On Oʻahu, about half of the recent crashes involving e-bikes, e-scooters and mopeds involved riders who were not wearing helmets, according to paramedics who responded to the calls. Twenty people were hospitalized, many in serious or critical condition. The tally, 36 incidents across the island, comes as safety groups and city agencies ramp up outreach on how helmets should fit and where riders can get them.
According to KHON2, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services reported that roughly half of the 36 incidents on Oʻahu involved riders without helmets. EMS documented 20 hospitalizations, 16 of them in serious condition and the rest critical. Malia Harunaga, education director for the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League, told KHON2, "If you've got a brain, you should wear a helmet," and the report highlighted safety advice to replace helmets after any crash.
E-Bike Injuries Climb Statewide
The State Department of Health's EMS dashboard and meeting minutes show a steady rise in e-bike injury encounters across Hawaii. The Department's EMSAC minutes list 742 EMS-documented e-bike injuries from 2022 through 2025, with 242 of those in the most recent 12-month period, pointing to a broader trend behind Oʻahu's recent spike. State Department of Health.
How Helmets Should Fit And When To Replace Them
Federal guidance says a helmet should sit level and low on the forehead, with about one or two finger-widths of space above the eyebrows. Side straps should form a snug "V" under each ear, and the chin strap should be buckled so it is snug but comfortable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's fitting guide also stresses replacing any helmet that has been in a crash because the interior foam can be damaged even if the shell looks fine, and it advises buyers to look for certification labels that show the helmet meets U.S. safety standards. NHTSA.
Laws And Enforcement On Oʻahu
State law requires anyone under 16 to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet on public property, a rule summarized in the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League's guide to Hawaii bike laws. Enforcement has been visible this year. KHON2 reports the Honolulu Police Department issued 91 helmet-related citations in 2026 as part of stepped-up safety patrols.
Where To Get A Helmet Or Fitting Help
Local programs are working to make helmets and fittings easier to get. Biki and its partners have planned free helmet giveaways and outreach events to help riders pick up a certified helmet that fits correctly; riders can check outreach pages for upcoming dates and locations. Biki.
A properly fitted, certified helmet will not stop every crash, but it can dramatically cut the risk of a serious brain injury. For riders on Oʻahu, the steps are straightforward: get a certified helmet, have it fitted by someone who knows what they are doing, and replace it after any crash.
