Mopeds have become a popular transportation option for students in Hawaii. They’re a fast, convenient, and affordable way to get around – but they also come with risks and legal responsibilities. If you’re planning to rent or buy a moped, make sure you understand the moped requirements in Hawaii.
What Is a Moped?
To understand the legal requirements for moped riders, you first need to know exactly what counts as a moped. According to Hawaii, a moped is a device. According to the federal government, it’s a type of motorcycle.
Under Hawaii law, a moped has two or three wheels, carries only one person, has no more than two horsepower, has a maximum piston or rotor displacement of 3.05 cubic inches (for combustion engines only), and has a top speed on a straight level surface of no more than 30 mph. If your vehicle can go faster than 30 mph, it’s classified as a motor scooter, for which there are different licensing and insurance requirements.
Hawaii Moped Requirements
A moped occupies a gray area between bicycles and motorcycles. In Hawaii, moped users are subject to some – but not all – of the same requirements as drivers.
- Registration: Yes; if you own a moped, you need to register it. You must affix the registration plate to the rear fender.
- Driver’s License: Yes; to ride a moped, you need a valid driver’s license. Any class license is considered adequate.
- Annual Inspections: Yes; mopeds are subject to annual inspection requirements.
- Traffic Laws: Yes; you have to obey traffic laws when riding a moped. In Hawaii, mopeds are not allowed to share or split lanes or ride on the shoulder of the road.
- Freeways: No; mopeds are not allowed on freeways. This is because the minimum speed on freeways is 45 mph and mopeds can only reach a maximum of 30 mph.
- Bicycle Paths and Lanes. This one’s complicated. The Hawaii Department of Transportation says bicycle paths that are separate from highways are often built with federal funding. Federal law classifies mopeds as motor vehicles and bars them from bicycle paths. Therefore, mopeds are generally not allowed on bicycle paths. However, mopeds are typically allowed on, and should use, bicycle lanes on the roadway. Check the rules in your neighborhood and look for signs pertaining to mopeds.
- Insurance: No; privately-owned mopeds do not need auto insurance. However, you could still be liable for any damages you cause in some situations – for example, if you crash your moped into a pedestrian and cause an injury or damage property.
For more information, see Information for Moped Owners and Drivers.
Moped Safety
Moped crashes may cause serious injury or even be fatal. Stay safe out there.
- Helmets: Only riders under the age of 18 must wear helmets, but helmets are highly recommended for riders of all ages. At a minimum, look for a helmet with eye protection – a full-face helmet provides the best protection.
- Passengers: You might be tempted to let another person join you on your moped, but this is dangerous and not allowed in Hawaii.
- Maintenance: A poorly maintained moped could trigger an accident. Make sure the brakes and headlamps are working properly, and repair or replace the mirrors, grips, and tires as needed.
- Alcohol: Riding while intoxicated is dangerous – it’s also illegal. Moped riders must obey traffic laws, which include a ban on operating a vehicle while intoxicated or with an open container.
- Focus: When you’re riding, focus on the road. Look out for vehicles and pedestrians, and do not let your phone be a distraction.
Sharing the Road: Tips for Drivers
Drivers often fail to see motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds because they are focused on other cars. This sometimes leads to fatal crashes. Look out for mopeds and other small vehicles and avoid distractions when behind the wheel. When a car and a moped are involved in a collision, the car’s insurance is responsible for covering the damage.
Do you need insurance? Although auto insurance isn’t a requirement for mopeds in Hawaii, it’s still a good idea. An insurance agent can help you understand your insurance options. Find an agent.