It’s illegal for kids under 15 to operate an e-bike, but Honolulu EMS says it’s a rule that’s often broken

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu EMS is raising the alarm after a recent uptick in electric bicycle crashes where riders have gotten seriously hurt.

HNN Investigates found when it comes to e-bikes, many people are unaware of the rules of the road. For example, some e-bikes require a special license to operate. There are also age restrictions.

In the state of Hawaii, it’s against the law for anyone under the age of 15 to operate an e-bike.

Honolulu EMS says in their experience, it’s a rule that’s often broken.

“We don’t like the term e-bike — because these are not bicycles people are on. They’re operating a machine,” said Sunny Johnson. “People are getting very seriously hurt — ruptured spleens, head injuries, concussions, facial fractures, extremity fractures, deep lacerations.”

The paramedic supervisor says Honolulu EMS started noticing more e-bike crashes the first of the year.

By summer, Johnson said, “We really started to see an uptick in these calls. At least one or two, every week.”

“We did have a call at the end of July in Wahiawa involving a 9-year-old,” said Johnson. “Thank goodness he wasn’t critically hurt.”

It seems many parents are unaware of the rules. In West Oahu, HNN Investigates found a group of boys, age 13 and under, riding e-bikes and electric motorcycles through the parking lot at Keoneula Elementary School.

“These things go fast,” said Johnson. “We’re responding to calls where they’re colliding with vehicles, parked cars, pedestrians. We’ve even seen operator error. They hit the brakes too hard and go over the handlebars.”

Special section: HNN Investigates

On Oahu, electric bicycles are increasing in popularity.

More than 19,000 e-bikes have been registered with the city over the past three and a half years.

So what constitutes an e-bike?

“What Hawaii defines as an e-bike right now is a low-speed electric bicycle. It has to have operable pedals. The motor can’t go more than 20 miles per hour currently and it can’t be more than 750 watts,” said Malia Harunaga.

Harunaga is the Hawaii Bicycle League’s director of adult education.

“I think a lot of the crashes that are occurring, that we’re seeing on the streets, are done by these out of class electric vehicles that are more like dirt bikes,” she said.

In July, police records show a 20-year-old was arrested in Mililani for driving without a license after he allegedly ran a red light and slammed his “e-bike” into a pair of pedestrians.

While pedal-assist e-bikes do not require a driver’s license. The Honolulu Police Department says you do need a Type 2 driver’s license to operate electric motorcycles or e-bikes without pedal assist on city and state roadways.

Harunaga said, “We really like seeing people getting around in this sustainable way. But getting to know your e-bike is crucial. We always advocate for starting slow, get familiar with that bike before you get riding on the streets.”

She urges everyone to wear a helmet.

“E-bikes, when they’re operated on a roadway. They can go where ever a traditional bicycle can be ridden,” said Harunaga. “It’s even more important when you’re going quicker to be attentive, be aware of your surroundings and ride in a predictable manner.”

EMS officials say the last thing you want is to end up in the back of an ambulance — or worse.

“If you’re on an e-bike and you get in an accident with another vehicle, you’re not going to win that accident,” said Johnson.

The Hawaii Bicycling League now offers safety workshops for e-bike riders. For more information click here.

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