The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has begun strictly enforcing the ban on electric tricycles (e‑trikes) and electric bicycles (e‑bikes) on Metro Manila’s major highways effective Friday, January 2.
According to LTO Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, the prohibition covers Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and the stretch from Quirino Avenue to Magallanes leading to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
“These highways are not designed to accommodate slow-moving and light vehicles such as e-trikes,” Lacanilao explained, emphasizing that the measure aims to ensure road safety and smooth traffic flow.
“This enforcement is based on overall road safety considerations. These major thoroughfares are designed for faster and larger vehicles and are not suitable for e-trikes due to traffic speed, vehicle volume, and road width. Mixing slow-moving and light vehicles on this type of road poses a clear danger to all road users,” Lacanilao said.
According to the LTO chief, the ban aligns with existing policies by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which aim to improve road safety and traffic flow.
The move came a month after authorities postponed the implementation of the prohibition on light electric vehicles (LEVs) that was initially set for December.
“We recognize that many people rely on e-trikes as a means of transportation. For this reason, the LTO is ready to work with local government units and industry sectors to develop safe and appropriate routes for e-trikes in the coming days,” Lacanilao said.
“We also encourage the public to follow the rules and cooperate in maintaining the safe flow of traffic,” he added.
E-trike drivers who violate the ban will face penalties under Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Sanctions include fines and possible impoundment of vehicles, based on Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.
To ensure compliance, Lacanilao said the LTO will deploy law enforcers at key points along the affected highways.
The agency also appealed to motorists and commuters to cooperate and observe traffic rules in the interest of public safety.
E-trikes have long been flagged by traffic authorities as a safety concern on major thoroughfares due to their low speed, light build, and limited safety features.
On high-speed roads such as EDSA and C-5, e-trikes often struggle to keep pace with the flow of traffic, making them vulnerable to rear-end collisions and sideswipes.
Authorities and netizens have also reported risky maneuvers by some e-trike drivers including sudden lane changes, illegal U-turns, and abrupt stops to load or unload passengers, which disrupt traffic flow and increase the risk of accidents especially on roads designed for continuous and fast-moving vehicles. (Martin Sadongdong)
