The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will begin impounding e-bikes and e-trikes traveling along major and secondary highways starting December 1, as part of a nationwide push to curb road accidents involving light electric vehicles.

In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the move was prompted by rising accident data and safety concerns repeatedly raised in recent legislative hearings.

Lacanilao cited Senator Raffy Tulfo’s remarks during a senate budget hearing on Thursday, noting that many riders continue to use main highways despite lacking registration, licenses, or proper knowledge of road rules.

“Talagang nagiging problema yung mga kababayan natin na tumatakbo sa main highway o major thoroughfare na nagiging sanhi ng mga aksidente. Sana tignan din yung datos, napakataas ng datos na naaaksidente sila,” he said, emphasizing that road safety and public welfare outweigh potential pushback from riders.

Lacanilao said both the LTO and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) agree requiring e-bike and e-trike owners to register their units and obtain driver’s licenses. He explained that the agencies are currently finalizing the legal basis for such requirements.

Licensing, he added, would ensure riders understand where they are legally allowed to operate and the fundamentals of road safety.

Not Allowed on Highways—Even if Registered

The LTO official clarified that registration will not give e-bikes and e-trikes access to major roads.

Even with registration, these vehicles will remain restricted to subdivisions, private areas, and barangay inner roads as originally outlined under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

“‘Wag naman po sa highway… ‘Wag natin ilagay ang buhay ng mga kababayan natin sa delikado,” he said.

Lacanilao also referenced a recent viral video of an e-bike traveling along Osmeña Highway amid private vehicles and trucks, calling it “napaka-seryosong bagay” and highly prone to fatal accidents.

To support enforcement, Lacanilao said he will write to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to request assistance in informing local government units of the policy.

He noted that several LGUs have already expressed their agreement online with the policy, saying they, too, want to prevent these light vehicles from operating on major highways.

Implementation Timeline

• December 1, 2025 – Start of apprehensions along major highways

• December to January 1, 2026 – Target period for full nationwide implementation