JANUARY 4, 2026 — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to broaden its ban on electric bicycles and tricycles, extending restrictions to more of Metro Manila’s busiest highways. Already enforced along EDSA, C-5, Roxas Boulevard, and Quirino Avenue, the prohibition will now cover Commonwealth and Quezon Avenues, Marcos Highway, and Sumulong Highway.

“Mas mapapalawak po natin ‘yan. Ang initial po ay Commonwealth. Tapos po ang Marcos Highway, Sumulong, at Quezon Avenue din … kasi kaliwa’t kanan sila, pumapasok sa gitna,” said LTO chief Assistant Secretary Marcus Lacanilao in a radio interview. 

(We will expand it. Initially, Commonwealth, then Marcos Highway, Sumulong, and Quezon Avenue … because they enter from all sides, even the middle.)

The agency has warned that stricter enforcement will begin this week, with tickets and impounding of vehicles expected. Fines start at P1,000 for obstruction of traffic, while violations such as driving without a helmet may cost P1,500. Minors caught operating e-bikes or e-trikes risk having their vehicles seized, with parents or guardians held accountable.

On the first day of the ban, 67 riders were apprehended along EDSA and 30 more along Quirino Avenue. Lacanilao admitted enforcement is tightening. 

“Pahigpit po nang pahigpit. So starting this coming week, may makikita na rin po kayong mai-impound. Sana sumunod sila dahil hangga’t maaari ay ayoko naman silang ma-impound,” he said.

(We will become stricter and stricter. Starting this coming week, you will see some vehicles being impounded. As much as possible, I do not want that to happen.)

The e-bike dilemma

The ban has split opinions. Some commuters say e-bikes on big roads are dangerous — slow units mixing with fast cars often end in close calls. Others argue it’s unfair, since many riders depend on these vehicles to earn a living or get around cheaply.

Real risks have been pointed out: e-bikes zigzagging through lanes on EDSA, sudden stops along Commonwealth, and even minors driving without helmets in heavy traffic. These are exactly the situations officials say they want to prevent by keeping e-bikes off national highways.

The ban, grounded in Republic Act 4136 and Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, aims to push e-bikes and e-trikes onto inner roads, sparing highways for faster, heavier vehicles.

The truth is, just one reckless e-bike on a busy highway can turn a routine commute into a deadly accident.

(Image: Philippine News Agency)