Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
Hawaii regulates e-scooters under the classification of "Electric Foot Scooters" (HRS § 291C-139). While the state still maintains a unique registration requirement, the biggest news for 2026 is the expansion of the Electric Mobility Rebate Program.
The 2026 Rebate (SB 1117)
As of January 2026, Hawaii has expanded its rebate program to include "electric micro-mobility devices."
If you are a Hawaii resident and 15 or older, you may be eligible for a rebate of 50% of the retail cost, up to $750, for a new e-scooter purchase.
This moves Hawaii from a "restrictive" state to one of the most proactive in the country for private owners.
Registration and Licensing
$30 Registration Fee: Hawaii remains one of the few states requiring a one-time $30 registration fee. This is paid to your county’s director of finance. You will receive a small permanent registration tag to be affixed to the scooter.
No License Required: You do not need a driver’s license or insurance to operate an electric foot scooter.
Performance and Weight Regulations
To stay legally classified as a "scooter" and avoid being treated as a moped (which requires a license), your device must adhere to:
Weight Limit: Must weigh less than 75 lbs.
Speed Limit: Motor-assisted speed is capped at 15 mph.
Age and Helmet Laws
Minimum Age: You must be at least 15 years old to ride on any public property.
Helmets: Mandatory for all riders under 16 years of age.
Helmets must be securely fastened with a chin strap and meet bicycle safety standards.
Permitted Riding Areas
Roadways & Paths: You have the same rights as bicyclists to use roadways, bike lanes, and paths.
Sidewalks: Generally prohibited, especially in business districts.
In Honolulu, riding on sidewalks in Waikiki is strictly enforced with fines. You must stay in the street or designated lanes.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in Hawaii, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
