn't exceed 750 watts, § 15-18.13(a) allows operation on public streets, highways, alleys, paths, and trails, including bikeways defined in § 15-2.5.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Honolulu County

All Honolulu County rules

Compare Honolulu County to another location·View the Hawaii mobility & curb rules overview

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