ILOILO — Alarmed by the growing safety risks posed by light electric vehicles on high-speed roads, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas has stepped up its review of a proposed ban on e-bikes and e-trikes along national highways, even as it launches an aggressive information campaign to prepare local governments and road users ahead of enforcement.
LTO Region 6 director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II said the regional office is now fine-tuning the mechanics of implementing the nationwide restriction, stressing that the move is anchored on road safety concerns and a noticeable rise in accidents involving light electric vehicles (LEVs) on major thoroughfares.
“The presence of these vehicles on major thoroughfares markedly increases the likelihood of serious road accidents. The prohibition is essential for safeguarding all users of the road,” Geduspan said.
While no final implementation date has been set and no formal directive has yet been issued by the LTO central office, Geduspan said the region is already working on detailed implementing guidelines to ensure smooth and effective enforcement once the ban takes effect.
“We are meticulously evaluating the enhancements needed for the implementation process, and I am optimistic that we will finalize a comprehensive set of implementing guidelines within the month. This structured plan will include logistical support tailored to the unique needs of different areas,” he stressed.
Parallel to policy preparations, LTO-6 is rolling out an extensive information drive aimed at local government units and communities across Western Visayas to raise awareness on the scope and implications of the proposed ban, allowing affected riders ample time to adjust.
The planned restriction is anchored on Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which promotes electric mobility while authorizing regulators to limit LEV access to national highways when public safety is at risk.
Geduspan urged LEV users not to treat the delay in enforcement as a reprieve but as a chance to prepare and comply.
“Use this time to study the upcoming LTO guidance and shift to safer, designated routes,” he advised.
“The delay in enforcement provides a crucial window for LEV users, many of whom rely on their vehicles for daily commuting and job-related tasks. By allowing time for education and adaptation, the LTO hopes to cultivate a safer environment for all road users—motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians,” Geduspan added.
Similar bans are already in force in several parts of the National Capital Region, where authorities have moved swiftly to curb LEV-related risks on high-speed roads. In other regions, including Western Visayas, the policy is still being refined to account for local conditions.
To ensure broader acceptance and effective implementation, LTO-6 is also coordinating with local governments to review existing ordinances governing e-bike and e-trike use, integrating local insights into the final guidelines.
As the policy review progresses, the LTO said regular updates will be issued to keep stakeholders informed, reiterating that the planned ban is intended not to penalize riders but to strike a balance between promoting electric mobility and ensuring road safety./PN
