MMDA Set to Enforce E-bikes and E-trikes Regulation Starting April 15

On April 15, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will kick off the implementation of its Regulation No. 24-022, which prohibits e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs from accessing national roads, circumferential roads, and radial roads within Metro Manila.

Following a stakeholder consultation meeting to formulate the implementing rules and regulations, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes emphasized the necessity of the regulation, citing existing laws and directives governing such restrictions.

Notably, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued memorandum circulars (2020-036 and 2023-195) barring tricycles, pedicabs, and motorized pedicabs from national highways, along with the Land Transportation Office's Administrative Order No. 2021-039, which outlines guidelines for electric vehicle classification and operation.

Artes underscored the urgency of enforcing this prohibition in response to a significant rise in accidents involving e-bikes, e-trikes, and e-scooters. According to data from the MMDA Road Safety Unit, Metro Manila witnessed 907 incidents involving these vehicles in the past year alone, nearly tripling from the 2019 figure of 309 accidents.

Here's a list of national roads covered by the implementation of the regulation.

With the imminent implementation set for April 15, the MMDA aims to release the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) one to two weeks prior, incorporating stakeholder feedback to address concerns comprehensively.

Artes stressed that while the regulation signifies a safety measure, it does not equate to a total ban, but rather aims to mitigate risks associated with the use of electric light vehicles on high-speed roads where helmet use is not mandatory, potentially posing grave risks in case of accidents.