LTO to expand e-trikes, e-bikes ban

MANILA, Philippines — More highways will be covered by the ban on electric bicycles and tricycles (e-bikes and e-trikes) starting this week, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said yesterday. 

Aside from EDSA, C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard and a stretch of Quirino Avenue from Magallanes connecting to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the prohibition will include Commonwealth and Quezon Avenues in Quezon City, as well as Marcos Highway and Sumulong Highway, according to LTO chief Markus Lacanilao.

He warned LTO agents may start issuing tickets and impounding e-bikes and e-trikes spotted along the said highways this week, when classes and work will resume.

On the first day of the ban last Friday, 67 e-bike and e-trike users were caught along EDSA and 30 others along Quirino Avenue.

Those apprehended may have to fines of P1,000 for obstruction of traffic and P1,500 if driving without helmet, among others. 

Minors caught driving e-bikes and e-trikes might risk having their vehicles impounded and having their parents or guardians liable as well, warned Lacanilao. 

E-trikes given permits by local government units are also discouraged from using national highways, he added. 

Lacanilao also said that e-bikes that have only two wheels and have lower power capacity and a weight lower than 50 kilograms will be allowed to use bicycle lanes along highways such as EDSA and Commonwealth Avenue, and will be spared from the ban.

Based on provisions of Republic Act 4136 or the country’s land transportation and traffic code and Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, the ban on e-bikes and e-trikes along highways aims to encourage them to use inner roads instead in their trips and keep all motorists safe on the road, according to the LTO.