LTO starts move to ban e-bikes, e-trikes on main roads by Dec. 1

The Land Transportation Office is set to begin the process of banning e-bikes and e-trikes on main thoroughfares by Dec. 1.

During the Senate hearing for the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Transportation on Nov. 27, budget sponsor Sen. JV Ejercito assured the commitment of LTO chief Asec. Markus V. Lacanilao to strictly regulate the passage of e-bikes and e-trikes on main roads.

"Nag-commit ang ating bagong LTO head, Asec. Lacanilao, that by Dec. 1, huhulihin na lahat ng e-trikes na nasa kalye," Ejercito said. 

This announcement came after Sen. Raffy Tulfo broached the subject of e-bikes; specifically, their dangerous predominance on main thoroughfares and their tendency to take away potential business from traditional tricycles. 

"Lumalala po 'yung problema sa e-bike. Itong mga nag-e-e-bike, nagsasakay ng mga pasahero, walang mga lisensya. Of course, dahil hindi sila rehistrado sa LTO, wala rin po silang mga insurance... so kapag sila po ay nakasagasa, then sorry na lang," said Tulfo. 

He compared the loose regulation of e-bike drivers to the strict rules traditional tricycle drivers and operators have to abide by, with the latter having to register their vehicles, obtain a franchise, apply for membership with a TODA, buy insurance, and get a driver's license. 

"Nababawasan din ang kita nitong mga legit na tricycle operators and drivers," said Tulfo. 

"Samantalang itong mga e-bike na mga operator, nada. Bibili sila ng e-bike; after that, pasada na sila, game na," he added. 

According to Ejercito, it is the local government units that allow e-bikes and e-trikes to ply the roads. But, "as far as LTO is concerned, hindi dapat payagan sa main thoroughfares," he said.

Following a brief consultation, Ejercito added, "According to LTO and DOTr... 'pag nasa main thoroughfare [ang e-bikes at e-trikes] especially, automatic impound."

Heeding Tulfo's suggestion of running an information campaign first, Ejercito amended, "By Dec. 1, mag-i-info drive muna sila. Mag-iikot just to inform everyone; sabihan muna lahat ng makikita. Bibigyan muna ng chance malaman ng lahat... bago sila manghuli. May warning muna sila."

Wrapping up, Tulfo said, "Ang gagawin ng LTO, pumunta sa LGU. Then ang LGU, iimpormahan 'yung mga traffic enforcers. These people in the barangays will inform itong e-bike or e-trike operators to let them properly know na meron nang bagong patakaran ang LTO tungkol sa pagmamaneho ng e-trikes sa kalsada."

The ban on e-bikes on main thoroughfares is not a new concept. In April 2024, the Metro Manila Council, through the Metro Manila Development Authority, announced a total ban on e-bikes plying major roads in Metro Manila.