EVAP pushes for e-bike, e-trike access on local roads

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) revealed that it is looking to get electric bicycles (e-bike) and electric tricycles (e-trike) access to select local roads.

In a statement, the country’s premier electric vehicle organization, noting that it is proposing to expand the access of the said light electric vehicles beyond private and barangay roads to the outermost part of selected local roads — identified by relevant local government units — granted that they are registered and operated by duly licensed drivers.

EVAP believes the move can “balance the mobility benefits and the need for order and safety on the roads.”

“It could be noted that based on existing regulations, slower electric mopeds and e-trikes with maximum speeds of less than 25 kilometers per hour are supposed to be operated only on private and barangay roads or in bikeways and are not required to be registered and drivers need not have licenses,” EVAP wrote.

“On the ground realities, however, have shown that these road access regulations have been repeatedly violated putting both their drivers and other commuters at risk and slowing down traffic flow. The lack of registration of the vehicles and the need for a driver's license has permeated their irresponsible use. In violation of the current regulations, their prevalent use as public transport has also been observed,” the organization explained — recognizing the issues associated with the uncontrolled use of e-bikes and e-trikes in the Philippines.

It can be recalled that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that come April, e-bikes and e-trikes, as well as tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs will no longer be allowed to use the region’s national, circumferential, and radial roads.

To regulate the aforementioned vehicles, MMDA will levy a P2,500 fine against violators while those unable to present a valid driver’s license upon apprehension might have their vehicles impounded.

On that note, EVAP stated that it welcomes the effort of the government to revisit the Land Transportation Office Administrative Order 2021-039 and introduce the necessary changes.

The association explained that globally, regulations on light electric vehicles have been evolving as new technical configurations are introduced and use cases and behaviors are only starting to be fully understood.

It added that EVAP sees light electric vehicles as entry points for transport electrification and recognizes their contributions to affordable mobility.

Photos from Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines Facebook page

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