MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is considering making it compulsory to register all light electric vehicles and mandating drivers to acquire licenses if they intend to use these vehicles on any public road across the country. This initiative mirrors the actions taken by local governments in Metro Manila, which have implemented regulations governing e-bikes, e-trikes, and other light electric vehicles on main roads.
“Our proposal is very simple. As far as the LTO is concerned, all light electric vehicles used in public highways, which means all roads maintained by the government, must be registered with the LTO and the driver must be licensed,” LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said during a consultation with stakeholders.
He mentioned that electric vehicles are subject to regulations outlined in Republic Act 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Mendoza acknowledged that implementing the plan would be challenging, but emphasized that the LTO must utilize its regulatory authority to ensure road safety. If the proposal is implemented, it would replace the existing government policy, which mandates the registration of motorized vehicles capable of exceeding 25 kilometers per hour.
“RA 4136 says if it is a motorized vehicle, then that vehicle must be registered with the LTO and the person driving it must be duly licensed. It does distinguish the vehicle speed,” he said.
The LTO presently categorizes light electric vehicles into seven categories, which are defined as motor vehicles with fewer than four wheels and are subject to speed restrictions between 25-50 kph, as well as limitations on maximum mass. These vehicles are commonly utilized by mothers and individuals for short trips to markets and schools.
Mendoza emphasized that minors should not be permitted to operate these vehicles, despite it becoming increasingly common.
The Metro Manila Council previously issued a resolution outlining regulations, including fines, to govern the usage of e-bicycles, e-tricycles, kuliglig, and e-scooters on public roads.
Additionally, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority issued Regulation 24-022 series of 2024, prohibiting e-vehicles from major roads such as Recto Avenue or C-1, Quirino Avenue or C-2, Araneta Avenue or C-3, EDSA or C-5, Katipunan Avenue, C. P. Garcia Avenue or C-5, and Southeast Metro Manila Expressway or C-6.
