The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to propose mandatory registration for electric scooters and e-bicycles using public roads, regardless of vehicle capacity. LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza emphasized that the proposal aims to enhance road safety and enforce compliance with existing regulations.
The LTO’s proposal would require all electric scooters and e-bicycles, irrespective of their maximum speed, to be registered with the LTO. This initiative aligns with the LTO’s commitment to upholding existing laws and ensuring that electric vehicles (EVs) comply with necessary regulations. According to LTO Administrative Order 2021-035, EVs with a maximum speed below 25 kilometers are currently exempt from mandatory registration. However, the proposed changes seek to eliminate speed limitations and make registration mandatory for all EVs intended for use on public roads.
LTO Chief Mendoza emphasized the importance of registration in promoting road safety, especially in cases of accidents involving EVs. Registered electric scooters and e-bicycles would be subject to regulatory oversight, enhancing accountability for their use on public roads.
Unregistered e-bikes would be restricted to private roads or subdivisions, with motorists facing a fine of P10,000 for driving unregistered vehicles or allowing vehicle registration to expire. The proposal reinforces the LTO’s commitment to regulatory compliance and accountability.
Chief Mendoza also stressed that minors should not be permitted to drive electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for responsible ownership and operation of EVs on public roads.
In addition to the EV registration proposal, the LTO highlighted the issue of unregistered vehicles in the country. Approximately 12.9 million motorcycles and two million cars and trucks remain unregistered. The LTO aims to address these challenges through proposed amendments to existing legislation.
