LTO to Bar E-Bikes and E-Trikes from Major Roads Starting December 1, 2025

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced on Thursday that, effective December 1, 2025, electric bicycles and tricycles (e-bikes and e-trikes) will be prohibited from operating on major roads. LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao has committed to enforcing this regulation, with violators subject to automatic impoundment.

Senator JV Ejercito, who oversees the budget for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies, emphasized the safety concerns driving the decision. He noted that many operators lack proper licenses and that some e-bike drivers, often mothers transporting children, pose risks on busy roads. "According to LTO and DOTr, automatic impound na kasi ... dilemma po talaga eh. Minsan hindi talaga sila lisensyado, minsan nanay pa ang nagda-drive may mga kasamang mga anak na delikado, very light. So 'yun po ang sabi ng LTO, from now on talagang dapat ho 'pag nasa main thoroughfare, especially talagang automatic i-impound na po nila," Ejercito explained during Senate debates.

Before enforcement begins, the LTO will conduct an information campaign to educate the public about the new rules. Ejercito shared, "According to our secretary, by December 1, mag-i-info drive muna sila, mag-iikot, just to inform, sasabihan po muna lahat na nakikita. So bibigyan muna nila ng tsansa malaman po lahat, information campaign, bago po sila manghuli. May warning po muna sila."

This move follows concerns raised by Senator Raffy Tulfo, who pointed out complaints that e-bikes have become dominant on roads, seemingly replacing jeepneys. While recognizing their role as an income source for many Filipinos, Tulfo highlighted safety issues connected to their increased presence.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed that the LTO will coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units to manage the regulation. Public consultations will also be held concerning safety measures, registration processes, and driver licensing for e-bike operators.

Ejercito clarified that e-bikes and e-trikes might still be permitted within barangays or residential subdivisions but will be strictly banned on main thoroughfares. "Main thoroughfares, bawal na po talaga sila. Siguro bibigyan natin ng leeway sa barangay o kaya sa mga subdivisions. Pero sa main thoroughfare ay talagang hindi na po sila papayagan," he stated.