Instead of outright ban from streets: Council wants e-bikes regulation

CEBU, Philippines — Rather than enforcing a total ban on electronic bicycles (e-bikes) from plying Cebu City’s streets, the City Council yesterday called for the implementation of measures to strengthen regulations and protocols governing their use.

During its regular session yesterday, the council directed the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) to identify designated routes for e-bikes, strengthen e-bike regulation protocols, conduct rider safety education, and enhance the e-bike registration system.

It also told the Cebu City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) to incorporate e-bike lanes into the city’s urban master plan.

These came following a privilege speech by City Councilor Rey Gealon, Traffic Management Council chairman, who advocated for  regulation instead of a total ban.

Gealon’s speech came a day after the Mandaue City Traffic Board's declaration that it will impose a total ban on e-bikes operating as public utility vehicles in the city.

In his speech, Gealon mentioned that e-bike regulation is primarily governed by the Land Transportation Office’s May 11, 2021 "Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration, and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles".

He said the order outlines the “classification, registration requirements, and operational guidelines for various electric vehicles, including e-bikes.”

Gealon also referenced the April 15, 2022 Republic Act No. 11697 (Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, or EVIDA), which provides for a “broader framework for the development and regulation of electric vehicles in the country”.

“While EVIDA focuses on promoting the electric vehicle industry, it also emphasizes the need for local government units to provide infrastructure, such as segregated lanes, to support light electric vehicles, including e-bikes,” Gealon said.

He said e-bikes are now becoming a popular mode of transportation all over the world, not just in Cebu, because of “environmental sustainability, accessible transportation, and economic opportunity”.

He said that e-bikes are friendly to the environment—a factor that could counter the ill effects of climate change.

Gealon said that their usage “can reduce the carbon footprint, as e-bikes produce zero emissions, unlike traditional motor vehicles”.

“By allowing e-bikes on our streets, we take a concrete step towards reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality in Cebu. This move aligns with our vision of a greener, cleaner, and healthier city,” he said.

He pointed out that e-bikes are an affordable and accessible mode of transportation, particularly for “low-income residents.” He further said that e-bikes, being smaller in size and more flexible, can help alleviate the long-standing traffic congestion in Cebu.

“If we want to see a reduction in traffic, we must embrace alternative modes of transportation that allow people to move efficiently without adding to the gridlock,” he said.

Although he acknowledged concerns about safety and road regulation associated with the use of e-bikes, Gealon said focus should be on strengthening regulations rather than imposing an “outright prohibition.”

He suggested that the city could introduce measures, such as identifying designated bike lanes, proper rider education, and safety guidelines, to ensure that e-bike use is well-regulated.

“Prohibition is not the answer. Instead, we should work together to create an environment where different modes of transportation can coexist safely and harmoniously,” the councilor said.

During the discussion, City Councilor Joel Garganera also said that e-bikes have zero carbon emissions and do not contribute to air pollution or global warming.

City Councilor Philip Zafra also pointed out that since e-bikes are already plying in several barangays, there is a need to create an ordinance to regulate them.

He added that barangays must be empowered to regulate e-bikes, in partnership with the CCTO, to identify their routes.

City Councilor Franklyn Ong also acknowledged the need for more transportation alternatives but emphasized the importance of public safety as foremost consideration, not only for the riders but also for other road users.

He said the matter should be carefully studied to avoid abuse. — /RHM (FREEMAN)