HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – New laws aimed at clarifying the rules on e-bikes could be passed by the end of this year.
It comes as the City and County of Honolulu reports already more than 180 accidents related to them in this year alone.
The city Department of Transportation Services Director Roger Morton said one focus will be clarifying what many are calling “a jumble of rules.”
A working group of police and city and state officials plans to propose at least the following four changes to the city council next month:
- Raising the age for mandatory helmets from under 16 to anyone under 18, no matter what type of bike or device they are riding.
- Defining “reckless behavior” such as wheelies and standing on seats to help police with enforcement.
- Clarifying the categories for electric-powered micro-mobility vehicles.
- Distinguishing where they can operate. The city said under current law bans them from sidewalks.
Officials said the laws will also focus on education opportunities.
“I think that there is a recognition that government hasn’t kept up with these new technologies,” said Morton.
The city council could vote on the proposals in mid-November.
City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos Tam, who chairs the transportation committee, says he’s in a hurry.
“As we know, a lot of kids are going to get e-bikes for Christmas, and as we know, they are not toys. These are serious devices, and we have some clear regulations that are enforceable and understandable,” said Tam.
The working group plans to meet again this Thursday, and non-government groups will be invited to consult at a later date.
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