Honolulu EMS warns public on e-bike safety ahead of return to school

HONOLULU (KHON2) — In the last year and a half, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to 86 incidents involving injured electronic bike riders under 18 years of age.

Fifty-two of those came from children aged 14 or under.

Children under the age of 15 aren’t supposed to ride e-bikes at all.

“E-bikes are not toys. They’re moving vehicles,” said Honolulu City Councilmember Augie Tulba. “One mistake could be life changing or worse, fatal.”

“14 years of age and under should not be riding e-bikes,” said Kenneth Faria, Honolulu EMS Acting Assistant Chief of Operations, “I mean I would believe that those individuals probably wouldn’t be making the best decisions on our roadways.”

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Earlier this year, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed legislation requiring all e-bike riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. However, in 81% of the reported injuries, riders were not wearing a helmet.

With school back in session soon, and 57 of the 86 incidents coming from children aged 13 to 16, the Honolulu EMS reminds the public of the importance of staying safe on e-bikes, and following the laws regarding them.

“I can hear the cries of parents behind me as they treat their child on scene for these types of injuries,” Faria said, “We can avoid this together. This is 100% avoidable.”

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EMS and the Honolulu Police Department also ask for parents help in making sure their children abide by the laws.

“People — parents, you guys need to be accountable for your child’s actions,” said HPD Sergeant Henry Roberts. “By all means, safety first.”

“Government and legislation are not the only solution to keeping our keiki safe,” Tulba said. “Let’s work together to ensure that this happens to get our keiki back to school safely.”

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KHON2 reached out to the E-bikes Hawaii for comment but did not hear back.