E-Trike Proliferation Sparks National Highway Ban
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a sweeping prohibition against electric tricycles (e-trikes) and electric bicycles (e-bikes) on all national highways throughout the Philippines. This decisive action comes in response to the mushrooming presence of these electric vehicles on major thoroughfares, particularly in areas like the City of San Fernando where they have become increasingly numerous along MacArthur Highway.
According to the new traffic law released last week, e-trikes and e-bikes will be completely banned from traveling on national highways effective December 1, 2025. The regulation restricts these vehicles to operating exclusively within barangays or subdivisions for local transportation purposes.
Safety Concerns Prompt Strict Measures
The proliferation of e-trikes and e-bikes has raised significant safety alarms among transportation authorities. These electric vehicles have been observed engaging in dangerous practices, including racing against motorists and passenger jeepneys on busy highways. Many operators lack proper driver's licenses, creating additional hazards when accidents occur.
In San Fernando alone, the number of e-trikes and e-bikes operating along MacArthur Highway has become uncountable. These vehicles typically pick up passengers from Barangay Poblacion and transport them to Barangay Sindalan, directly competing with traditional passenger jeepneys that were once considered the "Kings of the Road."
Enforcement Challenges and Public Expectations
While the new regulation provides a clear framework for controlling e-trike and e-bike operations, questions remain about consistent enforcement. Public observers have expressed concerns that the implementation might follow the "Ningas Cogon" pattern - starting strong but quickly fading.
Starting December 1, 2025, LTO authorities will begin apprehending any e-trike or e-bike found violating the national highway ban. The public awaits to see if transportation officials will faithfully execute this seemingly straightforward directive that addresses critical road safety issues affecting communities across the Philippines.
