E-trike, e-bike ban on major NCR highways starts today

MANILA: The Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) delayed implementation of the ban on electric tricycles (e-trike) and electric bicycles (e-bike) on major Metro Manila thoroughfares has started. 

Per the agency, e-trikes will be prohibited on the following roads: 

• Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) 
• C-5 Road 
• Roxas Boulevard 
• Quirino Avenue to Magallanes - South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)

“Ang pagpapatupad na ito ay nakabatay sa pangkalahatang konsiderasyon sa kaligtasan sa kalsada. Ang mga pangunahing lansangang ito ay idinisenyo para sa mas mabilis at mas malalaking sasakyan, at hindi angkop para sa mga e-trike dahil sa bilis ng daloy ng trapiko, dami ng sasakyan, at lawak ng mga lansangan. Ang pagsasabay ng mababagal at magagaan na sasakyan sa ganitong uri ng kalsada ay nagdudulot ng malinaw na panganib sa lahat ng gumagamit ng daan (This implementation is based on general road safety considerations. These major roads are designed for faster and larger vehicles, and are not suitable for e-trikes due to the speed of traffic flow, the volume of vehicles, and the width of the roads. The coexistence of slow and light vehicles on this type of road poses a clear risk to all road users),” LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao was quoted as saying.

“Unawain po natin na ang hakbang na ito ay ginagawa natin para sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng gumagamit ng kalsada. Naiintindihan natin na marami sa atin ang umaasa sa mga e-trike bilang paraan ng paglalakbay, kaya naman handa ang LTO na makipagtulungan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at mga sektor ng industriya para bumuo ng mga ligtas at angkop na ruta para sa mga e-trike sa mga darating na araw. Hinihikayat din po natin ang mga mamamayan na sumunod sa mga patakaran at makipagtulungan para mapanatili ang ligtas na daloy ng trapiko (Please understand that this step is being taken for the safety of all road users. We understand that many of us rely on e-trikes as a means of transportation, which is why the LTO is ready to work with local governments and industry sectors to develop safe and suitable routes for e-trikes in the coming days. We also encourage citizens to follow the rules and cooperate to maintain the safe flow of traffic),” he added. 

Apprehended drivers caught on the aforementioned roads will face charges under Republic Act Number 4136 or Land Transportation and Traffic Code at Joint Administrative Order Number 2014-01, which includes appropriate fines and the impounding of their e-trikes. 

Other stories: Hyundai Motor PH raffles off Santa Fe for latest promo Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV, iCAur V23 to arrive in PH soon? Maxim Rides and Food delivery starts moto taxi service in Batangas City

Safety, not discrimination 

The LTO clarified that the implementation of the said e-trike ban and e-bike is not to stop the use of light electric vehicles (LEV) in general, but to prevent accidents and promote safety on major roads (like EDSA and avenues leading to SLEX) while waiting for a more comprehensive guideline from the Department of Transportation and other relevant agencies. 

Relatedly, the current LTO assistant chief clapped back at Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon, who said that e-bikes and e-trikes are not registered with LTO; therefore, the country’s land transport bureau cannot impound these vehicles. 

Lacanilao said that it is the lawmaker’s role to draft and create laws that would protect road users and that the LTO has the power to apprehend and impound vehicles violating traffic regulations. 

To inform, implement 

According to the LTO, it will post enforcers on critical points on the aforementioned thoroughfares to inform motorists of the e-trike ban and ensure the proper enforcement of the ordinance. 

Likewise, the agency is calling for the public’s cooperation and strict compliance for the safety of all. 

Also read:

DOTr vows 3-day plate, OR/CR release

ADB Ave. in Ortigas Center to be closed for road safety upgrades

DOTr headlines major projects to fix ‘unacceptable’ transport status quo

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/