Guidelines regulating NCR e-bikes in the works

An e-trike traveling along the expressway or an e-bike with a minor behind the wheel are among caused of concern for these vehicles, particularly along major roads. 

Amid incidents concerning e-bikes, a technical working group (TWG) composed of representatives from various traffic agencies and local government units (LGUs) was formed on Thursday to craft guidelines regulating the use of electric vehicles in Metro Manila’s thoroughfares. 

According to Oscar Oida’s report on 24 Oras, the  Land Transportation Office (LTO) said among the policies to be included in the proposed guidelines is the proper licensing and registration of e-vehicles. 

“Itong pag-aaralan natin yung registration ng  mga sasakyan at licensing of the person,” said Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza. 

(We will study the licensing of persons driving these e-vehicles and their registration.)

“Kung ‘di naman sila national roads kahit na public roads. As long as lumabas sila sa komunidad nakakaapekto sila sa safety at daloy ng trapiko,” Mendoza added. 

(If they are not using national roads, at least on public roads. As long as they go out into the community, they affect safety and the flow of traffic.)

Latest data from the  Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said around 556 accidents related to e-bikes were monitored in Metro Manila in 2023. 

While they are prohibited on major roads, the MMDA said a lack of policies surrounding the use of e-bikes makes it difficult to apprehend delinquent drivers.

“Paano namin huhulihin wala kami ma-isyuhan ng ticket kasi wala naman lisensya yung nagmamaneho. Di rin namin pwede icharge yung vehicle kasi di rehistrado,” said MMDA chief Romando Artes. 

(How can we issue traffic citations if the drivers have no license? We cannot charge the vehicles because they are not registered.) 

The Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) welcomed the regulation of the e-bike and e-tricycle. 

“Kailangan din kasi dito is control. Kahit sino pwede gumamit ng mga e-trike. Kahit mga bata o matanda tapos pag nagkaroon ng aksidente ang responsibility is mabigat,” said EVAP President Edmund Araga.

(There is a need for control. Anyone can use an e-trike– even children or seniors– but once an accident occurs that is a serious responsibility.)

The TWG is eyeing to complete the crafting of the guidelines before the end of the month, which they will present to the Metro Manila Council.—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News