Several government agencies are joining forces to come up with a unified regulation that will govern the use of electric vehicles—especially e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-tricycles—on local roads.
Currently, the requirements and restrictions for the operation of electric-powered personal mobility devices are covered by Administrative Order No. 2021-039, or the ‘Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration, and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles,’ issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). But now the LTO, along with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), will be reviewing, consolidating, and updating all laws, policies, guidelines, and ordinances concerning the use of these e-vehicles.
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“The proliferation of e-vehicles has become a cause for concern,” said acting MMDA chairman Atty. Romando Artes. “ The LGUs have laid down their concerns, existing ordinances, regulations, and programs concerning e-vehicles; these will be reconciled with the policies of the national government.”
Two-wheelers limited to a top speed of 50kph and three-wheelers limited to a top speed of 25kph do not require a driver’s license or vehicle registration to operate. The aforementioned government agencies note that this lack of regulation compromises the safety not just of e-vehicle drivers—including minors and those not wearing the required protective gear—but also of other road users.
“When these e-vehicle users violate the law, how can we issue a traffic violation ticket if the users do not possess a license? We also cannot charge the vehicle owners because they are not registered,” Artes pointed out.
“In coming up with a new set of regulations, we shall address these concerns, particularly safety issues. We will consolidate and harmonize all existing rules and regulations as well as ongoing programs of the LGUs and even [the] national government concerning e-vehicles to make it comprehensive. This will also cover not just Metro Manila but nationwide.”
