LTO defers ban of e-bikes, e-trikes on national roads to Jan. 2
E-bikes, e-trikes, and tricycles are seen passing by along Recto Avenue in Manila on Saturday, April 13. (MB file photo)
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has deferred its plan to impound e-bikes and e-trikes that its personnel would catch on national highways and major thoroughfares to Jan. 2 next year amid appeals from owners.
LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Markus Lakanilao said the decision was based on the instruction of President Marcos to focus first on information dissemination drives regarding the areas where light electric vehicles are prohibited.
“Our enforcers and personnel will be on the roads for the information drive, to explain to the owners and riders the proper use of e-bikes,” said Lacanilao in a video statement.
“But starting January 2, there will be strict enforcement and there will be no more extension. We will be apprehending violators on the national highways,” he added.
Lacanilao issued the statement after the LTO and the government were criticized on social media for being tough on e-bike and e-trike owners when some of them are using the light electric vehicles for livelihood and a mode of transportation to and from the office.
Several netizens also poked fun at the LTO and the national government when it announced the Dec. 2 strict enforcement and impounding of e-bikes and e-trikes, saying that it should be those involved in the flood control corruption who should go to jail first.
Lacanilao said the President and Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez heard the concerns and appeal and this was the reason why they would focus first on the information drive.
But he stressed that the strict implementation is not intended to single out e-bikes and e-trikes but to protect them and other road users from road crashes.