Rep. Ridon: LTO cannot legally seize private e-bikes and e-trikes

On Thursday, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the LTO has "no legal basis" to seize e-bikes and e-trikes used solely for private purposes. The statement came as the LTO told the Senate it plans to impound these vehicles on main roads starting December 1, 2025.

Representative Ridon noted that while the LTO may cite Section 73 of DOTC – LTO Memorandum Circular 89-105 allowing impounding of unregistered vehicles, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) exempts privately used LEVs from registration. "A memorandum circular cannot override a later, specific national law," he said, stressing private-use LEVs cannot be legally impounded. He added that private LEVs have "democratized" local transport, helping families with school runs, church visits, and market trips. "Dahil sa mga e-trike at e-bikes, nakakapaghatid-sundo ang mga nanay sa mga paaralan ng kanilang mga anak, nakakabisita ang mga lola sa simbahan, at nakakapamili ang mga pamilya sa mga palengke nang hindi gumagastos nang malaki para sa pamasahe," he added.

He emphasized that there is no legal basis to seize LEVs on major national roads, including those designated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). According to EVIDA, both private and for-hire LEVs are permitted on main local and national roads, with either segregated lanes or integration into existing bicycle lanes required along these routes.

Ridon urged the DOTr, LTO, and MMDA to halt plans targeting privately used LEVs and to reassess their policies to align with EVIDA. He added that if agencies exceed their authority, Congress may step in to ensure accountability.

Meanwhile, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the agency is working on finalizing the legal guidelines for registering e-bikes and e-trikes. He added that the initiative is intended to help curb the growing number of accidents involving light electric vehicles.