E-bike, e-trike ban on major roads deferred to January

The Land Transportation Office has postponed the ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on major roads.

In a video statement, Land Transportation Office chief Asec. Markus V. Lacanilao said the ban, which was supposed to begin Dec. 1, was postponed to make way for a widespread information campaign. It will be enforced starting Jan. 2 next year instead. 

"Narinig ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at ni Secretary Giovanni Lopez ang inyong concern," he said. "Kaya pansamantalang walang impounding operation habang nagpapatupad muna kami ng malawakang information drive upang bigyan ng sapat na panahon ang lahat na maunawaan at makasunod sa umiiral na regulasyon."

"Simula Dec. 1, 2025, magiging visible ang ating LTO enforcers and personnel sa mga kalsada para isulong ang ating information drive at ipaliwanag sa publiko ang tamang paggamit ng LEVs. Pagdating sa Jan. 2, 2026, magsisimula na ang strict enforcement at wala na ang extension. Kasama rito ang apprehension para sa mga lalabag sa pagbabawal sa national highway," he continued. 

Lacanilao clarified that the ban only covers e-bikes, e-trikes, and other light electric vehicles cruising down national roads and highways. They are allowed to cross these main thoroughfares provided they do so at designated intersections. 

E-bikes, e-trikes, and LEVs are also allowed to take local and secondary roads, if the local government unit permits it. They can also use bike lanes for low-speed and lightweight LEVs provided the LGU allows it and the bike lane is designed for such use. High-powered EV units resembling motorcycles are not allowed on bike lanes. 

Lacanilao reminded the public that the ban on LEVs on national roads is not a new rule. 

"Matagal nang bawal ang e-bikes, e-trikes at iba pang LEV sa national roads at highways. Noon pa man, malinaw na sa RA 4136 at sa ating road classification system, na ang national road ay para sa high-speed motor vehicles para maiwasan ang aksidente at traffic hazard," he said. 

The LTO chief also assured the public of his agency's authority to enforce the ban. According to him, the Supreme Court's joint administrative order 2014-01 grants LTO the legal authority of issuing traffic violation fees and carrying out the impounding of errant vehicles. 

"Sa huli, iisa lang ang layunin ng LTO: hindi upang pahirapan ang publiko kundi upang matiyak na ang ating mga kalsada ay ligtas, maayos, at may malinaw na pananagutan ang bawat gumagamit nito, kasama na ang mga gumagamit ng ebikes, etrikes, at iba pang LEVs," said Lacanilao.