Shots fired: MMDA now prohibits e-Trike and e-Bikes on National Roads
Tito Raffy
Yesterday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on behalf of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) passed a resolution outlawing the use of major thoroughfares for conveyances of any kind, including some forms of transportation.
The MMDA Regulation No. 24-022 series of 2024 prohibits the use of e-vehicles on national, circumferential, and radial highways in Metro Manila. This includes e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs.
Acting Chairman of MMDA, Atty. Don Artes stated that P2,500 in fines would be imposed on anyone who break the ban. Anyone planning to operate an electric vehicle, including a tricycle or an e-bike, must also have a driver’s license. When someone is apprehended, their car may be impounded if they are unable to produce their driver’s license.
“Due to the proliferation of e-vehicles, the MMC deemed it imperative to regulate and penalize those who will traverse the national roads using such means of transportation,” he said, in a press conference.
Artes said the primary consideration in passing of the resolution is concern for the safety, not just of e-vehicle users, but of other motorists, as well.
“We are not totally banning the use ofe-bikes and e-trikes; we just want to regulate it since it has been a common cause of traffic and road crash incidents,” he emphasized.
Last year alone, the MMDA registered 554 road crash incidents involving e-vehicles.
“We won’t wait for these figures to blow up before we regulate it considering the increasing number of users of these kinds of vehicles,” Artes said.
The rule will go into effect in April after a public education and awareness campaign. In the meantime, the various local government units in Metro Manila will draft their own rules for the secondary and other inner roads that fall within their purview.
Francis Zamora, the mayor of San Juan City and president of the MMC, stated that the local chief executives in the NCR will make sure that the ordinances pertaining to the regulation are united in order to prevent confusion.
Mayor of Malabon City Jeannie Sandoval has stated that she is in favor of the law and its efficient execution.
The following Metro Manila roadways, which are under the MMDA’s purview, will be subject to the prohibition:
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: Osmeña Highway (formerly South Super Highway)
