Why did the Metro Manila Council prohibit the use of e-vehicles, such as e-bikes and e-trikes, along major thoroughfares in the metro?

According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, it all boils down to safety.

MMDA prohibits use of e-bikes, e-trikes along EDSA, other major roads

He said that in 2023, the government recorded 554 accidents involving e-trikes and e-bikes including 2 fatalities. 

"For safety reason, kailangan nang iregulate yan para mabawasan ang aksidente," he said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

MMDA Resolution No. 24-022, series of 2024, prohibits the use of e-bikes and e-trikes, as well as tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts and kuligligs on national roads, circumferential and radial roads in Metro Manila.

The said types of vehicles will be prohibited on the following roads:

1. C1: Recto Avenue
2. C2: Pres. Quirino Avenue
3. C3: Araneta Avenue
4. C4: EDSA
5. C5: Katipunan/CP Garcia
6. C6: Southeast Metro Manila Expressway
7. R1: Roxas Boulevard
8. R2: Taft Avenue 
9. R3: SLEX
10. R4: Shaw Boulevard
11. R5: Ortigas Avenue
12. R6: Magsaysay Blvd./Aurora Blvd.
13. R7: Quezon Ave./Commonwealth Ave.
14. R8: A. Bonifacio Ave.
15. R9: Rizal Ave.
16. R10: Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway
17. Elliptical Road 
18. Mindanao Avenue
19. Marcos Highway

Artes said those who will violate the prohibition will be asked to pay a fine of P2,500. A driver's license will also be required for those who will drive electric-powered motor vehicles and tricycles.

He noted that e-bikes and e-trikes can cross major thoroughfares only if there is no other route, 

"Kung walang dadaanan at kailangang mag-cross, pwede silang mag-cross pero hindi pwedeng bumaybay," he said.

"Magkakaroon din ng information drive bago ito i-implement," he added.