HONOLULU (KHON2) — As the use of e-bikes grows, so does the number of injuries. A new law in place on Oahu aims to make our streets safer.

The signing of Bill 52 hopes to better regulate e-bike use and keep people out of hospitals.

“You think it’s a lot of fun until you end up in the emergency room. You think it’s a lot of fun, until your parents find out you got killed,” stated Honolulu Mayor, Rick Blangiardi. “This piece of legislation is designed to try to help people from hurting themselves.”

E-bikes exceeding 750 watts are now prohibited from operating on public streets, highways, alleys, paths or trails on Oahu.

“It’s an electric version of a gas-powered car. Basically, letting [kids] ride a Surron, you’re letting them ride a motorcycle,” said Honolulu Police Department Major James Slayter. “These things go over 50 miles per hour or more. They’re very dangerous.”

The new law states anyone under 18 must wear a helmet when riding an e-bike.

“While people may still get injured with a helmet, you’re protecting the brain. You’re protecting against a future disability and death,” said Dr. Jim Ireland, Honolulu EMS director.

Riders must keep both wheels on the ground, sit properly on the seat and avoid reckless maneuvers like wheelies or standing on the handlebars.

“The officers had to take risk assessments into account, like how are they going to do the traffic stop or possibly even get into a pursuit [in] high populated areas. So, for enforcement, we’ll just continue doing what we have been doing,” Slayter said.

Honolulu EMS responded to 348 e-bike incidents and crashes in 2024.

“That comes out to just about one a day. So far in 2025, we’re on the same track. Injuries we see, not only do they include fractures, chest, and abdominal injuries, but they also include critical facial and head injuries that have also been unfortunately fatal,” Ireland said.