E-Bike and E-Scooter Users Might Have to Register With the LTO Soon
Requiring driver's licenses and vehicle registrations are in the talks.
(SPOT.ph) All types of e-bike and e-scooters might require driver's licenses and vehicle registrations soon, with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) looking into stricter regulations following a surge in electric motor vehicle-related accidents.
From January to November 2023, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recorded 556 e-bike accidents in the National Capital Region, noting that some riders were not wearing helmets and other protective gear.
“When these e-vehicle users violate the law, how can we issue a traffic violation ticket if the users do not possess a license? We also cannot charge the vehicle owners because they are not registered,” MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said in a meeting with various government agencies on February 15.
Currently, e-bike riders are not required to have a driver's license, especially for units than run less than 25 kilometers per hour.
"We'd like to deviate from that thinking. So we're coming up with a proposal, regardless of the speed of the vehicle... kelangan rehistrado sa LTO,” LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza said. This includes e-vehicle units, e-tricycles, e-bikes, e-pedicab, e-scooters, and even push carts.
Thus, the MMDA has requested Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) to submit a list of their existing ordinances, regulations, and programs related to e-bike use to “iron out the kinks.” These suggestions will serve as a basis in formulating MMDA’s comprehensive policies for elective motor vehicle usage.
They are planning to complete the crafting of the guidelines before the end of the month, which will then be presented to the Metro Manila Council.
Also read: E-Scooter Is Life for This Manila Commuter, for Better or Worse
Do I need to register my e-bike or e-scooter with LTO?
During the pandemic, the Philippines saw a significant increase in bicycle usage. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 2.1 million bikes were imported into the country in 2020, up 112% from 2019. By May 2021, one in four households in the Philippines used bicycles.
Discussions on e-bike registrations have been around since 2020. In 2021, LTO released LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039, a consolidated guideline in the classification, registration, and operation of all types of electric motor vehicles in 2021, but the MMDA has been lenient in enforcing it following the pandemic's impact on public transportation services.
As of writing, only the following electric motor vehicles need to be registered with the LTO:
- E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2b category)
- E-Motorcycle
- E-Trike/3-Wheeled Vehicle
- E-Quad
Meanwhile, there is no registration requirement for the following:
- Personal mobility scooter (PMS)
- Electric Kick Scooter
- E-Bikes; E-Moped 2W
- Light E-Scooter; E-Moped 2W
- E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2a category)
Current penalties for non-compliance under LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039 include P1,000 for failure to carry OR/CR, P1,000 for operation in restricted roads, P1,500 for not wearing a helmet, and P10,000 for unregistered or expired registration.
Also read: LIST: Here Are the Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities of 2023