Harmonize policies on e-bikes
June 22, 2023Harmonize policies on e-bikes
CitizenWatch is urging government regulators to harmonize existing policy on the importation of electric motorcycles and electric bicycles being sold in the gray market. Conflicting policies will slow down transition to environmentally friendly transportation modes. The current situation frustrates the objective of shifting to safer, more affordable, and more sustainable means of transportation.
Clearly, there is demand for electric motorcycles and bicycles. Our inadequate mass transportation system, the high cost of fuel, and the desire of an increasing number of Filipinos to do more for the environment are making them look at other options to get themselves from Point A to Point B. They also have the added appeal of being easy to use.
But it is not enough to simply respond to this demand by opening importation of EVs. We have to make sure that we do it the right way, the safe way. Ultimately, this should redound to the benefit of the riding public and empower them to be more efficient with their time and resources while also protecting their well-being.
National policies like Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and the Land Transportation Office’s Administrative Order No 2021-039 or the Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration, and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles lay the foundations for the gradual but certain transition to more sustainable modes of transportation.
But there are problems. For example, electric kick scooters, which under the AO do not require registration or the user’s driver’s license, may in fact be capable of going beyond 25kph – the speed cap for its category. This is a serious safety issue and must be addressed urgently. Faster vehicles need to be registered and their drivers need to secure licenses.
And then, a road sign banning e-motorcycles and e-bicycles on Boni Avenue in Mandaluyong City has sparked confusion and debate, especially since it is a national road. The ban clearly contravenes the national policy to transition away from fossil burning modes of transportation and encourage the use of zero-emission electric vehicles. But the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EVIDA Law also grants local government units (LGUs) the power to issue regulations on EV operations.
This conflict must be resolved at the soonest possible time. Prohibiting e-bikes on main roads unfairly penalizes e-bike users from using these public roads. As a result, users of electric vehicles will then be forced to find alternative routes which will be circuitous, and which will be a waste of their time and energy.
This is inconsistent with the government’s intent to push the transition to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
There should be a thorough review of existing regulations that need to be updated and harmonized with the government’s sustainability agenda wherein shifting towards zero emissions is not just a national but a global strategy to prevent the catastrophic effects of climate change. The government, the stakeholders of the EV industry, and local governments need to iron out these policy kinks to accelerate the shift to green transportation modes.
Atty Kit Belmonte
Convenor