Electric bikes or e-bikes – in broad terms, are used to refer to any 2 or 3-wheeled mode of transportation that is propelled by an electric motor here in the Philippines. With the limited public transportation brought about by the pandemic and the sky-rocketing fuel price, more and more people have switched to riding e-bikes to get to work or just get around with their daily errands.
With the rising number of those who ride e-bikes, the number of accidents involving e-bikes has also risen, says the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and has recently held a meeting with the different local traffic bureaus of Metro Manila cities to discuss LTO’s Administrative Order (AO) 2021-039.
AO 2021-039, which was signed last year, puts out regulations that govern the use of e-bikes within the country, with some requiring registration with the LTO and its driver must possess a valid driver’s license.
Is my e-bike covered under AO 2021-039?
AO 2021-039 classifies the different types of e-bikes, and depending on the type you’re riding, you may be required to have them registered with the LTO and you must possess a driver’s license with a restriction for motorcycles for you to drive them.
If your e-bike is classified under L2b, L3, L4, and L5, then it needs to be registered with the LTO and its driver must possess a valid driver’s license as stated above. E-bikes that can reach a maximum speed of up to 50 kph, those with a pedal, and electric kick scooters do not require license and registration.
Additionally, some e-bikes are limited to use only on barangay roads, while some can be used on major thoroughfares but not inside expressways. The full text of the AO 2021-039 can be read here.
