LTO defers implementation of ban e-bikes, e-trikes on main roads to Jan. 2, 2026

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has deferred its plan to impound e-bikes and e-trikes plying national highways to Jan. 2, 2026 as it will release updated guidelines and conduct an information campaign on its ban on light electric vehicles (LEVs) on major roads.

In a video statement on Sunday, LTO chief and Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the enforcement of its ban of e-bikes and e-trikes on major thoroughfares on Dec. 1, 2025 has been moved to next month.

“At bilang tugon sa mga hinaing ng publiko, nais ko pong linawin na rinig ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at ni Secretary Giovanni Lopez ang inyong concern,” Lacanilao said.

(In response to the concerns of the public, I would like to clarify that President Bongbong Marcos and [Transportation] Secretary Giovanni Lopez hears your concerns.)

“Kaya pansamantalang walang impounding operation habang nagpapatupad muna kami ng malawakang information drive upang bigyan ng sapat na panahon ang lahat na maunawaan at makasunod sa umiiral na regulasyon,” he said.

(Temporarily, there will be no impounding operation while we are conducting a comprehensive information drive to give everyone enough time to understand and follow our regulation.)

Lacanilao said LTO enforcers and personnel will be visible on roads to implement the information drive and explain the proper and correct use of LEVs to the public.

Updated guidelines shall be issued to clearly define where LEVs are permitted and where they are not allowed.

“Pagdating sa Jan. 2, 2026, magsisimula na ang strict enforcement at wala ng extension. Kasama rito ang apprehension para sa mga lalabag sa pagbabawal sa National Highway,” he said.

(By Jan. 2, 2026, we will begin our strict enforcement and there will be no extensions. This includes apprehension for those who will violate the ban covering National Highways.)

“Sa huli, iisa lang ang layunin ng LTO, hindi upang pahirapan ng publiko, kung hindi upang matiyak na ang ating mga kalsada ay ligtas, maayos at may malinaw na pananagutan ng bawat gumagamit nito, kasama na ang mga gumagamit ng e-bikes, e-trikes at iba pang LEVs,” Lacanilao said.

(In the end, the LTO only has one goal – not to impose a burden on the public, but to ensure that our streets are safe and everyone who uses it have clear accountabilities. This includes users of e-bikes, e-trikes, and other LEVs.)

“Huwag sana nating hayaan na mangyari muna ang aksidente, saka lang magpapatawag ng hearing in aid of legislation at doon palang hikilos. Habang wala pang bagong batas, tungkulin ng LTO ipatupad ang umiiral na batas upang masigurong ligtas ang lahat,” he added.

(Let us not wait for an accident to happen and then a hearing in aid of legislation would be called. While there is no new law, the LTO’s task is to implement the existing law to ensure that everyone is safe.)

Last week, the LTO committed to ban e-bikes and e-trikes on major roads and national highways and that those who caught would have their LEVs impounded.

Lacanilao later maintained that the LTO has legal basis to apprehend and impound LEVs traveling on national highways, citing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Repubic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

“The EVIDA IRR has already clarified that LEVs weighing 50 kilograms designated for exclusive private use are those not intended to operate on public highways, or which are designated only for use on non-government roads, or those,” he said in a press briefing. — JMA, GMA Integrated News