A recent change in Hawaii law affects how and where you can legally ride electric foot scooters, also known as e-scooters. The Hawaii State Legislature passed House Bill 72 (HB‑72) to create clear rules for these small vehicles. Electric bikes or electric scooters are now legal to operate on public roads in Hawaii. Riders must follow the same traffic laws that apply to cars, mopeds, and bicycles.
The law aims to strike a balance between public safety and the growing popularity of these environmentally friendly vehicles. While some people view scooters as disruptive, others consider them a smart solution for short trips.
If you’re riding in Hawaii, you’ll likely see more e-scooters in the future. Understanding the regulations will help you avoid fines and stay safe on the road.
What Hawaii’s Electric Scooter Law Means for You
In 2025, the Hawaii State Legislature passed House Bill 72 (HB-72), changing how electric scooters, or e-scooters, are regulated across the state. This law now permits electric scooters on public roads and highways, but riders must follow many of the same rules that apply to motor vehicles.
Counties have the flexibility to set local rules for electric scooters. That includes:
- Setting the maximum speed
- Regulating parking
- Deciding whether scooters can be ridden on sidewalks, bike paths, or specific locations
What may be legal in one county could be restricted in another, so it’s important to check local ordinances before you ride.
The new law also sets clear age and safety standards. No one under the age of 15 is allowed to operate an e-scooter on public property. Riders under 16 must wear a bicycle helmet with a chin strap. Only one rider is allowed per scooter, and carrying items that prevent the use of both hands to steer is not permitted. Penalties are also in place for reckless or dangerous riding.
Electric Scooter and Motor Scooter Laws in Hawaii
It’s easy to confuse electric scooters with motor scooters, but under Hawaii law, they are treated differently. Electric scooters are generally smaller, slower, and used for short-distance travel. Motor scooters have larger engines and can reach highway speeds. Because of this, they are more tightly regulated.
To operate a motor scooter in Hawaii, you typically need a valid driver’s license, and in some cases, a valid motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit. Motor scooters must also be registered with the state and insured. These are considered motor vehicles, so the same rules for licensing, insurance requirements, and road use apply.
Helmet, Insurance Requirements, and Safety
One of the most important parts of Hawaii’s electric scooter law is its focus on safety. For riders under the age of 16, wearing a safety helmet securely fastened with a chin strap is required. This law helps reduce head injuries and applies even on short rides or when using rental scooters.
While the helmet rule is age-based for electric scooters, the rules are stricter for other vehicles. Riders of mopeds, motorcycles, and motor scooters must follow different safety requirements depending on age and license type. Some counties may also expand these helmet rules to cover all scooter riders.
Regarding insurance, Hawaii law grants counties the authority to establish insurance requirements for electric scooters. In some areas, liability insurance is now mandatory, especially for scooter rental companies. This protects both the rider and anyone else who may be injured during an accident. If your county requires insurance and you’re not covered, you could face fines.
If you’ve been involved in an accident while uninsured or have questions about helmet laws, Recovery Law Center can help explain your rights and next steps.
Quick Checklist Before You Ride
Before riding an electric scooter in Hawaii, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I at least 15 years old?
- If under 16, am I wearing a bicycle helmet with a secure chin strap?
- Am I the only person on the scooter?
- Am I using both hands to steer and not carrying anything that interferes with my control?
- Is my scooter allowed on this road or bike path?
- Do I know the maximum speed limit in this area?
- Does my county require liability insurance, and do I have it?
- Am I avoiding sidewalks and following local regulations?
If you answered “no” to any of these, you could violate Hawaii law or local county rules.
Riding smart means knowing the law. At Recovery Law Center, we help riders who have been injured in an electric scooter or motor scooter accident.
Planning for More E-Scooters in Hawaii
As more cities embrace electric scooters, we’re likely to see a lot more of them on streets, bike lanes, and near tourist attractions. Rental programs are expanding, and private ownership is on the rise. With this growth, counties will continue updating their regulations to manage safety, storage, and use.
Some counties may limit where you can ride or set time restrictions, such as rides being limited to thirty minutes or blocked during busy hours. Public property rules may restrict docking scooters on sidewalks or near building entrances. Cities may also introduce registration systems for privately owned scooters.
Expect more news releases and public notices as updates roll out. Stay informed by checking with your local government or transit department. Riders who fail to follow the new rules could face penalties, even if the changes were recently implemented.
Whether you ride for convenience, fun, or as a way to avoid traffic, knowing the law helps protect you. If your scooter is impounded or you’ve been ticketed under new local laws, Recovery Law Center can help review your case and offer practical legal assistance.
Call Recovery Law Center for Legal Deserve After an E-Scooter or Moped Accident in Hawaii
If you’ve been in an accident or have questions about your rights after a scooter or moped crash, contact Recovery Law Center. Our personal injury lawyers assist individuals across Hawaii who have been injured in crashes involving scooters, bicycles, or mopeds.
Call us at (808) 435-7015 or schedule a consultation online. We’re here to help you understand your options and move forward. Knowing your rights is just as important as knowing the rules of the road.
