Electric bicycles and electric tricycles will no longer be allowed on major roads beginning December, according to transportation officials.
Sen. JV Ejercito reported that LTO chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao has committed to start apprehending all e-trikes operating on public roads by December 1. Sen. Raffy Tulfo backed the move, citing the burden on traditional tricycle drivers who comply with franchise and licensing requirements while sharing the same road space with unregistered e-vehicles.
Officials emphasized that e-bikes and e-trikes, when involved in accidents or traffic violations, often cannot be properly cited, prompting automatic impounding for any unit involved in an incident. Tulfo clarified he is not against these vehicles but stressed they should operate only in safer areas such as subdivisions, not in regular traffic.
Ejercito said barangays and subdivisions may choose to allow them, but they will be strictly prohibited on main thoroughfares. The LTO and DOTr will work with the DILG to notify LGUs and will conduct further studies and consultations on long-term regulations for e-bikes and e-trikes.
