Cracking down on e-bikes
HONOLULU(KHON2) — Honolulu police are cracking down on e-bike violations as officials continue to push for stricter laws. The head of HPD's traffic division explained the difference between an E-bike and out-of-class motorbikes that are not street-legal.
Juveniles riding out-of-class motorized bikes and e-bikes continue to be a problem according to Kailua resident Ha'eha'e Kahana.
HPD enforces e-bike regulations, Kailua riders cited
'I've seen many e-bike riders around here. Helmets, no helmets, about 90% without helmets,' Kahana added. 'I've seen them do a lot of wheelies. Yeah, I've seen them almost get hit by a lot of cars.'
A resident named Tracy said she lives on Keolu Drive and sees kids riding electric bikes three and four times a day.
'They're in the middle of the road and they're going pretty fast,' she said. 'And I worry, I mean, even if that's not my kid, I don't know if they know what it would feel like if one of their friends got hurt. So is that what it's gonna take for them to stop doing that? I don't know.'
According to HPD, several juveniles were cited next to Keolu Skate Park, after they were seen popping wheelies on the sidewalk, forcing pedestrians to jump out of their way.
HPD Maj. James Slayter, head of the traffic division, said the fact that most people don't know the difference between an e-bike and other motorized bikes is a big problem.'Because of that confusion, they feel like, Oh, you're, you know, unfairly picking on children writing these things,' Slayter explained. 'But really, we're not even out to arrest. We're not even really out to cite. We're out to educate because we don't want another critical or fatal collision involving an E-bike or an out-of-class device.'
He said there is one clear way to identify an e-bike.
'They have pedals where you could actually make the bike move without any motor,' he explained.
And he said their max speed is 20 to 28 miles per hour.
According to Slayter, other motorized out-of-class bikes have foot-pegs, go much faster and look more like a dirt bike or motorcycle. He said those require a type 2 driver's license, insurance, and several other things to make them street-legal.
He is urging parents will do more research before buying their child an E-bike and to teach them traffic safety.
'Making sure that they understand, stay away from the vehicles as much as possible. Don't do anything that's reckless or unsafe,' Slayter said.
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He added that helmets are now required on Oahu for anyone riding an E-bike under the age of 18.
The City Council also passed a bill prohibiting wheelies or stunts on public roads Wednesday afternoon. That now heads to the mayor for his signature.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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