Beginning 1 December 2025, E-bikes, E-trikes, and other battery-operated motorcycles and tricycles will be subject to automatic impoundment by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) if they are driven along major roads and national highways.

In a press conference, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Marcus Lacanilao said the ban on E-bikes and E-trikes along national highways is “based on the IRR of the EVIDA (Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act) Law.”

“Exclusive private use means that these vehicles should not to be operated in public highways or any government roads and if these are to be used in such places, it must be registered with the LTO,” Lacanilao said.

“Considering that at present, e-bikes and e-trikes are not registered with the LTO, there is no way that the government will be able to enforce accountability in case of mishaps, accidents or even crimes committed using these vehicles,” the LTO chief explained. “If the operation of these vehicles will not be regulated, ensuring public safety will be an uphill battle for the government,” he added.

Lacanilao warned that allowing unregistered E-bikes and E-trikes to operate on public highways would put their operators outside the jurisdiction of transport authorities, “compromising road safety and creating enforcement gaps.”

“Hulihan na po sa December 1 sa mga national highways like EDSA, McArthur Highway, A. Bonifacio etc.,” he vowed.

Lacanilao said an information campaign would also be carried out in secondary roads to inform E-bike and E-trike drivers that they can no longer use national roads and highways. He added that the LTO will seek the help of local government units in the campaign.

“Maraming magagalit. But our priority is safety,” he said.

According to Lacanilao, the LTO is also prepared to register such vehicles — but not all models.

“Di lahat pwede. Di lahat capable of safety concerns,” he explained.