Efforts to formally regulate the use of electric bicycles and electric tricycles are moving forward, with government agencies finalizing a framework that will set registration and licensing requirements for riders.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is completing a Joint Memorandum Circular that will define how e-bikes and e-trikes are to be registered and who will be required to hold a driver’s license. The policy is being coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
According to LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, the circular will standardize rules covering both vehicle registration and the qualifications of users, addressing long-standing gaps as the number of electric vehicles on local roads continues to grow.
While the formal guidelines are still being finalized, Lacanilao said enforcement has already started. The LTO recorded 114 apprehensions on Friday, followed by 75 on Saturday and 45 on Sunday, which he attributed to increasing public awareness of existing restrictions.
He said enforcement teams were initially instructed to prioritize education over penalties, especially during the early days of implementation. Riders were advised to use inner roads instead of major highways, with tickets issued only to those who refused to comply or committed serious violations.
“Hangga’t maaari ayoko naman mag-impound o manghuli. Kasi ang target ko po yung mas malalaking isda, sila siyempre kababayan natin. Pero siyempre, hindi natin maiwasan. Meron pong mga matitigas ang ulo, kaya naticketan po namin.”
Lacanilao noted that some apprehended riders were surprised to be issued tickets, particularly those without driver’s licenses. He explained that violations are still recorded if a rider can present valid identification, and these records will appear in the LTO system should the individual apply for a license in the future.
He also acknowledged that minors have been among those apprehended while operating e-bikes or e-trikes. According to the LTO, enforcement actions are documented based on available identification, and penalties may still apply even if the rider does not yet hold a license.
At present, e-bikes and e-trikes remain barred from major roads, including the full stretch of EDSA from Pasay to Monumento, Quirino Avenue to Magallanes along the South Luzon Expressway, C-5 Road, and Roxas Boulevard.
Lacanilao said local government units are allowed to designate additional restricted roads within their jurisdictions, adding that the LTO supports such measures, citing recent compliance initiatives undertaken by the Parañaque local government.
