From early 2024, Honolulu EMS responded to about 180 reports of injuries involving e-bikes, scooters, or e-skateboards—averaging one incident every couple of days—many involving children under 15 riding without proper safety measures.

Children and teenagers across Hawaiʻi are increasingly involved in serious and fatal crashes while riding e-bikes. Despite existing laws prohibiting riders under 15 years old, requiring helmets under 16, and limiting motor power to 750 watts, enforcement has been weak and many families are unaware of or ignore the rules.

Far too often, minors are seen performing wheelies, riding against traffic, and crossing lanes unsafely—without helmets or adult supervision. Recent tragedies in Ewa Beach and other communities demonstrate the urgent need for stronger measures to protect keiki.

Current laws are not being consistently enforced, leading to dangerous riding practices.  The sheer volume of e-bike infractions across the island makes it impossible for authorities to address every case. Real change must begin at the source—with parents who purchase these bikes and permit unsafe use, whether knowingly or through inaction. 

We, the undersigned, call for the following actions:

1. Parent Accountability Measures

Impose fines on parents/guardians who knowingly allow minors under 15 to operate e-bikes.

Extend liability to parents when minors repeatedly ride unsafely (no helmet, reckless stunts, illegal crossings).

Require parents to attend a safety education session after their child’s first offense.

2. Stronger Enforcement of Existing Laws

Increase patrols near schools, parks, and neighborhoods with high youth e-bike use.

Confiscate e-bikes when minors repeatedly violate helmet or age restrictions.

3. Mandatory Safety Education

Require families to complete a safety workshop before a minor may register or operate an e-bike (similar to driver’s ed).

Partner with schools and community groups to provide accessible training.

Our keiki deserve safe roads, and families must share responsibility in protecting them. By strengthening laws, holding parents accountable, and increasing enforcement and education, we can reduce preventable injuries and deaths caused by unsafe e-bike use.

We respectfully urge Hawaiʻi lawmakers to take immediate action.