Electric Scooter Laws in Hawaii – Complete Guide 2025

Summary Electric Scooter Law Hawaii

• Classification: Electric foot scooter (HRS § 249-35 & § 291C-139)
• Min age: No minimum age specified in state law
• Helmet required: Yes for riders under 16
• Max speed: 20 mph maximum capability
• License: No; Registration: Yes ($30 permanent fee)
• Sidewalk riding allowed: Yes, with restrictions
• Bike lane access: Yes
• Scooter sharing present: Limited due to regulations
• Last checked: August 28, 2025

Island Life on An Electric Scooter

Hawaii has taken a thoughtful approach to electric scooter regulation that work well on an island. The state implemented comprehensive legislation in 2021 that legitimizes electric scooters while addressing safety concerns and the states infrastructure limitations. As someone who’s worked on these machines across different climates and terrains, Hawaii’s humid, salty environment presents its own challenges for electric scooter maintenance, but the legal framework is solid.

Official Legal Framework

Hawaii’s electric scooter regulations are codified in two main statutes: Hawaii Revised Statutes § 249-35 that covers registration requirements and § 291C-139 for their operational rules. The legislation defines “electric foot scooter” specifically and establishes clear rules of usage.

Electric foot scooters are required to be registered and subject to a permanent registration fee of $30, paid to the director of finance and deposited into the bikeway fund. This registration is not unique to Hawaii, but the fee is used to create better roads for riders.

Where You Can Ride

Hawaii’s riding rules are more permissive than many of the mainland states:

Allowed locations:

• Bike lanes and bicycle paths
• Sidewalks (with speed and courtesy restrictions)
• Designated public areas set aside for bicycle or pedestrian use
• Streets and roadways where bicycles are permitted
• Private property with permission

Prohibited areas:

• Areas specifically designated as off-limits
• Any location where operation would create safety hazards

The sidewalk allowance is particularly sweet since many states prohibit sidewalk riding entirely. Hawaii recognizes that limited road infrastructure in some areas makes sidewalk access necessary.

Equipment & Vehicle Requirements

Hawaii defines specific technical requirements for electric scooters as follow:

Power and speed specifications:

• Maximum speed capability of 20 mph on level ground
• Motor power not exceeding 750 watts
• Must be capable of being propelled by human power alone

Required equipment:

• Functional brakes
• Bell, horn, or other audible signal device
• Reflectors or lights when operated during hours of darkness

These specifics are aligned with most of the usual commuters scooters, though some higher-performance models will break that 750-watt limit ten fold.

Rider Requirements

Age restrictions: Hawaii doesn’t specify a minimum operating age, which is unusual among states with comprehensive electric scooter laws.

Licensing: No driver’s license required for electric scooter operation

Helmet laws: Required for riders under 16 years of age

Alcohol/drug rules: Standard impaired operation prohibitions apply. Hawaii takes DUI seriously regardless of the vehicle type.

Passenger restrictions: Electric scooters are designed for single riders only, riding with passengers are not allowed.

Parking, Storage & Riding Etiquette

Hawaii emphasizes courtesy and safety in its regulations, but these things should be common sense to your regular rider regardless:

• When riding on sidewalks, yield right-of-way to pedestrians
• Operate at reasonable speeds considering conditions and pedestrian traffic
• Park in designated areas when available
• Don’t block pedestrian access or ADA-compliant routes
• TIP: Be aware of salt air corrosion, especially near coastal areas

Enforcement & Penalties

Reckless operation in disregard of safety is subject to penalties set forth in section 291C-161, which covers various traffic violations.

Common violations and penalties include:

• Operating an unregistered electric scooter: $30-100 fine
• Reckless operation: $100-500 fine depending on circumstances
• Equipment violations: $25-75 fine
• Minor helmet violations: $25-50 fine

County enforcement varies, but as to be expected, enforcement in tourist-heavy areas like Waikiki and downtown Honolulu are more common.

Insurance & Liability

Hawaii doesn’t require specific insurance for electric scooters, but standard liability principles apply. Given the tourist-heavy environment and potential for accidents involving visitors unfamiliar with local conditions, insurance consideration is wise for regular Hawaiian riders.

Local Exceptions to State Law

Hawaii operates under a county system rather than traditional cities, so regulations vary by county:

City and County of Honolulu (Oahu): Has implemented specific parking regulations and designated no-ride zones in certain tourist areas. Waikiki has particular restrictions during peak hours and special events.

Maui County: Generally follows state law but has restrictions in certain resort areas and around Haleakala National Park entrances.

Hawaii County (Big Island): Follows state regulations with some additional restrictions near active volcanic areas and in Hilo downtown historic district.

Kauai County: Has issued guidance on bicycle and e-bike regulations and follows state law for electric scooters with some additional courtesy requirements in tourist areas.

Each county retains authority to implement additional regulations, so keep up to snuff with the local rules before boarding your scooter.

Special Circumstances

Tourist areas: Exercise extra caution in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and unfamiliar visitors.

Weather conditions: Hawaii’s frequent rain showers can create slippery conditions. Many electric scooters aren’t designed for tropical downpours.

Salt air exposure: Coastal riding requires more frequent maintenance due to salt corrosion. Rinse your scooter regularly if you ride near the ocean.

Volcanic areas: On the Big Island, certain areas may have restrictions due to active volcanic activity.

Resort areas: Private resorts may have their own rules that differ from county regulations.

FAQs

Do I really need to register my electric scooter in Hawaii? Yes, the $30 registration fee is required by state law and helps fund bikeway infrastructure.

Can tourists rent electric scooters in Hawaii? Rental companies must provide renters with copies of applicable county ordinances and ensure helmet compliance for under-16 riders.

What about riding on the beach? Beach riding depends on specific beach regulations. Most beaches don’t allow motorized vehicles.

Can I bring my electric scooter on inter-island flights? Check with airlines regarding battery restrictions and transportation requirements.

How does the salt air affect my scooter? Salt accelerates corrosion. Rinse your scooter with fresh water regularly, especially after coastal riding.

Resources & Citations

• Hawaii Revised Statutes § 249-35 – Electric foot scooters; registration
• Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-139 – Electric foot scooters
• Hawaii DOT – Motorcycles, Motor Scooters and Mopeds Information
• City and County of Honolulu Transportation Services
• Maui County Department of Public Works
• Hawaii County Planning Department
• Kauai County Planning Department

Call To Action

Island Updates: Stay informed about Hawaii’s evolving electric scooter regulations and county-specific changes. Sign up for our newsletter to track updates across all Hawaiian islands, or check back to our electric scooter legal page regularly.

Ride Junkie’s Final Words Of Non-Legal Wisdom

Hawaii deserves credit for creating a comprehensive electric scooter framework that makes sense. The registration requirement might seem annoying, but $30 is reasonable for permanent registration, and the money goes toward bike infrastructure that benefits all riders.

What I appreciate most about Hawaii’s approach is the practical recognition that sidewalk access is sometimes necessary on islands with limited road infrastructure. Also letting kids under 16 ride is a big change. I got an 8, 12, and a 14 year old and they’ve all been riding their entire life. Never have they been in a serious accident and they are very respectful riders. Always start with the rules of the road, monitor and only if they follow and respect the restrictions put in place by their legal guardian. They’re allowed to ride unmonitorized.

The environmental challenges are real though. That salt air will eat through cheap components faster than you’d expect. If you’re planning extended riding in Hawaii, invest in a quality scooter with proper corrosion protection, or plan on more frequent maintenance cycles.

For tourists, the registration requirement creates some complications for short-term visits. But the larger hubs have plenty of scooters up for rent.

The county-level variations are manageable if you do your homework. Each island has its own character and challenges, and the regulations reflect that.

Legal Disclaimer: We’re riders and mechanics, not attorneys. This guide summarizes Hawaii law for informational purposes only and isn’t legal advice. Hawaii’s electric scooter regulations involve both state and county requirements, so if you’re facing legal issues related to electric scooter use, consult with a Hawaii attorney familiar with traffic and municipal law. County ordinances change frequently, so verify current local rules before riding.