ONE FOR THE ROAD
I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again till I’m blue in the face – one of the biggest threats to our economy and quality of life is traffic and poor public transportation infrastructure. Not only does it affect business owners, but for many employees, the most challenging part of their day happens on the way to work – which leads to decreased productivity and low morale.
This has led to a surge in personal mobility vehicles, or more specifically, a rise in e-bikes and trikes. But as Filipinos increasingly search for more sustainable, practical and cost effective alternatives for their personal mobility, the importance of regulatory clarity and proper education on their use has never been more critical.
This is the single biggest reason I have agreed to support HATASU Philippines, as they are the only e-bike company that is an advocate for change, pushing for clear regulations and responsible usage in the Philippine e-bike industry.
Need for clear regulations
Now I know what you’re thinking: let’s just ban the sale of e-bikes because they are a menace on the roads. And I cant blame you for feeling that way. If I’m honest, that’s my initial emotion too. But we have to be realistic and democratic about this. Effective traffic management requires a basket of solutions. And whether we like them or not, when used properly, e-bikes play a big role in that.
This is why it is so important to develop the regulatory framework immediately. Because they are growing faster than most politicians can move. And if left unchecked, they will end up becoming an even bigger problem that may become impossible to solve.
As it is now, the landscape of e-bike usage in the Philippines is still akin to the Wild West — exciting but largely unregulated. While traditional bicycles and motorbikes have clear rules, e-bikes fall into a gray area, sometimes leading to confusion and unsafe practices. The lack of specific guidelines (and proper enforcement) for e-bikes usually ends up in increased traffic due to the lower average speed, heightened frustration and road rage, that can end up in personal injury (or worse), undermining the benefits that these eco-friendly vehicles can offer.
Thankfully HATASU recognizes this regulatory vacuum and is proactively engaging with Philippine authorities to establish clear, practical regulations. The company understands that with proper rules in place, e-bikes can be integrated seamlessly into the urban transport system, ensuring safety for both riders and pedestrians.
HATASU's commitment
As the only e-bike company in the Philippines actively campaigning for regulatory clarity, HATASU is leading by example. Their commitment extends beyond mere compliance; they are dedicated to shaping a framework that promotes the long-term growth and acceptance of e-bikes. By working with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and other relevant agencies, HATASU aims to help craft legislation that addresses e-bike specifications, road etiquette, rider qualifications, and the use of protective gear.
Educating the market
Currently, they offer workshops, instructional materials, and hands-on training sessions that cover everything from the basics of e-bike operation to advanced safety techniques and of course road rules.
They have also asked to collaborate with me to promote the safe and proper usage through social media as they believe through education, HATASU empowers riders to make informed decisions, respect traffic laws, and become ambassadors of e-bike etiquette. By doing so, they foster a culture of safety and responsibility that benefits all road users.
HATASU e-bikes and a regulated market
The proper adoption of e-bikes in the Philippines can lead to numerous benefits. First and foremost, clear regulations (and strict enforcement) would enhance road safety, reducing accidents and promoting harmonious integration with other vehicles. Secondly, a regulated e-bike market can boost consumer confidence, as potential buyers would feel assured of the legality and safety of their investment.
Moreover, e-bikes are an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. By providing a sustainable mode of transportation, HATASU e-bikes can help reduce the country’s air quality issues, making a positive impact on the citizens and environment.
Conclusion
HATASU has a huge challenge on their hands, I know, but it has to start somewhere. And personally, I applaud them for their initiative. While this space is full of resellers that just want to sell as many units as they can and let the public deal with the aftermath, HATASU is focused on the proper operation, revolutionizing how these vehicles are perceived and utilized in the Philippines, by way of their commitment to regulatory clarity and responsible usage.