An active transport advocacy group on Saturday welcomed the Marcos administration’s move to include two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles in the range of EVs covered by the zero-tariff policy. 

AltMobility PH Director Ira Cruz described it as a step in the right direction as it provides people with more affordable transport options. Electric bicycle and motorcycle distributors also expect an increase in sales because of the measure. 

But Cruz pointed out that reducing the cost of such vehicles will not amount to much if they are not given road space. 

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to ban e-bicycles, e-tricycles, electric kickscooters, electric scooters, electric unicycles, tricycles, pushcarts, pedicabs, and kuligligs on major roads. 

E-motorcycles, e-bikes now also zero tariff until 2028 as PH eyes EV shift  

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the MMDA to defer the implementation of the ban for one month but that grace period lapses May 18. The MMDA has yet to release a statement on when it will begin apprehensions. 

“This is not going to work if we are not going to deal with the restrictions that are being implemented by MMDA and DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government). You’ve reduced the cost but then the question is, are they able to use it?” said Cruz. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) reiterated that light electric vehicle users may still traverse national roads as long as they stay on the bike lanes. 

“Sa EVIDA (Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act) law, allowed naman na dumaan sa bike lanes, especially dito sa EDSA, as long as yung light electric vehicle ay hindi lalagpas ng 50 kilograms at tsaka yung kanyang maximum speed at 25 kilometers,” said DOTr Undersecretary Andy Ortega. 

Manila Traffic officers apprehend e-bike riders  

However, Cruz argues that many national roads do not actually have bike lanes.  

“Some cities have a more active policy to make sure that bike infrastructure is continually being constructed. some cities don’t have policies at all. And you have other cities on the other end of the spectrum that’s been removing bike lanes,” he added. 

In response, Ortega said the DOTr is already working on this. 

“Kaya nga mas puspusan tayo dito sa DOTr to go and do further yung mga bike lanes para mas ma-accommodate natin and makasiguro po tayo na dadami ito, yung mga electric vehicles, light electric vehicles,” said Ortega. 

Ortega said the DOTr will also coordinate with the MMDA to make sure their policies are aligned with Marcos’ directive, which is to promote the use of EVs, and active mobility in the country.