LTO to Enforce E-Trike and E-Bike Ban on Major NCR Roads Starting January 2, 2026

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will officially begin enforcing the ban on e-trikes and e-bikes along major roads in Metro Manila starting today, January 2, 2026.

The announcement was made on New Year’s Day, a month after the agency deferred the implementation of the prohibition on light electric vehicles (LEVs) in December to allow for further coordination and public awareness.

Under the policy, e-trikes and e-bikes will be prohibited from operating on key roads such as Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and the stretch from Quirino Avenue to Magallanes along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

According to LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, the enforcement is part of the agency’s broader efforts to improve road safety in the metropolis.

“Ang mga pangunahing lansangang ito ay idinisenyo para sa mas mabilis at mas malalaking sasakyan, at hindi angkop para sa mga e-trike dahil sa bilis ng daloy ng trapiko, dami ng sasakyan, at lawak ng mga lansangan. Ang pagsasabay ng mababagal at magagaan na sasakyan sa ganitong uri ng kalsada ay nagdudulot ng malinaw na panganib sa lahat ng gumagamit ng daan,” Lacanilao said.

He emphasized that the measure is intended to protect both motorists and riders, not to eliminate e-trikes as a mode of transport.

“Naiintindihan natin na marami sa atin ang umaasa sa mga e-trike bilang paraan ng paglalakbay, kaya naman handa ang LTO na makipagtulungan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at mga sektor ng industriya para bumuo ng mga ligtas at angkop na ruta para sa mga e-trike sa mga darating na araw,” he added.

To ensure proper implementation, the LTO said it will deploy sufficient law enforcement personnel at critical points along major roads to inform motorists and strictly enforce the ban.

While enforcement will be strict, the LTO clarified that this is not a total ban on e-trikes. The agency is coordinating with local government units and industry groups to identify safer, designated routes for electric trikes.

Violators may face fines and vehicle impounding under Republic Act 4136 and Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01. The policy will remain in effect pending the release of comprehensive guidelines from the Department of Transportation.

LTO also urged the public to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to ensure the safe and orderly flow of traffic along Metro Manila’s busiest roads.