EVAP pushes local road access for e-bikes, e-trikes

MANILA: The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) said that it wants electric bicycles (e-bike) and electric tricycles (e-trike) to have access to selected local roads.

However, the premier electric vehicle organization in the country pointed out that the aforementioned light electric vehicles must be “registered and operated by duly licensed drivers.” Per EVAP, doing so can help “balance the mobility benefits and the need for order and safety on the roads.”

“It could be noted that based on existing regulations, slower electric mopeds and e-trikes with maximum speeds of less than 25 kilometers per hour are supposed to be operated only on private and barangay roads or in bikeways and are not required to be registered and drivers need not have licenses,” EVAP wrote in a press release.

“On the ground realities, however, have shown that these road access regulations have been repeatedly violated putting both their drivers and other commuters at risk and slowing down traffic flow. The lack of registration of the vehicles and the need for a driver's license has permeated their irresponsible use. In violation of the current regulations, their prevalent use as public transport has also been observed,” it explained — recognizing the issues brought about by the uncontrolled use of e-bikes and e-trikes in the Philippines.

The electric vehicle association explained that globally, regulations on light electric vehicles are continuously evolving. New technical configurations are being introduced and use cases and behaviors for these modes of transportation are only starting to be fully understood.

To recall, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority issued a regulation — set to be implemented in April — banning e-bikes, e-trikes, as well as tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs from the region’s national, circumferential, and radial roads.

A fine of P2,500 will be levied against violators and possible impounding of the vehicle await those who cannot present their driver’s license when apprehended.

On that note, EVAP welcomes the effort of the government to revisit the Land Transportation Office Administrative Order 2021-039 and introduce the necessary changes.

Photos from Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines Facebook page

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