Another US state wants to force registration for all e-bikes

As electric bicycles continue to grow in popularity and grab headlines, regulatory debates are heating up. More states are clamping down on how and where e-bikes can be ridden, and even what constitutes an e-bike.

Hawaii could soon become the latest US state to require registration for all electric bikes, as lawmakers advance a new bill aimed at tightening rules around micromobility devices.

According to local news KHON2, the legislation, which is nearing a final vote before heading to the governor’s desk, would introduce a one-time $30 registration requirement for all e-bikes in the state. It would also require manufacturer labeling that clearly identifies an e-bike’s class, top speed, and motor power.

On its face, the bill largely aligns with the widely adopted three-class e-bike system, formally defining Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles with the usual speed and power limits. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can hit speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h) with electric assist, while Class 3 e-bikes can reach higher speeds of 28 mph (45 km/h). All three are limited to 750W of power, but only Class 2 e-bikes are allowed to use hand throttles (while Class 1 and 3 require the user’s pedaling to activate the motor).