Kauai County, HI Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Kaua'i County Code § 16-16.8
- Class tiering
- No Class 1/2/3 system, one definition
- General fine
- $150 civil traffic infraction
- Helmet fine (under 18)
- Up to $25
- Enforcing agency
- Kaua'i Police Department
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 1183, Nov. 12, 2025
Summary
On Kaua'i, County Code § 16-16.8 sets one 'electric bicycle' standard, not a three-tier class system: it bans high-speed electric devices from streets, sidewalks and paths, requires a standard riding position, and makes reckless operation a violation carrying fines up to $150.
(a) Except as otherwise allowed by law, no high-speed electric device may be operated on any public street, highway, sidewalk, alley, path, or trail, including a bicycle path as defined by Section 16-1.3. (b) An electric bicycle 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 astride, with one leg on each side of a permanent 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. ... (e) All persons under eighteen (18) years of age operating an electric bicycle shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the helmet testing and design requirements of HRS Section 291C-150(a). A violation of this subsection shall be punishable by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25). ... (g) Every person who violates this Section where another penalty is not provided shall be fined one hundred fifty dollars ($150)."
Full Breakdown
Kaua'i County Code § 16-16.8 governs electric bicycles island-wide; the Kaua'i County Council never adopted the three-tier Class 1/2/3 e-bike system some jurisdictions use. Instead the ordinance defines a single 'electric bicycle' and bans any 'high-speed electric device' from every public street, highway, sidewalk, alley, path or trail, including bicycle paths defined in § 16-1.3. Riders must keep both wheels facing forward and in contact with the ground with one leg on each side of a permanent seat; momentary loss of ground contact from road conditions is not a violation.
The Kaua'i Police Department enforces a ban on unsafe or hazardous operation and exhibition driving on any public street, highway, alley, path, trail or right-of-way, though exhibition riding as part of a County-permitted parade or tournament is exempt. Riders may not stand or kneel on the seat, ride the handlebars, intentionally lift a wheel, carry more passengers than the device is designed for, or cling to another moving vehicle. Anyone under eighteen must wear a helmet meeting HRS § 291C-150(a) standards; skipping the helmet draws a fine capped at $25.
Every other violation of § 16-16.8 is a civil traffic infraction carrying a flat fine of $150 where no other penalty is set. The ordinance, added by Ord. No. 1183 in November 2025, sits in Chapter 16, Article 16 alongside Kaua'i's older bicycle-licensing and moped rules.
Violations & Fines
Violating the riding-position, reckless-operation or passenger rules brings a $150 civil traffic infraction fine under § 16-16.8(g). Riders under 18 caught without a helmet face a separate fine of up to $25 under subsection (e). Kaua'i police officers issue citations directly; each incident is a separate civil infraction rather than a criminal charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kaua'i use the Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bike system?
Do I need a helmet to ride an e-bike on Kaua'i?
What counts as reckless e-bike riding under county law?
What fine applies to most e-bike violations on Kaua'i?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kauai County
Compare Kauai County to another location·View the Hawaii mobility & curb rules overview
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