LTO issues guidelines on e-bike registration
Back in February 2024, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), passed Regulation No. 24-022 series of 2024. This regulation prohibits e-bikes and e-trikes, as well as tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs on national roads, circumferential, and radial roads in Metro Manila.
As far as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is concerned, all motorized vehicles that are used on public roads must be registered with the agency and its operators must possess a valid driver’s license – in accordance with Republic Act 4136 or the Land Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
In April 2024, the LTO issued Memorandum Circular VDM-2024-2637 or the Guidelines in the Registration of All Types of Electric Vehicles (EVs). This memo was received by the U.P. Law Center on May 17, 2024.
What are EVs?
Electric Vehicles (EVs) refer to motor vehicles with at least 1 electric drive for propulsion. EVs are further classified by the LTO as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs).
BEVs refer to an electrically-propelled vehicle with only a traction battery as a power source for vehicle propulsion. LEVs refer to e-bikes, e-scooters, electric personal transport and other similar vehicles weighing less than 50 kilograms. These LEVs are collectively known here in the country as e-bikes.
How can I register my LEV?
Like all brand-new vehicles, the initial registration of EVs as well as LEVs to the LTO is the obligation of its dealer. However, if an EV or an LEV is already in use, the owners may register their units with the LTO provided that:
- The LEV owner has registered to the LTMS,
- The LEV owner is able to present proof of ownership or execute an affidavit attesting to the ownership and the LTO is not liable for any related matter on the subject LEV’s ownership,
- The LEV is subject to LTO’s inspection to ensure its roadworthiness,
- The LEV unit has a unique vehicle identifier,
- If the LEV has no unique vehicle identifier, the LTO will issue an identifier which will be stamped on the unit’s chassis/frame,
- The LEV must have a Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance.
Registration should be valid for 3 years for brand-new LEVs while registration is valid for 1 year for LEVs that are already being used by its owner. Renewal is every year thereafter, similar to motorcycles.
An Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) will be issued to the LEV’s owner as proof of registration. Additionally, the LTO shall design a plate decal/sticker that should serve as the LEV’s license plate.
Owners of LEVs that are already in use have until July 1, 2024, to comply with this LTO regulation.
