ROH §15-18.13
Rules for riding motorized bicycles on public roads
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗This section sets rules for riding bicycles with motors on public streets and paths. It bans motors over a certain power level, requires normal riding position, and outlaws unsafe or stunt riding. It also lists specific banned moves like standing on the seat or lifting wheels.
everyone
The ordinance, as written (Honolulu County) — Safe driving of bicycles equipped with motors on public streets, paths, or trails
A copy, taken August 22, 2026. The version published by Honolulu is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(a) Except as otherwise allowed by law, no bicycle equipped with a motor exceeding 750 watts may be operated on any public street, highway, alley, path, or trail, including a bikeway as defined by § 15-2.5 .
(b) A bicycle equipped with a motor may be operated only with all of the bicycle’s wheels facing forward and in contact with the ground at all times, and with the operator seated with one leg on each side of the seat; provided that it is not a violation of this subsection if a wheel of the bicycle loses contact with the ground briefly due to the condition of the road surface or other circumstances beyond the control of the operator.
(c) It is unlawful for an individual to operate a bicycle equipped with a motor in an unsafe manner or engage in exhibition driving on any public street, highway, alley, path, trail, or other public right-of-way; provided that this subsection does not apply to an individual engaging in exhibition riding as part of a parade, tournament, or other activity permitted by the city.
(d) An individual operating a bicycle equipped with a motor may not:
(1) Stand or kneel on any seat, ride on the bicycle’s handlebars, or engage in any other non-standard riding position;
(2) Perform a maneuver where one or more wheels are intentionally lifted from the ground; or
(3) Engage in any other maneuver that endangers the operator or any other person.
Published by the City and County of Honolulu through American Legal Publishing.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.