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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider E-trikes, e-bikes' days on major Metro Manila highways now numbered as LTO begins crackdown

E-trikes, e-bikes' days on major Metro Manila highways now numbered as LTO begins crackdown

Published Jan 2, 2026 11:50 am  |  Updated Jan 2, 2026 01:26 pm
E-trikes ply along Taft Avenue in Manila as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced that it will start enforcing the ban on e-trikes and e-bikes along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila on January 2, 2026. The announcement was made on New Year’s Day, a month after authorities postponed the implementation of the prohibition on light electric vehicles (LEVs) that was initially set for December. (Photo: Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN)
E-trikes ply along Taft Avenue in Manila as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced that it will start enforcing the ban on e-trikes and e-bikes along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila on January 2, 2026. The announcement was made on New Year’s Day, a month after authorities postponed the implementation of the prohibition on light electric vehicles (LEVs) that was initially set for December. (Photo: Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN)
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) officially began the strict enforcement of the prohibition of electric tricycles (e-trikes) and electric bicycles (e-bikes) from major highways across Metro Manila on Friday, Jan. 2.
LTO Asst. Sec. Markus V. Lacanilao said the roads covered by the ban include Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and the stretch from Quirino Avenue to Magallanes–South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
These are the highways which are not designed to accommodate slow-moving and light vehicles such as e-trikes, he explained.
“This enforcement is based on overall road safety considerations. These major thoroughfares are designed for faster and larger vehicles and are not suitable for e-trikes due to traffic speed, vehicle volume, and road width. Mixing slow-moving and light vehicles on this type of road poses a clear danger to all road users,” Lacanilao said.
According to the LTO chief, the ban aligns with existing policies by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which aim to improve road safety and traffic flow. The move came a month after authorities postponed the implementation of the prohibition on light electric vehicles (LEVs) that was initially set for December.
“We recognize that many people rely on e-trikes as a means of transportation. For this reason, the LTO is ready to work with local government units and industry sectors to develop safe and appropriate routes for e-trikes in the coming days,” Lacanilao said.
“We also encourage the public to follow the rules and cooperate in maintaining the safe flow of traffic,” he added.
E-trike drivers who violate the ban will face penalties under Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Sanctions include fines and possible impoundment of vehicles, based on Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.
To ensure compliance, Lacanilao said the LTO will deploy law enforcers at key points along the affected highways.
The agency also appealed to motorists and commuters to cooperate and observe traffic rules in the interest of public safety.
E-trikes have long been flagged by traffic authorities as a safety concern on major thoroughfares due to their low speed, light build, and limited safety features.
On high-speed roads such as EDSA and C-5, e-trikes often struggle to keep pace with the flow of traffic, making them vulnerable to rear-end collisions and sideswipes.
Authorities and netizens have also reported risky maneuvers by some e-trike drivers including sudden lane changes, illegal U-turns, and abrupt stops to load or unload passengers, which disrupt traffic flow and increase the risk of accidents especially on roads designed for continuous and fast-moving vehicles.

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