HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Putting an end to wheelies, that’s the goal of a new bill making its way through the Honolulu City Council.

Councilors Radiant Cordero and Matt Weyer appear bill 61 on November 7th.

The proposed legislation would ban balancing on the rear wheels of motorcycles, electric bicycles and mopeds.

Cordero and Weyer say the purpose is to promote public safety.

Last summer, EMS estimated they responded to approximately two e-bike accidents per week.

Under Bill 61, wheelies would only be allowed during parades, tournaments and other city events.

Retired HPD Deputy Chief John McCarthy says House Bill 61 could make law enforcement easier for patrol officers who currently have to stop passengers for reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor that carries up to 30 days in jail. and a fine of up to one thousand dollars.

“Say the law passes… and someone decides to pop a wheelie right in front of him, he doesn’t have to go through his law book and look up what violation it is, and think, ‘Wow, was that reckless?’ Or careless?’ The law says you can’t pop a wheelie. You can’t pop a wheelie.” McCarthy hypothesized.

bill 52A separate proposal addressing e-bike safety concerns has already passed two council readings and would make helmets mandatory for anyone under 18, regardless of the type of bike or motorized scooter they use.

Travis Counsell, executive director of the Hawaii Cycling League, says Bills 52 and 61 could be merged and cracking down on stunts could save lives.

“I think there is a time and a place. Wheelies are certainly a fun activity and stuff like that, but probably not on the road during normal driving behavior, especially in traffic and around other people.” Counsell said.

The city’s Transportation Committee is scheduled to review House Bill 52 at an upcoming meeting.

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