City's ban on e-bikes, e-trikes gains traction from LTO order

This was confirmed during Senate budget deliberations, where the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTO committed to stricter regulation. Senator JV Ejercito, who sponsored the DOTr budget, relayed that violators would face automatic impounding of their units once the directive takes full effect.

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LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao explained that the agency postponed the impounding operations to January 2, 2026, citing the need for a nationwide information drive first before implementation.

"Kaya pansamantalang walang impounding operation habang nagpapatupad muna kami ng malawakang information drive upang bigyan ng sapat na panahon ang lahat na maunawaan at makasunod sa umiiral na regulasyon," Lacanilao said.

This delay was meant to give riders time to adjust and understand the rules, especially since many e-bike users are low-income commuters who rely on these types of vehicles for livelihood.

The directive builds on existing laws, particularly Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and RA 11697 (Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act), which already limit where certain types of e-bikes may operate. Under LTO Administrative Order 2021-039, only specific categories of e-bikes can be registered and driven by licensed individuals, while others are restricted to interior or secondary roads.

The latest crackdown aims to resolve longstanding confusion and enforce uniform compliance nationwide.

For Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival emphasized that the city has been enforcing the ban for years, particularly through the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).

He welcomed the LTO's aggressive stance, noting that violations are common in areas like Carbon and the Mambaling overpass, where drivers continue to risk safety by entering national roads.

Archival's appeal remains consistent: e-bike drivers should stay within interior roads where tolerance has been extended, and avoid main streets for the protection of both riders and passengers.