LTO submits guidelines on e-bikes, e-scooters on public roads

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has submitted its draft of the guidelines on the use of electric bikes and electric scooters on public roads, to be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Tuesday, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said that when turned into an administrative order, some electric bikes classified as "light" will be prohibited on public roads, while other classifications will be allowed.

He said vehicles under the lower categories will be restricted in particular areas, including private compounds or subdivisions.

Larger categories, meanwhile, will be allowed to go out of compounds, but there will be restrictions in highways and avenues.

He said motorists with higher categories of electric bikes will be required to wear crash helmets, have their driver's license, and register their vehicle.

"Classified din 'yan ng katulad ng mga motorsiklo, kaya merong limitasyon kung saan sila puwedeng gumamit niyan," Galvante said.

"But definitely 'yung katulad ng two-wheel na merong battery-powered engine, hindi 'yan pinapayagan sa pampublikong lansangan," he added.

Certain categories of e-bikes or e-scooters will also be allowed on bike lanes, Galvante said.

Galvante maintained that under Republic Act No. 4136, a vehicle should be authorized and licensed, regardless of whether it is an electric or gas-engine powered vehicle.

"Sa [Republic Act] 4316, lahat ng gumagamit ng pampublikong lansangan at ang kanilang vehicle powered by either electric or gas or diesel engine, kailangan ang nag-o-oprate, lisensyado at 'yung kanilang ino-operate na vehicle rehistrado," he said.

Galvante said possible violations of motorists using e-bikes will be based on RA 4316 for the meantime while awaiting the administrative order from the DOTr.

"Inaantay lang natin na ma-approve ito ni Secretary [Arthur] Tugade," he said.

Galvante said some e-bikes might also be required to have a plate number, if these fall under the category of a "motorcycle." -Jamil Santos/MDM, GMA News