E-bikes, e-trikes ban on Metro Manila national roads starts April 15

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that it will start to implement Regulation No. 24-022 on April 15, which includes the prohibition of e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs from traversing national roads in Metro Manila.

E-bikes and e-trikes are not allowed on Metro Manila national roads starting April 15

MMDA acting chairman Atty. Don Artes clarified that the said regulation is not new as other laws and issuance are already in place regarding the use of such vehicles on national roads, circumferential roads, and radial roads. 

Artes cited that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued two memorandum circulars, particularly the DILG Memorandum Circular Nos. 2020-036 and 2023-195 or Prohibition on Tricycles, Pedicabs, and Motorized Pedicabs on National Highways.

The MMDA chief also noted the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Administrative Order No. 2021-039 or the Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration, and Operation of All Types of Electric Vehicle.  

Artes said that the laws stated above are all integrated into MMDA Regulation No. 24-022. He also clarified that the MMDA decided to enforce the ban on such vehicles traversing national roads due to the increasing number of reported accidents, which involve e-bikes and the like.

MMDA acting chairman Atty. Don Artes 

“We will just enforce this prohibition because of the increasing number of accidents involving e-bikes, e-trikes, and e-scooters. We will not wait for these figures to go higher and the situation to worsen,” Artes said.

According to the MMDA Road Safety Unit’s data, there were 907 reported incidents involving e-bikes, e-trikes, and e-scooters in Metro Manila last 2023. This translates to nearly tripling from the 309 accidents listed last 2019 as per the MMDA Road Safety Unit.

Artes noted that the new regulation is not meant for the total ban of e-bikes and e-trikes but it is rather a safety measure. He said that there’s a big chance of fatality if the e-bike, e-trike, and e-scooter users traverse roads with vehicles driving at 60 to 80 km/h since their vehicles are open and wearing a helmet is not required.

The MMDA will release the IRR one to two weeks before April 15 

Artes added the target date for the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) is one to two weeks before the April 15 implementation and will take into consideration the position papers to be submitted by the stakeholders.

Of note, the MMDA previously said that the fine for those who violate the said resolution will be slapped with a Php 2,500 penalty. Artes added that e-bike or e-trike users should have a valid driver’s license. He noted that those who cannot present their driver’s license upon apprehension shall be subject to impoundment of their respective vehicles.

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