LTO suspends registration of light e-vehicles 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the registration of light electric vehicles like e-bikes eight months after the memorandum mandating the listing was issued. 

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the LTO aims to carefully look into the safety of e-vehicles as several localities have already issued their respective ordinances on the use of such vehicles. 

“Syempre sa lalong madaling panahon we would like to put up guidelines that will govern the usage of light electric vehicles in the event na we find it road worthy, kung roadworthy naman yan, wala namang problema,” said LTO chief Vigor Mendoza. 

(Of course, we would like to put up the guidelines that will govern the usage of light electric vehicles as soon as possible. If we find them roadworthy, there’s no problem with that.) 

However, the LTO clarified that its latest order will not affect the ordinances being implemented in various local government units. 

If there are localities that ban the use of e-vehicles, it shall be followed, the LTO clarified. 

Many e-vehicle drivers hope that the LTO will eventually allow them to travel again. 

“Malaking tulong ito, Sir, kasi tipid sa gastusin kasi mahal yung gas eh. Eh ito eight hours kong china-charge, halos one week na ito na nagpapatakbo ko bago siya ma-low bat,” said e-vehicle driver Allan Juanillo. 

(This is a big help because gas is very expensive. I just need to charge my vehicle for eight hours and I can use it for a week before the battery gets low again.) 

Last February, LTO first proposed the registration of e-vehicles during a public consultation. 

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Council and the Metro Manila Development Authority approved a resolution banning light electric vehicles on national roads and imposing a fine of P2,500. For those drivers apprehended without a driver’s license, the vehicle will be impounded.—Vince Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News