BY ALEXANDRIA SAN JUAN
Personal mobility devices such as electric scooters and e-bikes will be required to be registered, while its riders will need to have license, an official from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said.
LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said the agency has already submitted an initial copy of guidelines to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) which is now drafting a memorandum circular that will oversee all kinds of electric vehicles including e-scooters and two-wheeled e-bikes.
“Generally, sa ating batas, Republic Act 4136, irregardless kung ito ay electric- or gas-powered vehicle, kailangan ito ay registered at ang gumagamit ay lisensyado,” Galvante said in an interview on Tuesday.
In the draft guidelines, Galvante said e-scooters and e-bikes were categorized — those in the lower category can be used only within private compounds such as village or subdivisions, while bigger ones may be allowed to cross main roads but will not be allowed to traverse along highways or avenues.
Should they be allowed to travel along public roads, Galvante said that a protective attire will also be required.
The LTO chief emphasized that restricting the operation of e-scooters and e-bikes is for the welfare of the riders to ensure their safety while on the road.
Galvante said the memorandum will be published by the agency once approved by the DOTr for immediate implementation. (Alexandria San Juan)
