MANILA – The Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) has welcomed the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) ban on electric tricycles (e-trikes) on major Metro Manila roads, effective January 2, 2026, but urged authorities for “clearer implementation” and expansion beyond the capital. EVAP President Edmund Araga praised the move as an opportunity to enforce standards and enhance road safety, while highlighting gaps in the current scope.
The LTO ban covers key thoroughfares: EDSA, C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and Quirino Avenue to Magallanes–SLEX. Violators face fines and vehicle impoundment under RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code).
Araga noted the ban aligns with suspended LTO AO 039-2021 regulations on electric vehicles, emphasizing compliance challenges: “The identified areas are lacking… Implementation should be nationwide since meeting LTO requirements is demanding.”
EVAP supports the policy for promoting safer, compliant e-vehicles but warns non-compliant units (often lightweight and unregulated) pose risks in high-speed traffic. The group advocates reinstating stricter standards to protect passengers and road users.
This delayed enforcement (postponed from December 2025) follows safety concerns over accidents involving slower e-trikes on fast highways.
Banned Roads Snapshot (Metro Manila):
| Road | Status |
|---|---|
| EDSA | Fully banned |
| C-5 | Fully banned |
| Roxas Boulevard | Fully banned |
| Quirino Ave to SLEX | Fully banned |