Hawaii Electric Bike and Moped Rebate Program
As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, Hawaii has taken a significant step forward with its Electric Bike and Moped Rebate Program. This initiative, aimed at reducing the cost of living and promoting eco-friendly transportation, offers rebates of up to $500 or 20% of the retail price for newly purchased electric bicycles and mopeds. Established under HRS §196-7.8, the program not only supports the state’s clean energy goals but also provides substantial financial relief to eligible residents. Whether you’re a student, a low-income individual, or someone without a motor vehicle, this rebate program is designed to make sustainable transportation more accessible. Applications for the rebate opened on February 28, 2023, providing a streamlined process for residents to benefit from this forward-thinking initiative.
Eligibility Criteria | Application Process for Hawaii Electric Bike and Moped Rebate Program
The Hawaii Electric Bike and Moped Rebate Program is designed to make sustainable transportation more accessible to residents while promoting clean energy. Here is a detailed explanation of who can apply and the necessary documentation required to qualify for the rebate.
Step1: Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the rebate, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Requirement | Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. |
| Residency Status | Must be a resident of Hawaii. |
| Eligibility Conditions | Applicants must meet one or more of the following conditions: |
| Low-Income Assistance | Must be currently participating in a low-income assistance program such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Section 8 housing assistance. |
| Non-Ownership of Vehicle | Applicants should not own a motor vehicle with four or more wheels. This encourages the use of sustainable transportation alternatives. |
| Student Status | Current enrollment in a school, community college, or university. This provision supports students who may benefit from affordable transportation options. |
Step2: Necessary Documentation
Applicants must provide specific documentation to verify their eligibility. The required documents include:
Proof of Age:
A valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.
Proof of Hawaii Residency:
Documents such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or any other official document that confirms the applicant’s address in Hawaii.
Proof of Eligibility:
Depending on the condition under which the applicant qualifies, the following documents are required:
Low-Income Assistance Program Participants:
A copy of the benefits card or an official letter from the program confirming current participation.
Non-Ownership of a Motor Vehicle:
A signed affidavit stating that the applicant does not own a motor vehicle with four or more wheels. Additional supporting documents such as DMV records may be requested.
Student Enrollment:
A current student ID card or an official enrollment verification letter from the educational institution.
Purchase Documentation:
Proof of purchase of the electric bike or moped must be submitted. This includes:
Sales Receipt: The original sales receipt showing the date of purchase, the retailer’s name, and the model of the electric bike or moped.
Product Specifications: Documentation that verifies the electric bike or moped meets the program’s speed and specification requirements (e.g., maximum speed of 28 mph for electric bikes).
Step3 : Application Process
Fill out the application form. The form can be completed online or by requesting a hard copy.
Online Application:
- Visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s rebate program page at HDOT Rebate Program.
- Click on the application link and fill out the required fields. The form will ask for personal information, proof of eligibility, and details about your purchase.
- Online Submission:
- Scan or take clear photos of all required documents.
- Upload these documents to the online application portal.
- Review your application for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application online.
Hard Copy Application:
- Request a hard copy by calling (808) 831-7931.
- Complete the form with the same required fields as the online application.
Hard Copy Submission:
- Photocopy all required documents.
- Attach these copies to your completed application form.
- Mail your application to the address provided on the form.
Step 4: Confirmation and Verification
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email or letter. The Hawaii Department of Transportation will verify your eligibility and the documentation provided.
- The Department reserves the right to verify the purchase.
- If additional information is needed, you will be contacted.
- The Department is not liable to pay any rebate if sufficient funds are unavailable.
Step 5: Receive Your Rebate
Once your application is approved, you will receive your rebate. The rebate amount is limited to the lesser of $500 or 20% of the retail price of the new electric bicycle or moped.
List of Eligible E-Bikes| Hawaii Electric Bike Incentive
The Hawaii Electric Bike and Moped Rebate Program aims to promote eco-friendly transportation by offering rebates on new electric bicycles and mopeds. Here is a detailed list of eligible e-bikes under this program:
Eligibility Criteria for E-bikes:
To qualify for the rebate, electric bikes must:
- Be newly purchased.
- Have a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour.
- Be purchased at a retail store on or after July 1, 2022.
- Comply with the classification of low-speed electric bicycles (less than 750 watts).
Brands and Models:
Based on the criteria set by the program, several brands and models available in Hawaii are eligible for the rebate. These include:
Aventon
Aventon Pace 500
Aventon Level/Sinch
Bikonit
Bikonit Warthog MD 750
Bikonit Warthog MD 1000
Brompton
Brompton Electric M2L
Brompton Electric H3L
Bulls
Bulls Iconic Evo TR 1
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45
CUBE
Cube Kathmandu Hybrid.45
Cube Reaction Hybrid 500
HAIBIKE
Haibike Xduro AllMtn 3.0
Haibike Sduro Trekking 1.0
Orbea
Orbea Gain M20
Orbea Optima E40
RAD Power Bikes
RadRover 6 Plus
RadCity 5 Plus
Segway
Segway X160
Segway X260
Tern
Tern GSD S10
Tern Vektron S10
Approved Retailers for Hawaii Electric Bike and Moped Rebate Program
The Hawaii Electric Bike and Moped Rebate Program allows residents to receive a rebate for purchasing eligible electric bicycles and mopeds from approved retailers. Below is a table of some of the recognized retailers where you can purchase eligible e-bikes.
| Retailer Name | Locations | Website | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ebikes Hawaii | Honolulu, HI | Ebikes Hawaii | Offers a variety of electric bikes that meet the rebate program’s requirements. |
| Maui Sunriders Bike Co. | Paia, Kihei, and Lahaina, Maui, HI | Maui Sunriders Bike Co. | Provides a wide range of electric bikes and is an approved retailer for the rebate program. |
| The Bike Shop | Honolulu, Kailua, and Aiea, HI | The Bike Shop | Offers various models of electric bikes that are eligible for the rebate. |
| Island Triathlon and Bike | Honolulu, HI | Island Triathlon and Bike | Known for their selection of electric bikes that qualify for the rebate program. |
| RideSmart Maui | Kahului, Maui, HI | RideSmart Maui | Specializes in electric bikes and mopeds that are eligible for the rebate. |
| Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales | Honolulu, HI | Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales | Offers a range of electric bikes that comply with the rebate program’s requirements. |
These retailers have been recognized by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) as participating in the rebate program, ensuring that the bikes they sell meet the necessary criteria for rebate eligibility (Department of Transportation) (Ebikes Hawaii) (Maui Sunriders Bike Co.).
Rebate Amount and Benefits for Hawaii Electric Bike and Moped Rebate Program
The Hawaii Electric Bike and Moped Rebate Program provides financial incentives to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly transportation options. Below is a detailed breakdown of the rebate calculation and the benefits for applicants.
Rebate Calculation
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Rebate Amount | Up to $500 or 20% of the retail price, whichever is lower. |
| Eligible Purchases | Newly purchased electric bicycles and electric mopeds. |
| Purchase Date | Purchases must be made at a retail store on or after July 1, 2022. |
| Speed Requirement | Electric bicycles must have a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour. |
| Application Deadline | The rebate application and supporting documentation must be submitted within 1 year of the purchase date. |
| Individual Rebate Limit | No individual shall receive more than $500 in total rebates each fiscal year. |
| Documentation Required | Proof of purchase (sales receipt), proof of eligibility (age, residency, income status or student enrollment), and product specifications. |
Benefits for Applicants
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Savings | The rebate provides significant financial relief by reducing the cost of purchasing a new electric bike or moped. |
| Promotes Eco-Friendly Transportation | Encourages the use of electric bicycles and mopeds, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and environmental sustainability. |
| Accessible to Low-Income Residents | Designed to be accessible to low-income individuals, students, and those without a motor vehicle, thus promoting equity in access to sustainable transportation. |
| Health Benefits | Encourages physical activity, which can improve overall health and well-being. |
| Traffic Congestion Reduction | Helps reduce traffic congestion by encouraging more people to use electric bikes and mopeds instead of traditional cars. |
| Supports Clean Energy Goals | Aligns with Hawaii’s clean energy goals by promoting the use of low-emission vehicles. |
| Convenience and Mobility | Provides a convenient and affordable transportation option, especially in urban areas where parking and traffic can be challenging. |
| Community Benefits | By increasing the number of electric bikes and mopeds, the program fosters a community-oriented approach to transportation, improving overall quality of life and promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle among residents. |
Legal Requirements for Using Electric Bikes and Mopeds in Hawaii
Understanding the legal aspects of using electric bikes and mopeds in Hawaii is crucial for compliance and safety. Below is an overview of the key legal requirements based on available data and online research.
| Legal Aspect | Electric Bikes | Electric Mopeds |
|---|---|---|
| Age Requirement | Riders must be at least 18 years old. | Riders must be at least 18 years old. |
| Helmet Requirement | Helmets are mandatory for riders under the age of 16. For adults, helmets are recommended but not required. | Helmets are mandatory for all riders regardless of age. |
| Speed Limit | Maximum speed of 28 mph. | Maximum speed of 28 mph. |
| Motor Power | Electric motor must be less than 750 watts. | Typically, similar power limitations apply to mopeds. |
| Registration | Required for electric bikes with a registration fee of $30 (one-time). | Required, with a registration fee (typically annual). |
| Insurance | Not required. | Required, similar to traditional mopeds and scooters. |
| Road Usage | Allowed on roads, bike lanes, and shared-use paths. Not allowed on sidewalks. | Allowed on roads and bike lanes. Not allowed on sidewalks. |
| Lighting and Reflectors | Must have front and rear lights if ridden at night. Reflectors are also required for visibility. | Must have front and rear lights if ridden at night. Reflectors are required. |
| Passengers | Not allowed to carry passengers unless the bike is specifically designed for it (e.g., cargo bikes with additional seating). | Not allowed to carry passengers. |
| Traffic Rules Compliance | Riders must comply with all standard traffic laws, including riding with the flow of traffic, obeying traffic signals, and yielding to pedestrians and slower cyclists. | Riders must comply with all standard traffic laws, similar to those governing traditional mopeds and motor vehicles. |
| Sidewalk Riding | Prohibited. | Prohibited. |
| Licensing | No specific license required for electric bikes. | Requires a moped or motor vehicle license. |
| Definition Compliance | Must meet the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission definition of a low-speed electric bicycle. | Must meet state-specific definitions and safety standards for electric mopeds. |
