In a decisive move to enhance road safety, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the enforcement of MMDA Regulation No. 24-022, effective April 15. This regulation prohibits e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs from using major thoroughfares across Metro Manila.
The decision, articulated by MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, follows a series of consultations with stakeholders. Artes referenced existing laws and circulars that align with the new regulation, emphasizing its continuity rather than novelty.
Specifically, the regulation integrates directives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, including Memorandum Circular Nos. 2020-036 and 2023-195, which already restrict such vehicles on national highways. Additionally, it encompasses the Land Transportation Office’s Administrative Order No. 2021-039, detailing the classification, registration, and operation of electric vehicles.
The regulation covers 20 roads under the jurisdiction of the MMDA:
- Recto Avenue
- Pres. Quirino Avenue
- Araneta Avenue
- EDSA
- Katipunan/CP Garcia
- Southeast Metro Manila Expressway
- Roxas Boulevard
- Taft Avenue
- Osmeña Highway (formerly South Super Highway)
- Shaw Boulevard
- Ortigas Avenue
- Magsaysay Blvd./Aurora Blvd.
- Quezon Ave./Commonwealth Ave.
- A. Bonifacio Ave.
- Rizal Ave.
- Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway
- Elliptical Road
- Mindanao Avenue
- Marcos Highway
- Boni Ave. (Mandaluyong)
The fine for violations is P2,500. Their units will also be impounded if users cannot present a driver’s license upon apprehension.
Statistics from the MMDA Road Safety Unit underscore the urgency, with 907 e-vehicle-related accidents recorded last year, a significant increase from 309 in 2019.
“We will just enforce this prohibition because of the increasing number of accidents involving e-bikes, e-trikes, and e-scooters. We will not wait for these figures to go higher and the situation to worsen,” Artes said.
Artes highlighted the risk of fatalities, especially when e-vehicles share roads with faster-moving traffic, noting the absence of helmet requirements for such open vehicles.
Looking ahead, Artes proposed integrating e-vehicle operation safety into the MMDA’s Motorcycle Riding Academy curriculum, pending updated guidelines from the LTO. This initiative aims to promote inclusive road safety education.
