Administrative Orders 2021-039 and VDM-2024-044 suspended by LTO
Electric bikes or e-bikes – in broad terms, are used to refer to any Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) here in the country. This could be a 2-wheeler, 3-wheeler or even a 4-wheeler mode of transportation that is propelled by an electric motor.
These e-bikes are often seen as a popular errand bike for many middle-aged women, as well as the last-mile transport for courier contractors.
Unfortunately, with no clear regulation, we often see these e-bikes impede the flow of traffic on busy streets, go against traffic on a one-way street, and we even see minors – with absolutely no idea on traffic rules – driving these e-bikes.
As such, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) – being the government agency mandated to enforce traffic rules and regulations, has issued administrative orders (AOs) 2021-039 and VDM-2024-044. Basically, these AOs set the guidelines for the classification, registration and operation of e-bikes. For example, if an e-bike is used on a public road, it must be registered with the LTO and its driver must possess a valid driver’s license.
Now, the LTO suspends both administrative orders, saying that they do not align with the intention of Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) Law.
According to LTO, certain provisions of both AOs are hereby suspended:
- Mandatory registration of e-bikes, as well as driver’s license requirement for its driver;
- Mandatory helmet use, with the helmet conforming to RA 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act;
- LTO giving the MMDA and LGUs the power to regulate e-bikes;
- Any LTO rule that goes against EVIDA Law
The LTO adds that the suspension will remain until such new guidelines are set to be consistent with the EVIDA Law.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in a memo dated July 12, 2024, said that restrictions in the use of e-bikes deter would-be investors from the LEV industry, and the same restrictions contradict EVIDA Law’s intention of promoting the use of sustainable alternative modes of transportation.
“Upon further evaluation, the EVIDA IRR and LTO/MMDA issuances that restrict the use of LEVs, appear to contradict the policy of EVIDA on promoting use of EVs and sustainable energy. We also note that the Department has received feedback from stakeholders that LEV companies hesitate to invest in the Philippines due to said restrictions and conflicting provisions of EVIDA and its IRR,” said DOTr.
The full text of the new memo can be accessed here.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), on the other hand, has also imposed its own rules on e-bikes earlier this year. MMDA Regulation No. 24-022 series of 2024, which was unanimously OK’d by the Metro Manila Council MMC, bans e-bikes and e-trikes, as well as tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs on national roads, circumferential, and radial roads in Metro Manila.
