Ban on e-trikes, e-bikes on major NCR roads to start on Jan. 2, 2026

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will begin enforcing the ban on e-trikes and e-bikes on major thoroughfares in Metro Manila on Friday, January 2, 2026.

The LTO made the announcement on New Year’s Day, or a month after it announced the deferment of the implementation of the prohibition on light electric vehicles (LEVs) in December.

In a statement, the agency said e-trikes and e-bikes will not be allowed on key roads such as the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and Quirino Avenue to Magallanes – South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

LTO chief and Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the enforcement of the ban is part of its efforts to ensure road safety.

“Ang mga pangunahing lansangang ito ay idinisenyo para sa mas mabilis at mas malalaking sasakyan, at hindi angkop para sa mga e-trike dahil sa bilis ng daloy ng trapiko, dami ng sasakyan, at lawak ng mga lansangan. Ang pagsasabay ng mababagal at magagaan na sasakyan sa ganitong uri ng kalsada ay nagdudulot ng malinaw na panganib sa lahat ng gumagamit ng daan,” he said on Thursday.

(These major thoroughfares are designed for faster and bigger vehicles and are not appropriate for e-trikes because of the fast-moving traffic, vehicle volume, and the wideness of the road. Having slower and lighter vehicles on these roads will cause danger to all road users.)

He stressed that the implementation of the ban is for the sake of all road users.

“Naiintindihan natin na marami sa atin ang umaasa sa mga e-trike bilang paraan ng paglalakbay, kaya naman handa ang LTO na makipagtulungan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at mga sektor ng industriya para bumuo ng mga ligtas at angkop na ruta para sa mga e-trike sa mga darating na araw,” Lacanilao said.

(We understand that many of our countrymen depend on e-trikes for transportation, and that’s why the LTO is working with local government units, sectors and industries to come up with a safe and appropriate route for e-trikes in the coming days.)

He urged the public to follow and observe traffic regulations and to cooperate with authorities to ensure the safe and orderly flow of traffic along Metro Manila’s key roads.

Lacanilao added that those caught operating e-trikes or e-bikes in major roads will face penalties as provided for in Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code at Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.

Penalties include the imposition of fines and impounding the e-trike or e-bike in question, he said.

The LTO stressed that the measure is not aimed at banning e-trikes in general, but only to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of Metro Manila’s roads.

This is pending the issuance of a more comprehensive joint guidelines from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other concerned government agencies.

The LTO added that it will deploy sufficient law enforcers at critical points of the key roads to inform motorists of the policy and enforce the ban properly. — JMA, GMA Integrated News