MMDA wants to set unified regulations for e-bikes

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) together with other government agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) want to regulate the use of electric vehicle units such as e-bikes. 

E-bike

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said that e-bikes, e-tricycles, e-pedicables, e-scooters, push carts, and kuligligs not only slow down the flow of traffic but also pose grave risks to the lives of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.     

This promoted the MMDA and other government agencies to take action amid the growing number of e-bikes on Metro Manila roads. A meeting was held to tackle the existing laws, policies, guidelines, ordinances, and programs concerning the said electric vehicles.

MMDA chief Artes, LTO Chief Atty. Vigor Mendoza, LTFRB Chair Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, and DOTr Usec. Jose Lim sat down with Metro Manila traffic heads to discuss the possible measures on how to regulate the use of e-bikes.

The MMDA seeks to regulate the use of e-bikes

“The proliferation of e-vehicles has become a cause for concern. The LGUs [local government units] have laid down their concerns, existing ordinances, regulations, and programs concerning e-vehicles; these will be reconciled with the policies of the national government,” said Artes.

Artes added that Metro Manila LGUs have been asked to submit a list of their own ordinances, regulations, and programs, particularly the use of the units for livelihood.

The MMDA chief also raised during the meeting that e-bike users do not need to have a license to be able to use the said electric vehicle. Moreover, mobility transports such as e-bikes do not need to be registered with the LTO. 

“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,” Artes shared.

MMDA acting chairman Atty. Don Artes (second from right)

As such, LTO chief Mendoza said that registration of e-vehicles and requiring the users to obtain driver's licenses are among the possible new regulations.   

The MMDA also noted that minors are seen driving e-vehicles on national highways with some drivers not wearing helmets or any protective gear.

“In coming up with a new set of regulations, we shall address these concerns, particularly safety issues. We will consolidate and harmonize all existing rules and regulations as well as ongoing programs of the LGUs and even national government concerning e-vehicles to make it comprehensive. This will also cover not just Metro Manila but nationwide,” Artes said. 

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