LTO to release electric scooter, e-bike registration guidelines

An official from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced Tuesday that it already submitted the electric scooter and e-bike registration guidelines to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Aside from the registration, drivers would also need to acquire a license to drive such vehicles, LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said.

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He said the DOTr is now drafting a memorandum circular that will set guidelines and oversee all kinds of electric vehicles such as e-scooters and two-wheeled e-bikes.

“Generally, sa ating batas, Republic Act 4136, irregardless kung ito ay electric- or gas-powered vehicle, kailangan ito ay registered at ang gumagamit ay lisensyado,” Galvante said in an interview on Tuesday.

(Generally, under our law, Republic Act 4136, regardless if it is an electric- or gas-powered vehicle, it must be registered and the user should have a license.)

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Under the draft guidelines for electric scooter, e-bike registration, there would be two categories. Electric vehicles under the lower category could be used only in private spaces such as subdivisions or within the village only. The bigger ones could be allowed to cross main roads but are not allowed along highways or avenues, Galvante said.

He added the bigger e-scooters and e-bikes maybe be allowed to travel along public roads, but drivers should wear protective attire.

Also read: LTO extends validity of motor vehicles’ registration

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LTO to release electric scooter, e-bike registration guidelines

The LTO official noted that e-bike registration and restriction are for the safety of riders while on the road.

“Sana ma-realize nila na ito ay hindi lang para pagbawalan sila kundi para sa kapakanan rin nila. Very vulnerable and susceptible kasi sila na ma-involve sa aksidente. Kaligtasan din nila ang isinasangalang natin,” Galvante said.

(I hope they will realize that this is not to ban them but to ensure their safety. They are very vulnerable and susceptible to being involved in an accident. Their safety is always what we consider.)

“Pinu-push nga actually ang mga electric vehicles dahil malaki anag maitutulong nito sa pagbawas ng polusyon,” Galvante added.

(Electric vehicles are actually being pushed because it will help a lot in reducing pollution.)