THIS week’s edition of Mobility Matters features the Move As One Coalition’s statement on the inconsistent and possibly illegal treatment of light electric vehicles (LEVs) by several government agencies. It applauds the announcement by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to suspend the registration of LEVs and licensing of LEV users, as well as the decision of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to conduct a legal review of policies and regulations that are inconsistent with the Development Act electric vehicle industry (Evida).

To promote mobility and cooler, healthier and more livable cities, many governments around the world are switching to public transport, active transport (walking or cycling) and light electric vehicles (LEVs – e.g. electric tricycles, electric bikes, electric scooters), which are all eco-friendly, space-efficient, health-producing and low-cost. In fact, many cities are switching to electric cargo bikes as a “last mile” logistics solution to reduce road congestion. For all these good reasons, e-bikes and e-trikes are today the fastest growing type of electric vehicle globally. In fact, the global policy prescription is to regulate such vehicles “lightly”, treating them as much as possible like bicycles, so that there are few barriers to adoption.

In the Philippines, LEVs such as e-trikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters are the primary modes of transportation for many Filipinos. LEVs provide an affordable and practical mode of transportation for the daily commute to school, work, and home, especially for those who: (1) cannot afford or do not want to use cars that cause 60% of the nation’s air pollution; (2) have very limited access to reliable transportation options; or (3) cannot use pedestrian and disabled-friendly transportation infrastructure. In island municipalities where buses are rare and trains non-existent, LEVs have become the preferred mode of transport for workers, students, families and tourists alike. People with disabilities and those with reduced physical capabilities are able to stay active and mobile using electric bicycles and tricycles. Many delivery riders are switching to e-bikes and e-trikes because they can make many more deliveries and cover a larger area, allowing them to increase their daily earnings.

In recent years, the increasing growth in e-vehicle purchases reflects their growing role in addressing the country’s systemic transportation shortage. However, despite the increasing adoption of LEVs and their role in alleviating the transportation shortage, policies adopted by Philippine government agencies often discourage and hinder the use of LEVs, contradicting the country’s goals for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

On October 2, the LTO acknowledged these realities in its decision to suspend the registration of LEVs and the licensing of LEV users. In an ABS-CBN interview, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said the office is developing road safety standards for LEVs. He added the demand of LEV users, “Baka pwedeng babaan daw kaysa 17, 16 pwede na… especially in provinces where there is no other form of transport. “Yun lang ang nakita ng mga nakata na magandang seksi at tipid para sa ilangan mga anak (People asked if we could lower the registration age to 16 or 17… especially in provinces where there is no other form of transportation, they are the only reliable and affordable transportation options that parents see for their children). ).” We support the LTO’s decision to re-evaluate the LEV policies so that the treatment of LEVs can be in line with the government’s general policy of encouraging their use.

It is also time to review and revise past issuances and regulations from other government agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Energy, and the DoTr. In 2024 alone, these agencies have issued unclear and contradictory policies that have curtailed Filipinos’ right to mobility and transportation, creating barriers for LEV users who rely on their vehicles for daily travel.

The Move As One Coalition, along with other civil society groups, have collectively called for consistency, accountability and transparency from public officials regarding the treatment and regulation of light electric vehicles. The relevant agencies cannot continue to have conflicting positions on light electric vehicles; they need to work together, communicate and coordinate with each other to create unified, clear and supportive policies. In fact, the president has already created an interagency body for electric vehicle (EV) acquisition and compliance and has instructed these agencies to transition 10 percent of their vehicles to electric vehicles.

We commend the DoTr and LTO for taking steps to clarify LEV regulations and leading efforts to resolve these contradictions. In particular, we support the DoTr’s plan to revise the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Evida Act. The DoTr, led by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Road Transportation and Infrastructure Undersecretary Andy Ortega, conducted a legal review of the conflicting policies and sent a memorandum to other agencies urging the withdrawal of emissions that conflict with the Evida Act. These include, but are not limited to (1) LTO requirements for registration of LEVs and licensing of LEV users; (2) mandatory use of DTI-approved motorcycle helmets for LEV users; (3) delegation of authority for the enforcement of electric vehicle regulations to the MMDA and local government units (LGUs). The DoTr memorandum limits the power of the MMDA and LGUs to regulate electric vehicles, as this authority has been assigned to the DoTr under the Evida Law.

Contrary to MMDA President Artes’ comment about their ban “due to the increasing number of accidents involving electric bicycles, tricycles and electric scooters”, electric bicycles and tricycles are lightweight so they do not endanger other road users . Instead, cars are the leading cause of road accidents that kill and maim Filipinos, the major source of traffic and harmful emissions, and the least efficient vehicle for moving people and goods. Based on MMDA data from 2019 to 2023, private cars were involved in more than 396,000 road accidents, while bicycles, e-bikes, pedal bikes and tricycles combined were involved in only 26,000 accidents – which means there are 1,423 % more accidents with cars than those involving light vehicles. Given the significant positive impact of LEVs and considerable damage caused by private motor vehicles, the strategy should be to encourage more LEVs in cities and discourage the use of private cars, recognizing that only 6% of Filipino households own cars.

To the LTO, MMDA, DoTr, LGU and all civil servants: As voters, citizens, commuters and constituents, we urge you to resolve the policy conflicts that have created confusion for LEV users. We look forward to working with you for a transport system that is reliable, affordable, carbon-free and aligned with our climate goals. Light electric vehicles are a key component of sustainable transportation, and with consistent and clear policies, you can help pave the way for a greener and more inclusive Philippines.

Robert Y. Siy is a development economist, city and regional planner, and public transportation advocate. He is co-convener of the Move As One Coalition. He can be reached at (email protected) or followed on Twitter at @RobertRsiy.