LTO readying guidelines regulating e-bikes

MANILA, Philippines —  The Land Transportation Office is finalizing guidelines requiring electric vehicles, including e-bikes and e-tricycles, to be registered with the LTO and run only by licensed drivers if used on public roads and highways.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told The STAR last night that the LTO order is “not yet” official.

LTO Administrative Order VDM-2024-044, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR, states the penalties for violation of the new rules governing the operation of light electric vehicles beginning next month.

Violators of the rule against operating unregistered electric vehicles along public roads and highways would be penalized with impounding of their vehicles and fined P2,500. The order was signed on Feb. 21. The LTO said its order takes effect 15 days after publication in major dailies and by the UP Law Center. It did not give a specific date. It’s not clear yet how many e-vehicles would be affected by the new rules.

The newly released order was an amendment to previous policies including those stipulated in Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which prohibits the use of any motor vehicle not registered for the current year. Light electric vehicles used exclusively along private roads like those in subdivisions are not covered by the registration requirements.

Drivers of two-wheeled EVs are required to wear protective helmets similar to those designed for motorcycle riders under RA 10054 or the Helmet Law.

The LTO said manufacturers, importers and assemblers of EVs should submit the specifications for new EV models for use as basis for determining the amount of registration fees.