E-bikes and e-trikes are getting the red light on major roads beginning December 1, with transport officials confirming they will start full enforcement and apprehension next month.
During the Department of Transportationโs budget hearing, Sen. JV Ejercito said LTO chief Assec. Markus Lacanilao has committed to begin pulling over and impounding electric trikes operating along main thoroughfares. Sen. Raffy Tulfo threw his support behind the crackdown, pointing out that traditional tricycle drivers bear the weight of permits, franchises, licenses, and insuranceโwhile e-vehicle operators freely ply the same roads without meeting the same requirements.
Tulfo said the lack of formal registration makes it nearly impossible for authorities to issue penalties when these vehicles figure in accidents or break traffic rules. Under the new directive, any e-bike or e-trike involved in an incident will be impounded on the spot.
While insisting he has no objection to the vehicles themselves, Tulfo stressed they should be confined to subdivisions and barangay roads, not high-speed, high-volume traffic corridors. Ejercito echoed the position, urging clear coordination with LGUs to avoid confusion.
DOTr and LTO officials said they will roll out notices to local governments and conduct public consultations as they craft longer-term regulations governing the registration and safety standards of e-bikes and e-trikes.
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