Now a clear and consistent policy for light electric vehicles

THIS week’s edition of Mobility Matters features the Move As One Coalition’s statement on the inconsistent and likely unlawful treatment of light electric vehicles (LEVs) by various government agencies. It welcomes the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) announcement to suspend the registration of LEVs and licensing of LEV users, as well as the Department of Transportation’s (DoTr) decision to conduct a legal investigation into policies and regulations that conflict with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Evida).

To promote mobility and cooler, healthier and more livable cities, many governments around the world are turning to public transport, active transport (walking or cycling) and light electric vehicles (LEVs – e.g. e-trikes, e-bikes, electric scooters ), all of which are climate-friendly, space-saving, health-promoting and cheap. Many cities are even switching to electric cargo bikes as a last-mile logistics solution to reduce traffic congestion. For all these good reasons, e-bikes and e-trikes are the fastest growing type of electric vehicle worldwide today. In fact, the global policy prescription is to regulate such vehicles ‘lightly’, treating them as much as possible as bicycles, so that there are few barriers to adoption.

In the Philippines, LEVs such as e-trikes, e-bikes and e-scooters are the main mode of transportation for many Filipinos. LEVs provide an affordable, convenient mode of transportation for the daily commute to school, work, and home, especially for those who: (1) cannot afford or do not want to use cars that cause 60 percent of the country’s air pollution; (2) have very limited access to reliable transportation options; or (3) inability to use transportation infrastructure that is hostile to pedestrians and the disabled. In island communities, where buses are rare and trains non-existent, LEVs have become the preferred mode of transportation for workers, students, families and tourists alike. Persons with disabilities and people with declining physical capacity can stay active and mobile with the help of e-bikes and e-trikes. Many delivery drivers are switching to e-bikes and e-trikes because they can make many more deliveries and cover a larger area, increasing their daily income.

The rise in e-vehicle purchases in recent years reflects their growing role in addressing the country’s long-standing systemic transportation shortage. Despite the increase in the use of LEVs and their role in alleviating transportation shortages, policies by Philippine government agencies discourage and hinder the use of LEVs, which contradicts the country’s goals for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

On October 2, the LTO recognized this reality in its decision to suspend the registration of LEVs and the licensing of LEV users. In an ABS-CBN interview, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said the agency was developing road safety standards for LEVs. He added the question from LEV users: “Baka pwedeng babaan daw kaysa 17, 16 pwede na… especially in the provinces where there is no other form of transportation. ‘Yun lang ang nakita ng mga magulang na magandang pamamaraan at tipid para sa kanilang mga anak (People asked if we could lower the registration age to 16 or 17… especially in provinces where there is no other form of transportation, these are the only reliable and affordable transportation options that parents see for their children). ” We support the LTO’s decision to re-evaluate LEV policy so that the treatment of LEVs can be consistent with general government policy to encourage their use.

It is also time to review and revise the past expenditures and regulations of other government agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Energy, and the DOTr. In 2024 alone, these agencies have issued unclear and contradictory policies that have limited Filipinos’ right to mobility and transportation, creating barriers for LEV users who rely on their vehicles for daily travel.

The Move As One Coalition, along with other community groups, has therefore jointly demanded consistency, accountability and transparency from government officials on the handling and regulation of light electric vehicles. The relevant authorities cannot continue to take conflicting positions on light electric vehicles; they must work together, communicate and coordinate among themselves to create a unified, clear and supportive policy. In fact, the President has already established an interagency body for the procurement and compliance of electric vehicles (EVs), and has directed these agencies to convert 10 percent of their vehicles to electric vehicles.

We commend the DOTr and LTO for taking steps toward clarifying the LEV regulations and leading efforts to resolve these discrepancies. In particular, we support the DoTr’s plan to revise the implementing rules and regulations of the Evida law. The DOTr, led by Secretary of Transportation Jaime Bautista and Deputy Secretary of Road Transport and Infrastructure Andy Ortega, has conducted a legal investigation into conflicting policies and sent a memorandum to other agencies urging the withdrawal of issuances that violate the Evida law. These include, but are not limited to (1) LTO’s requirements for registration of LEVs and licensing of LEV users; (2) the mandatory use of DTI-approved motorcycle helmets for LEV users; (3) the delegation of powers to enforce regulations on EVs to the MMDA and local government units (LGUs). The DoTr Memorandum limits the power of MMDA and LGUs to regulate EVs as this authority was assigned to DoTr under the Evida Act.

Contrary to MMDA chairman Artes’ comment on their ban “due to the increasing number of accidents involving e-bikes, e-trikes and e-scooters”, e-bikes and e-trikes are light so they do not endanger other road users to take. Conversely, cars are the leading cause of traffic accidents that kill and maim Filipinos, the leading source of traffic and harmful emissions, and the least efficient vehicle for transporting people and goods. Based on MMDA data from 2019 to 2023, private cars have been involved in more than 396,000 road accidents, while bicycles, e-bikes, pedicabs and three-wheelers together have only been involved in 26,000 accidents – meaning there are 1,423 percent more accidents involving cars than those involving light vehicles. Considering the significant positive impact of LEVs and the significant damage caused by private motor vehicles, the strategy should be to encourage more LEVs in cities and discourage private car use, recognizing that only 6 percent of Philippine households own a car possess.

To the LTO, MMDA, DoTr, LGUs and all government officials: As your constituents, citizens, commuters and constituents, we urge you to resolve the policy conflicts that have caused confusion among LEV users. We look forward to working with you on a transport system that is reliable, accessible, carbon-free and aligned with our climate goals. Light electric vehicles are an important part of sustainable transportation and with consistent, clear policies you can help pave the way for a greener, more inclusive Philippines.

Robert Y. Siy is a development economist, city and regional planner and public transport advocate. He is co-founder of the Move As One Coalition. He can be reached at (email protected) or followed on Twitter at @RobertRsiy.