LTO ‘backpedals’ on e-bike, e-trike impounding

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

BANNED ON NAT’L ROADS. Electronic tricycle (e-trike). Land Transportation Office enforcers on Monday (Dec. 1, 2025) will start “reminding” users of the plan to eventually ban e-bikes and e-trikes on national roads starting January next year. (Philippine News Agency/facebook)

MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) hit the brakes, albeit temporarily, on its plan to impound e-bikes and e-trikes plying national highways beginning December 1, following a surge of public complaints that prompted the agency to rethink its rollout.

LTO chief Markus Lacanilao announced in a video statement on Sunday that the enforcement date has been moved to January 2, 2026, giving motorists a one-month reprieve and allowing the agency more time to clarify the rules.

“There will be no impounding operation for the time being while we implement a comprehensive information drive,” Lacanilao said.

He said updated guidelines will be issued to clearly define where light electric vehicles (LEVs) are permitted and where they are not.

LTO enforcers will be stationed along major roads starting Monday, not to confiscate anything, but to educate LEV riders on what they can and can’t do.

Come January 2, however, Lacanilao said the strict impounding will be implemented.

“Ultimately, the LTO has only one goal—not to inconvenience the public, but to ensure that our roads are safe… including users of e-bikes, e-trikes, and other LEVs,” he said.

The LTO earlier said the ban on LEVs along national highways was prompted by a spike in accidents involving e-bikes and e-trikes.