This file photo taken in 2016 shows e-bikes on the tree-lined campus of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños in Laguna. (INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The consumer group CitizenWatch Philippines wants government agencies to “harmonize” existing policies on electric bikes (e-bikes) to remove conflicting rules.
The conflicting rules have frustrated efforts for the country to shift to more environment-friendly transportation, the group said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“Clearly there is demand. Our inadequate mass transportation system, the high cost of fuel, and the desire of an increasing number of Filipinos to do more for the environment are making them look at other options to get themselves from Point A to Point B,” former Quezon City Rep. Christopher Belmonte, who is a CitizenWatch co-convener, said.
“There needs to be a review of existing regulations that need to be updated and harmonized with the government’s sustainability agenda wherein shifting towards zero emissions is not just a national but a global strategy to prevent the catastrophic effects of climate change. The government, the stakeholders of the EV (electric vehicle) industry, and local governments need to iron out these policy kinks to accelerate the shift to green transportation modes,” he added.
‘Conflicts must be resolved’
Belmonte was referring to the inconsistencies in the national scope and the local government unit’s purview of existing policies on EVs like electric bikes.
As an example, Belmonte noted how e-bike users were confused about Mandaluyong City’s policy about banning e-motorcycles and e-bikes on Boni Avenue.
Many observers feel that this goes against the government’s push for EVs. But at the same time, the implementing rules and regulations of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) signed in 2022 allows local government units to impose their own policies on EVs.
“This conflict must be resolved at the soonest possible time,” Belmonte said. “Prohibiting e-bikes on main roads unfairly penalizes e-bike users from using these public roads.”
‘Serious safety issue’
Another issue that Belmonte mentioned was the current policy of the Land Transportation Office policy allowing motorists not to get a driver’s license if their e-bikes have a top speed of no more than 25 kilometers per hour (kph).
However, Belmonte stressed that there were methods where some e-bikes’ top speed limiters could be unlocked, increasing the speed to around 50 kph.
“This is a serious safety issue and must be addressed urgently,” Belmonte said. “Faster vehicles need to be registered and their drivers need to secure licenses.”
MMDA eyes stricter rules
Last June 2022, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced a plan to tighten the regulations on the use of electric scooters and bicycles in the National Capital Region. Part of the regulation would be to confine e-bikes to bicycle lanes and barangay roads — banning them from major thoroughfares.
The MMDA reasoned that traffic constables had been lenient in enforcing such a policy because the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated physical distancing, thus making it hard for people to commute. But with public transportation returning to full capacity, such e-bikes would be sent back to minor roads.
Several advocacy groups have also urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to include e-bikes and e-motorcycles in Executive Order No. 12, which grants import incentives to certain classes of vehicles.
Last March 17, the think tank Stratbase ADR Institute said that e-bikes and e-motorcycles should be included in the order as they were more affordable than cars to more people.
“But it is not enough to simply respond to this demand by opening importation of EVs. We have to make sure that we do it the right way, the safe way,” Belmonte said.
“Ultimately, this should redound to the benefit of the riding public and empower them to be more efficient with their time and resources while also protecting their well-being.”