MMDA, other gov't agencies to create unified regulation for e-bikes

Our roads now have a new “king” or hari ng kalsada – the electric bikes (e-bikes). In typical Filipino jargon, e-bikes collectively refer to any electronic two-wheeled vehicles, trikes, scooters, and even four-wheelers similar to a golf cart.

Unfortunately, these e-bikes are rarely regulated and have become a concern for the government and other road users.

A meeting was held yesterday led by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). These concerned government agencies seek to regulate the use of electric motor vehicles and harmonize existing policies amid the growing number of e-vehicles on Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares.

“The proliferation of e-vehicles has become a cause for concern. 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,” MMDA Acting Chairman, Atty. Don Artes.

Artes added that these e-bikes (collectively speaking) on the roads not only slow down the flow of traffic but also pose grave risks and danger to the lives of concerned drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

One of the sales pitches of e-bikes vendors, the MMDA chief noted, is that users do not need to obtain a license or have the units registered. Artes pointed out that the lack of license and registration for these e-bikes doesn’t allow the MMDA to properly charge its driver if he or she committed a traffic violation.

Based on the agency’s monitoring, minors are seen driving e-bikes on national highways, some drivers do not wear helmets or protective gear, and some users traverse their units in the middle of the highways, among others.

The MMDA chief added that with the help of concerned government agencies, they shall address these concerns, particularly safety issues. They will also consolidate and harmonize all existing rules and regulations as well as ongoing programs of the LGUs and even the national government concerning e-bikes to make it comprehensive. This will be a nationwide campaign.

Artes said Metro Manila LGUs have been asked to submit by Monday a list of their ordinances, regulations, and programs, particularly the use of the units for livelihood, to iron out the kinks.

In response, LTO chief, Atty. Vigor Mendoza said that registration of e-bikes and requiring the users to obtain driver's licenses are among the possible changes.

“We will take a second look at the suggestions of the LGUs and propose the appropriate measures to regulate the use of [e-bikes] in major thoroughfares,” said Mendoza, adding that they will also submit their recommendations to the DOTr.