E-Bike Memo

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The safety of our students is always our top priority. With the growing popularity of e-bikes and other motorized vehicles, we’ve seen both the convenience they provide and the risks they pose. Despite being legal to ride by children over the age of 15, we are taking steps to help ensure the safety of our students.

Effective immediately for all Hawai‘i State Department of Education (Department) schools:

• E-motorcycles (sometimes called electric dirt bikes or recreational vehicles) are not allowed on any Department campuses or properties. These vehicles can reach very high speeds—well above 40 miles per hour—and are not designed for student use. Unlike e-bikes, they do not have pedals and often have foot pegs instead. This restriction also applies to e-motorcycles that have fake e-bike pedals, also known as "ghost pedals" or "non-propulsion pedal kits," attached. E-motorcycles cannot be registered as e-bikes.

• Elementary and middle/intermediate schools: E-bikes are not allowed on these campuses.

Children under the age of 15 are not legally permitted to have or operate e-bikes under Hawai‘i Revised Statutes § 291C-143.5.

• High schools: Students 15 and older may bring e-bikes to campus only if the bike is properly registered with the county and displays the required decal. E-bikes without a valid decal will not be allowed on school property and must be picked up by a parent, if confiscated. E-bikes can be distinguished from recreational vehicles, such as e-motorcycles, by the presence of traditional bicycle pedals.

E-bikes can cause serious injury when used unsafely. We ask for your partnership in talking with your children about safe riding habits and following the law. Together, we can help protect our students and our school communities.

Mahalo for your support and understanding.

Official Memo