UPDATE: The Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) has just announced urgent new regulations regarding the use of electric bicycles on school campuses, effective immediately. Under the directive of Governor Josh Green’s executive order signed on September 18, 2025, these policies aim to enhance student safety amid rising e-bike popularity.
The newly implemented rules prohibit electric motorcycles—vehicles capable of exceeding 40 mph—from entering any school grounds. Additionally, e-bikes are banned from elementary and middle schools. However, high school students over the age of 15 may use e-bikes on campus, provided they display proper county registration.
In a press release, DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi emphasized, “The safety of our students is always our top priority.” He underscored the need for regulation, noting the benefits and dangers associated with electric bicycles. Hayashi warned that despite e-bikes being legal for older children, the DOE is committed to ensuring a secure environment for all students.
Governor Green’s executive order, known as No. 25-08, highlights alarming statistics: preliminary traffic data for 2025 shows a staggering 38% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. Shockingly, 71% of these fatalities involve vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and e-bike riders.
The order also revealed that 87% of fatal crashes from January 1 to August 21, 2025, stemmed from risky or negligent behavior. This data underscores the urgent need for educational initiatives and enforcement to promote safer riding practices.
In response to the new regulations, Hayashi has reached out to parents via a letter urging them to support these rules at home. He stated, “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.” The message is clear: collective efforts are essential to protect students and the broader school community.
As these regulations take effect, parents, students, and educators are encouraged to stay informed and engaged. The DOE’s proactive steps reflect a growing commitment to student safety amid evolving transportation trends.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story and its implications for Hawaii’s educational landscape.
