The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has officially begun its crackdown on electric tricycles (e-trikes) and electric bikes (e-bikes) traversing the country's major thoroughfares. The enforcement of the ban started on January 2, 2026, with authorities in Metro Manila taking the lead, particularly along the busy EDSA highway.
Widespread Confusion and Apprehensions on EDSA
Initial implementation in the National Capital Region saw numerous apprehensions. Many of the detained e-trike drivers expressed shock, claiming they were unaware that using EDSA was now prohibited. LTO officials countered this, stating that a one-month information drive had been conducted to notify the public about the strict regulations on primary roads.
For now, the LTO is not impounding the confiscated units for first-time offenders. However, authorities issued a stern warning: any repeat violation will result in the impoundment of the e-trike or e-bike. This move highlights the government's attempt to balance enforcement with an initial period of leniency for education.
Regional Calls for Stricter and Immediate Action
The issue extends beyond Metro Manila. Motorists in Central Luzon are urging the LTO, particularly its regional office LTO-3, to immediately enforce the ban in the provinces, with Pampanga being a primary concern. Observers note that e-trikes and e-bikes have proliferated like mushrooms in the province, often behaving recklessly.
Dateline reports that these vehicles, now dubbed the new "Kings of the Road," are frequently seen racing with cars, especially along MacArthur Highway, with little regard for danger. A critical compounding issue is that most of these e-trike drivers operate without a driver's license and their units are unregistered. Many of these vehicles are also makeshift for public transport, though they are ostensibly only for use on barangay roads and within subdivisions.
Peaceful New Year Celebration in Central Luzon
In a related update on peace and order, the New Year's celebration in Central Luzon was generally peaceful. Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director, Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio Penones Jr., proudly announced that no serious injuries were reported from stray bullets during the revelry.
Penones attributed the orderly celebration to the cooperation of the public and the police, noting that no one from either group was caught illegally firing guns. Prior to the festivities, on December 31, the diligent regional director personally inspected firecracker stores and various provincial and city police offices to ensure security preparations were in place.
The public and motorists now await the next steps from LTO-3 regarding the full implementation of the e-trike and e-bike ban in Pampanga and the rest of Central Luzon, hoping for clearer guidelines and consistent enforcement to address the growing safety concern on major highways.
