LTO new guidelines on e-bikes and light electric vehicles announced
Back in 2021, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) released the Administrative Order 2021-039 which basically sets the policies that govern electric vehicles (EV) in the country.
Now, with the proliferation of e-bikes, e-trikes, e-scooters and other light electric vehicles on major roads, the Metro Manila Council (MMC), through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), came up with Resolution No. 24-022 series of 2024. This new MMDA Resolution basically bans these types of EVs in 19 of Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares.
Today, the LTO presented its proposed new policy in a consultative forum held at its head office in Quezon City, to govern e-bikes, e-trikes, e-scooters, and other light electric vehicles.
Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs)
Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) are light electric vehicles that are designed for shorter trips within communities, usually those used by elder people and PWDs. Under the proposed new policy, a driver’s license and registration from the LTO are still not required but emphasized that users should wear protective helmets designed for bicycles. These can be ridden only on private roads, pedestrian walkways, and bike lanes, and similar lanes designated by proper authorities.
Electric kick scooter
Under the proposed new policy, these electric kick scooters (ex: Minimotors Bluetran Lightning), the LTO again emphasized the use of protective helmets that are designed and rated for motorcycle use.
These electric kick scooters will be limited only on barangay roads, but may also be operated on bike lanes or similar lanes designated by proper authorities.
A driver’s license and registration are still not required.
e-bikes/e-moped
Under the existing policy, e-bikes/e-mopeds – which are capable of reaching speeds between 26 km/h to 50 km/h – are under L1b category and are not subject to driver’s license and registration.
Now, under the proposed new policy, operators of these types of light electric vehicles must possess a driver’s license and the unit must be registered with the LTO. These light electric vehicles will have a registration similar to a motorcycle without a sidecar.
Its rider and pillion must also wear a protective helmet that is designed and rated for motorcycle use.
These e-bikes/e-mopeds are banned on all major thoroughfares, on primary to tertiary roads, and on all roads that are prohibited by the MMDA and LGUs. They may be used on bike lanes or similar lanes as determined by the MMDA and LGUs. They may also traverse major roads for the purpose of crossing only.
e-trikes and other light electric vehicles
As for the proposed new policies on e-trikes and other light electric vehicles, the consultative forum shifted to other matters that concern public transport from various groups. MotoPinas.com has already requested a copy of the proposed new policy from the LTO.
LTO chief, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, has reiterated that Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, requires all motorized vehicles used on public highways to be registered with the LTO.
”What is very clear and we’re trying to harmonize it with the Republic Act 4136… any motorized vehicle operating in public highways must be registered with the LTO,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza added, as defined by the law, public highways are any road that was funded by the government. Any person who is driving or operating a motorized vehicle on a public highway is required to possess a valid driver’s license. Mendoza also reiterated that RA 4136 doesn’t distinguish the speed or power capacity of a motorized vehicle plying on a public road. As long as it is a motorized vehicle, whether an internal combustion engine (ICE) or electric-powered, it must be registered with the LTO.
