556 E-bike crashes recorded in NCR in 2023
By Nidz Godino
"There should be no speed limitation…ror as long as these vehicles are used in public roads, they should be registered," Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza told Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that there were 556 crash incidents of electric bikes (e-bikes) in Metro Manila in 2023.
According to LTFRB's data sent to reporters, e-bike crashes in National Capital Region (NCR) resulted in 281 instances of property damage, 273 non-fatal injuries and two fatal injuries.
Crash incidents peaked in August 2023 with 64 cases, while lowest recorded totaled to 26 cases in November 2023.
Quezon City posted highest number of incidents among cities in NCR with 96 e-bike crash cases. Of these, 42 are recorded as property damage with 54 non-fatal injuries.
Following Quezon City in total number of crash incidents are these areas:
- Marikina- 72
- Taguig- 71
- Manila- 52
- Parañaque- 46
- Makati- 39
- Caloocan- 36
- Pasig- 36
- Las Piñas- 29
- Pasay- 22
- Muntinlupa- 15
- Mandaluyong- 14
- Valenzuela 11
- Pateros- 7
- San Juan- 7
- Malabon- 2
- Navotas- 1
In November 2023, LTO proposed mandatory registration of e-bikes, saying only registered e-bikes should be allowed to use public roads.
According to LTO Administrative Order 2021-035, electric vehicles that have maximum speed below 25 kilometers per hour are exempt from registration with LTO.
Only electric scooters and e-bicycles, regardless of vehicle capacity, registered will be allowed to use public roads under a proposal of LTO.
Mendoza said proposal for the mandatory registration of these electric vehicles (EVs) would be submitted to Department of Transportation.
Under LTO Administrative Order 2021-035, EVs with maximum speed of less than 25 kilometers are not required to register with LTO.
"We understand side of manufacturers and importers and public, but law is law," he added.
Mendoza said registration of e-vehicles would help motorists with road safety, especially if vehicle is involved in accidents.
He said unregistered e-bikes can only be used within private roads or subdivisions.
Motorists driving unregistered vehicles or with expired vehicle registration face fine of P10,000.
Mendoza said minors should not be allowed to drive EVs.
Meanwhile, LTO said 12.9 million motorcycles in country remain unregistered.
At public hearing of Senate justice committee chaired by Sen. Francis Tolentino on proposed amendments to Republic Act 11235 or Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, LTO said two million cars and trucks are also unregistered.
Mendoza said many delinquent motorcycle owners either forget to renew their registration or fail to transfer ownership after purchasing vehicle.
Citing LTO data, Mendoza said only 13.9 million of 38 million four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles on the road were registered as of 2003.
Sen. J.V. Ejercito, author of the bill proposing amendments to RA 11235, said the fines for non-registration of motorcycles should be lowered.
He said penalty of imprisonment for violating RA 11235 is "too harsh and discriminatory" to motorcycle owners.
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