Hawaii’s Proposed E-Bike Law Signals the Latest US Class Regulations: What Riders Need to Know

Apr 29, 2026

By Flora Liu

7 min

KNOWLEDGE TIPS & GUIDES

Electric bikes have transformed how Americans commute, exercise, and explore. As e-bike adoption continues to rise, states across the US are updating laws to improve safety, clarify classifications, and ensure riders know where and how e-bikes can be used legally.

One of the latest developments comes from Hawaii, where lawmakers are advancing new legislation that could soon become law. While this bill applies specifically to Hawaii, it reflects a broader nationwide trend: stricter enforcement of the established three-class e-bike system, clearer labeling requirements, and tighter limits on higher-speed devices.

At Hiboy, we believe riders deserve transparency and products that meet evolving regulations. That’s why we’re proactively aligning our e-bike models with US compliance standards.

Why New E-Bike Regulations Are Happening

Across the United States, lawmakers are responding to several major trends:

Rapid growth in e-bike ownership
More powerful two-wheel electric vehicles entering the market
Confusion between legal e-bikes and unregulated high-speed devices
Safety concerns on sidewalks, bike lanes, roads, and school campuses

The goal of many new laws is not to restrict responsible riders, but to preserve access for legal e-bikes while improving safety for everyone.

Understanding the 3-Class E-Bike System

E-Bike Class	Motor Assistance Type	Throttle	Maximum Assisted Speed	Additional Notes
Class 1 E-Bikes	Pedal-assist only	No	20 mph	Commonly allowed on many bike paths and trails (varies by local law)
Class 2 E-Bikes	Throttle-assisted and may include pedal assist	Yes	20 mph	Popular for commuting and easier acceleration
Class 3 E-Bikes	Pedal-assist only	No	28 mph	Usually requires a speedometer and may face additional access restrictions depending on the location

This framework has become the standard in much of the United States and is increasingly used by lawmakers when updating regulations.

Hawaii’s Proposed Law Signals a Bigger National Shift

If signed into law, Hawaii’s proposed legislation would represent one of the most comprehensive e-bike regulatory updates in the United States. While the bill applies specifically to Hawaii, it reflects a broader national movement toward clearer definitions, stronger enforcement, and safer use of shared public spaces.

Here are the key measures included in the proposal:

Proposed Regulation	What It Means	Why It Matters
Registration for All E-Bikes	Every e-bike would need to be registered with the state through a one-time $30 fee.	Creates a formal system for identification, accountability, and ownership records.
Mandatory Manufacturer Labels	All e-bikes would need visible labels showing the class designation, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.	Helps riders, retailers, and law enforcement quickly verify whether a bike is legally compliant.
Limits on High-Speed Devices	Any device capable of speeds above 28 mph or using a motor over 750 watts could be classified as a high-speed electric device.	Separates traditional e-bikes from more powerful e-moto style vehicles that may require stricter regulation.
Restrictions on Public Infrastructure	High-speed electric devices would generally be prohibited from bike lanes, bike paths, and many public roadways.	Protects cyclists and pedestrians by reducing speed conflicts in shared spaces.
Sidewalk Riding Rules	E-bikes may be allowed on sidewalks, but only at 10 mph or below, and riders must yield to pedestrians at all times.	Balances rider access with pedestrian safety, especially in dense urban areas.
Local County Authority	Counties could still restrict sidewalk riding in business districts or other high-traffic areas.	Allows local governments to tailor rules based on congestion and infrastructure needs.
Bike Lane Preference	Where bike lanes are available, e-bike riders are generally expected to use them rather than sidewalks.	Encourages safer and more organized traffic flow.
Expanded Helmet Rules	The mandatory helmet age requirement would increase from 16 to 18 years old for bicycles, e-bikes, and other micromobility devices.	Offers greater protection for younger riders.
Ban on Unsafe Riding Behavior	Public stunts such as wheelies, reckless riding, and dangerous maneuvers would be prohibited.	Reduces accident risks and promotes a responsible riding culture.
Device Enforcement Powers	Illegal or unregistered devices could be confiscated by law enforcement.	Gives authorities clearer power to remove non-compliant vehicles from public spaces.
School Campus Restrictions	High-speed electric devices would be banned from K-12 school campuses. High schools could also require decals for parked bikes.	Improves student safety and campus oversight.

Why This Matters Beyond Hawaii

This proposal is important because it shows how states are trying to preserve access for legal Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes while cracking down on vehicles that exceed accepted standards.

Across the US, lawmakers are increasingly focused on:

Protecting bike lanes and shared-use paths
Clarifying what qualifies as a legal e-bike
Improving pedestrian safety
Regulating faster electric two-wheelers separately
Requiring clearer product labeling and compliance standards

For riders and manufacturers alike, Hawaii’s bill may be a preview of future e-bike laws in other states.

What This Means for Hiboy Riders

At Hiboy, rider safety and legal compliance are priorities. To align with evolving US market requirements, all applicable Hiboy e-bikes sold for the US market will be factory-set to comply with Class 2 standards.

Factory Default Speed Setting

For applicable US models:

Throttle Mode Max Speed: 20 mph
Pedal Assist Max Speed: 20 mph (default setting)

This ensures riders receive products configured to meet the most widely accepted Class 2 requirements upon delivery.

User Adjustable Speed Settings on Select Hiboy Models

Where permitted, some models allow advanced user settings through the display menu.

EX6 / EX6F

10–20 mph: throttle and pedal assist adjust together

Above 20 mph:

Throttle remains capped at 20 mph
Pedal assist can increase directly to 25 mph

P6 / EX11 / EX9

10–20 mph: throttle and pedal assist adjust together

Above 20 mph:

Throttle remains capped at 20 mph
Pedal assist can increase directly to 28 mph

This means throttle operation remains Class 2 compliant, while pedal-assist capability may vary depending on rider settings and local laws.

Why Hiboy Is Making These Adjustments

We’re taking a proactive approach because regulations are changing quickly across the US. Our goals are simple:

Help riders stay compliant
Improve safety confidence
Support access to bike lanes and public infrastructure
Ensure long-term compatibility with future laws

As more states refine e-bike definitions, factory compliance matters more than ever.

Important Reminder: Laws Vary by State

E-bike laws can differ by:

State
County
City
Trail systems
Campus rules

For example, some states allow Class 3 bikes in bike lanes, while others restrict them. Sidewalk use may also vary. We always recommend checking your local regulations before riding.