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LTO Moves E-Bike, E-Trike Crackdown To Jan. 2 - Says This Will Be The 'Final Extension'
Official Statement ni LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao tungkol sa Regulasyon ng E-BIKEs, E-TRIKEs at LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles). Screengrab from LTO
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has postponed its planned crackdown on e-bikes and e-trikes on national highways, following widespread public concerns and confusion over the policy.
Originally scheduled for December 1, the enforcement will now begin on January 2, 2026, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Luis C. Lacanilao confirmed. However, the agency stressed that this will be the last extension.
Extension Ordered After Marcos’ and DOTr’s Directive
Lacanilao said the LTO delayed the implementation after receiving instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez to provide the public with more time to understand the rules.
“Binigyan lang din po namin ng time para ma-inform lahat ang publiko nang maayos,” he explained, noting that the agency will conduct an intensified information drive throughout December.
The policy prohibits e-bikes, e-trikes, and other light electric vehicles (LEVs) from operating on national roads, where they pose safety risks due to low speed and high traffic volume.
Crackdown Starts January 2
Beginning January 2, LTO personnel will start apprehending and impounding e-bikes and e-trikes caught traveling on national highways.
The agency clarified that the restriction has existed for years, but enforcement will now be stricter and more visible. Riders are given a short window to find alternate routes or shift to compliant vehicles.
Why E-Bikes Are Not Allowed on National Roads
According to the LTO, the policy aims to:
• Reduce road accidents involving low-speed vehicles
• Keep major roads free-flowing
• Protect riders, who are more vulnerable to collisions
Local government units (LGUs) may designate inner roads where e-bikes and e-trikes can safely pass.
What Riders Should Do Before January 2
The LTO advises riders to:
• Avoid national highways
• Use LGU-designated inner roads
• Prepare alternative routes or consider public transport
• Monitor official LTO announcements for updates
The agency is coordinating with LGUs, barangays, and transport groups to ensure the public is fully informed before the policy takes effect.
Originally scheduled for December 1, the enforcement will now begin on January 2, 2026, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Luis C. Lacanilao confirmed. However, the agency stressed that this will be the last extension.
Extension Ordered After Marcos’ and DOTr’s Directive
Lacanilao said the LTO delayed the implementation after receiving instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez to provide the public with more time to understand the rules.
“Binigyan lang din po namin ng time para ma-inform lahat ang publiko nang maayos,” he explained, noting that the agency will conduct an intensified information drive throughout December.
The policy prohibits e-bikes, e-trikes, and other light electric vehicles (LEVs) from operating on national roads, where they pose safety risks due to low speed and high traffic volume.
Crackdown Starts January 2
Beginning January 2, LTO personnel will start apprehending and impounding e-bikes and e-trikes caught traveling on national highways.
The agency clarified that the restriction has existed for years, but enforcement will now be stricter and more visible. Riders are given a short window to find alternate routes or shift to compliant vehicles.
Why E-Bikes Are Not Allowed on National Roads
According to the LTO, the policy aims to:
• Reduce road accidents involving low-speed vehicles
• Keep major roads free-flowing
• Protect riders, who are more vulnerable to collisions
Local government units (LGUs) may designate inner roads where e-bikes and e-trikes can safely pass.
What Riders Should Do Before January 2
The LTO advises riders to:
• Avoid national highways
• Use LGU-designated inner roads
• Prepare alternative routes or consider public transport
• Monitor official LTO announcements for updates
The agency is coordinating with LGUs, barangays, and transport groups to ensure the public is fully informed before the policy takes effect.
Dec 1, 2025
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