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Committee amends electric‑bicycle ordinance, approves CD1 for council consideration
Summary
The committee amended Bill 52 (electric bicycles) to a hand‑carried CD1 that clarifies definitions and safety requirements — including a prohibition on higher‑powered bikes and a helmet requirement for motorized bicycles — and reported the bill out for third‑reading consideration by the full council.
The Committee on Planning, Infrastructure and Transportation on Thursday amended Bill 52 (electric bicycles) to a committee hand‑carried CD1 and reported the measure out for passage on third reading.
The amended draft focuses enforcement on "bicycles equipped with motors," includes observable safety standards to prohibit unsafe riding (for example, wheelies and exhibition riding), and imposes a helmet requirement for motor‑assisted bicycles. The committee’s hand‑carried CD1 deletes a 750‑watt cap language that had appeared in an earlier draft and instead clarifies the regulated vehicle class; the introducer said the city is coordinating language with state law and may revisit the ordinance later if the state acts.
Administration and police input: Department of Transportation Services Director‑designate Roger Morton said DTS supports the bill's intent to curb unsafe electric‑bicycle riding and improve enforcement tools. Honolulu Police Department Traffic Division representatives said the draft gives HPD more specific, citable standards for hazardous riding and that HPD supports enforcement of the ordinance as drafted.
Public input: Donald Sakamoto, a blind advocate with the National Federation of the Blind, testified and asked for audible alerts on bikes and roundabouts to assist visually impaired pedestrians; the committee recorded that request for consideration.
Committee action: the chair announced a hand‑carried CD1 (OCS 2025‑0052) and moved to amend the bill accordingly. After discussion the chair recommended that Bill 52, CD1 be reported out for passage on third reading; the committee recorded no objections and the measure was ordered forwarded to full council.
