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Government Agencies Collaborate To Regulate E-trikes And E-bikes In The Philippines
Press Conference Regarding E-Bike / E-Trike Regulations. Screengrab from MMDA
In a concerted effort to address the surge in the use of electronic tricycles (e-trikes) and electric bikes (e-bikes) across the country, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) recently engaged in discussions regarding the regulation of these alternative vehicles.
MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes emphasized the need for reconciliation between national government regulations and the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) prohibition on e-bikes and e-trikes on national roads. He stated, "We are here to reconcile the regulations of the national government, including the issuance of the DILG, which prohibits these e-bikes and e-trikes on our national roads. One of our agreements is to discuss the guidelines and regulations that the national government will issue, in harmony with the existing regulations of the local government units (LGUs)."
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza announced their plan to submit recommendations to Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista on Monday, with expectations of releasing guidelines for the use of e-trikes and e-bikes in February. Mendoza highlighted the discussion on the registration of electronic vehicles, proposing a review of the current exemption for e-bikes and e-trikes running at speeds less than 25 km/h. He mentioned considering suggestions from LGUs to regulate these vehicles effectively, including the possibility of requiring a license from the LTO for e-bike and e-trike operators.
Responding to queries from journalists, Artes acknowledged the government's concern about the growing number of e-bikes. "It's becoming a cause of concern," he stated. "We see that the proliferation of e-bikes is increasing exponentially. That's why we met – to establish regulations, so that while the numbers are not causing significant traffic disruptions or major accidents, we can address the situation promptly."
The collaborative efforts of these government agencies aim to strike a balance between promoting sustainable transportation options and ensuring public safety and orderly traffic flow on national roads.
MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes emphasized the need for reconciliation between national government regulations and the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) prohibition on e-bikes and e-trikes on national roads. He stated, "We are here to reconcile the regulations of the national government, including the issuance of the DILG, which prohibits these e-bikes and e-trikes on our national roads. One of our agreements is to discuss the guidelines and regulations that the national government will issue, in harmony with the existing regulations of the local government units (LGUs)."
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza announced their plan to submit recommendations to Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista on Monday, with expectations of releasing guidelines for the use of e-trikes and e-bikes in February. Mendoza highlighted the discussion on the registration of electronic vehicles, proposing a review of the current exemption for e-bikes and e-trikes running at speeds less than 25 km/h. He mentioned considering suggestions from LGUs to regulate these vehicles effectively, including the possibility of requiring a license from the LTO for e-bike and e-trike operators.
Responding to queries from journalists, Artes acknowledged the government's concern about the growing number of e-bikes. "It's becoming a cause of concern," he stated. "We see that the proliferation of e-bikes is increasing exponentially. That's why we met – to establish regulations, so that while the numbers are not causing significant traffic disruptions or major accidents, we can address the situation promptly."
The collaborative efforts of these government agencies aim to strike a balance between promoting sustainable transportation options and ensuring public safety and orderly traffic flow on national roads.
Feb 15, 2024
