Hawaii Lawmakers Advance E-Bike Regulation Bill After 2025 Veto

New legislation aims to restrict high-speed electric bikes and improve safety after previous bill was vetoed.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Hawaii lawmakers have introduced a new bill, HB 2021, to regulate high-speed electric bikes throughout the state. The bill is similar to a measure that was passed by the Legislature last year but vetoed by the governor. The new bill proposes to establish three classes of e-bikes based on speed capability and prohibit people under 16 from operating the higher-speed class. It also requires manufacturers and distributors to provide prominent labels and in-store signage disclosing e-bike use restrictions. The bill has advanced through initial committee hearings and is expected to be considered by the full Legislature in the coming months.

Why it matters

E-bike usage has grown rapidly in Hawaii, leading to safety concerns and a need for statewide regulations. The previous bill was vetoed due to concerns it could have unintentionally applied restrictions to electric cars, but the new version aims to address those issues. Passing this legislation would provide a clear regulatory framework to govern e-bike use and improve safety on Hawaii's roads and sidewalks.

The details

HB 2021 is an updated version of last year's HB 958, which was passed by the Legislature but vetoed by the governor. The new bill proposes to establish three classes of e-bikes based on their top assisted speed, with restrictions on where the higher-speed class can be ridden. It also requires manufacturers and distributors to clearly label e-bikes and post in-store signage about use and rider restrictions. The bill has been advanced by several House committees and is expected to move to a full vote in the coming months.

  • HB 958, a similar e-bike regulation bill, was passed by the Legislature and vetoed by the governor in July 2025.
  • HB 2021 was introduced in the Hawaii Legislature in January 2026.
  • The House Transportation Committee advanced HB 2021 on February 10, 2026.
  • The House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee advanced HB 2021 on February 23, 2026.

The players

Rep. Darius Kila

A Hawaii state representative who introduced HB 2021 and led the introduction of the previous e-bike regulation bill that was vetoed.

Gov. Josh Green

The governor of Hawaii who vetoed the previous e-bike regulation bill in 2025 over concerns it could have applied restrictions to electric cars.

Hawaii Bicycling League

An advocacy group that supported the previous e-bike regulation bill and is keen to see the new HB 2021 bill enacted into law.

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What they’re saying

“This bill will provide an important foundation to define bicycles in statute, and where and how they can be used safely.”

— Eduardo Hernandez, Advocacy Director, Hawaii Bicycling League (Email)

“If we can adopt this as our foundation, we can build structure moving after. But right now, we're trying to build a house without a foundation. So this is our foundation legislation.”

— Rep. Darius Kila (Committee Hearing)

“I think that as we all know, electric vehicles — I mean, electric bicycles — are a critical tool to help people get around, especially those who cannot afford a car and younger people. But we need a clear regulatory framework to make sure that they're safe.”

— Rep. Luke Evslin, House Transportation Committee Member (Committee Hearing)

What’s next

If HB 2021 is passed by the full Hawaii Legislature and signed into law by the governor, the road use provisions would take effect immediately upon enactment, and the buyer disclosure requirements would take effect within 120 days.

The takeaway

This new e-bike regulation bill aims to establish a clear statewide framework to improve safety and address the growing use of high-speed electric bicycles in Hawaii. The legislation comes after the previous attempt was vetoed, highlighting the need for lawmakers to carefully balance promoting alternative transportation options with ensuring public safety on the roads and sidewalks.