Dr. Alexander Reynolds
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUs) not to impose penalties on e-bicycles and e-tricycles that are operating on national roads in Metro Manila. This decision comes as Marcos believes that more time is necessary to educate the public about the ban that remains in effect.
During this grace period, e-trikes will not face ticketing, fines, or impoundment. Instead, if apprehended, the purpose will be to inform the riders about the roads they can use and remind them about the new policies that are being enforced to ensure order and safety on the streets. This approach aims to strike a balance between regulation and public awareness.
While the recently released MMDA Regulation No. 24-022 prohibits e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs from nearly two dozen roads starting in April, the intention is to provide clearer guidelines for these vehicles, which have been deemed a common source of traffic congestion and road accidents.
According to MMDA data, there were 554 reported road crash incidents involving electric vehicles in 2023. However, the Move as One Coalition, a transport advocacy group, has emphasized that the MMDA’s statement lacks context. They argue that when considering MMDA data from 2022, deaths resulting from bike, e-bike, and pedicab accidents only accounted for 4% of all road fatalities.
President Marcos’s decision not to penalize e-bicycles and e-tricycles on Metro Manila roads serves as an opportunity to address the concerns of both commuters and authorities. It allows for further education and awareness campaigns, ensuring the smooth implementation of the ban while preserving the safety and convenience of all road users in the long run.
The e-bicycle and e-tricycle industry in Metro Manila has faced recent scrutiny due to concerns over traffic congestion and road accidents. In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUs) to hold off on imposing penalties on these electric vehicles operating on national roads. This decision reflects the need for greater public education about the ban that remains in effect.
During this grace period, e-trikes will not be subject to ticketing, fines, or impoundment if apprehended. Instead, the focus will be on informing riders about which roads they can use and reminding them about the new regulations in place to ensure order and safety. This approach aims to strike a balance between regulation and public awareness.
The recently released MMDA Regulation No. 24-022 prohibits various types of vehicles, including e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs, from nearly two dozen roads since April. The intention behind the regulation is to provide clearer guidelines for these vehicles, which have been identified as contributors to traffic congestion and road accidents.
According to MMDA data, there were 554 reported road crash incidents involving electric vehicles in 2023. However, the Move as One Coalition, a transport advocacy group, has pointed out that this data lacks context. They argue that when considering MMDA data from 2022, deaths resulting from bike, e-bike, and pedicab accidents only accounted for 4% of all road fatalities. This highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the issue before implementing strict policies.
President Marcos’s decision not to penalize e-bicycles and e-tricycles on Metro Manila roads presents an opportunity to address the concerns of both commuters and authorities. It allows for further education and awareness campaigns, ensuring the smooth implementation of the ban while preserving the safety and convenience of all road users in the long run.
For more information on the current state of the e-bicycle industry in Metro Manila, you can visit the MMDA official website. Additionally, the Move as One Coalition’s perspective on the matter can be found on their website at https://moveasone.ph/.
