Dr. Naomi Lin
A tragic incident in Barangay Malanday, Marikina City has prompted the implementation of new traffic regulations in Metro Manila. An elderly woman, Luzviminda Bisarez, lost her life after being struck by an electric bicycle while crossing the street. The 31-year-old e-bike driver was arrested after the incident, but the victim’s relatives claimed that he did not immediately seek medical assistance for her.
To address the increasing number of road accidents involving electric vehicles in the National Capital Region, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has decided to take action. Last year, over 900 e-bike, e-trike, and e-scooter-related road crashes were reported in Metro Manila, which is nearly triple the number of accidents in 2019.
In response to these alarming figures, the MMDA chairman, Don Artes, stated, “We will not wait for these figures to go higher and the situation to worsen.” The MMDA emphasizes that users of e-bikes, e-trikes, and e-scooters face a significant risk of fatalities when sharing the roads with vehicles that are speeding at 60-80 km/h. Currently, wearing helmets while using these vehicles is not required.
In an effort to prevent further accidents and protect the safety of pedestrians and motorists, the government will be enforcing a policy that prohibits e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, scooters, pedicabs, pushcarts, and ‘kuligligs’ from traversing major roads in Metro Manila. Starting from April 15, these vehicles will be banned from national roads, circumferential roads, and radial roads.
The new traffic regulations will affect several important roads in Metro Manila, including Claro M. Recto Avenue, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and Quezon Avenue, among others. It is hoped that by implementing these measures, the number of accidents involving electric vehicles will be significantly reduced, keeping the citizens of Metro Manila safe on the roads.
The tragic incident in Barangay Malanday, Marikina City has shed light on the pressing issue of road accidents involving electric vehicles in Metro Manila. This incident has prompted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to take action and implement new traffic regulations to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists.
According to reports, there has been a significant increase in the number of road crashes involving e-bikes, e-trikes, and e-scooters in Metro Manila. In 2020 alone, over 900 accidents related to these electric vehicles were reported, which is nearly triple the number of accidents in the previous year. These alarming figures have compelled the MMDA to address the issue urgently.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “We will not wait for these figures to go higher and the situation to worsen.” He pointed out the high risk of fatalities for users of electric vehicles who share the roads with conventional vehicles traveling at high speeds. Currently, there is no requirement for wearing helmets while using e-bikes, e-trikes, and e-scooters, which further adds to the safety concerns.
To tackle the problem and prevent further accidents, the government will be enforcing a new policy that prohibits various types of electric vehicles, as well as non-motorized vehicles like pedicabs and pushcarts, from using major roads in Metro Manila. This ban will be implemented starting from April 15 and will cover national roads, circumferential roads, and radial roads in the region.
Several important roads in Metro Manila, such as Claro M. Recto Avenue, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and Quezon Avenue, will be affected by these new regulations. By banning electric vehicles and non-motorized vehicles from these major roads, the government aims to reduce the number of accidents and ensure the safety of everyone using the roads in the region.
The implementation of these new traffic regulations is expected to have a significant impact on the electric vehicle industry in Metro Manila. It may result in a decrease in the demand for e-bikes, e-trikes, and e-scooters, as consumers will need to find alternative modes of transportation for their daily commute. However, this could also create an opportunity for other forms of sustainable transportation, such as public transportation systems, to flourish in the region.
Market forecasts for the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines
The electric vehicle industry in the Philippines has been growing steadily over the past few years, driven by various factors such as government initiatives, environmental concerns, and technological advancements. According to market reports, the electric vehicle market in the Philippines is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.
One of the main factors driving the growth of the electric vehicle market is the government’s support for sustainable transportation. The Philippines government has been actively promoting the use of electric vehicles through various incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies. These initiatives are aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in the country.
Additionally, the increasing awareness and concern for environmental issues among consumers have contributed to the rise in demand for electric vehicles. The Philippines, like many other countries, is witnessing a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation, and electric vehicles are seen as a viable solution.
Technological advancements in the electric vehicle sector have also played a significant role in boosting market growth. The development of more efficient batteries, longer driving ranges, and faster charging infrastructure has made electric vehicles more practical and appealing to consumers.
Despite the positive outlook for the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines, there are a few challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the lack of charging infrastructure. The limited number of charging stations in the country makes it inconvenient for electric vehicle owners to recharge their vehicles, which could deter potential buyers.
Another challenge is the higher upfront cost of electric vehicles compared to conventional vehicles. While the government offers incentives to reduce the cost, electric vehicles still carry a premium price tag. This factor may limit the adoption of electric vehicles among price-sensitive consumers.
Overall, the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines shows promising potential for growth, thanks to government support, increasing environmental awareness, and technological advancements. However, addressing challenges like charging infrastructure and affordability will be crucial for the industry’s long-term success.
For more information on the electric vehicle industry and market trends in the Philippines, you can visit the official website of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) at https://evap.com.ph/.
