LTO wants mandatory registration of e-bikes

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) plans to propose the mandatory registration of electric bicycles to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), agency chief Atty. Vigor Mendoza II disclosed in a public forum on November 29.

Currently, LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039 (or the Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration, and Operation of All Type of Electric Motor Vehicles), allows for e-bicyles and e-mopeds with two wheels to be operated without registration or a driver’s license, provided their top speed does not exceed 50kph. Such electric two-wheelers that can run only up to 25kph (L1a category) require the rider’s use of a helmet that is “similar to those designed for bicycles,” while those able to go up to 50kph (L1b category) require a “motor protective helmet.”