E-Bikes and E-Scooters Classification: Helmet, Licensing and Registration

Do E-Scooters require LTO registration?

Since 2021, LTO requires electric vehicles to be registered, and MMDA recently reminded the public that electric vehicles are subject to licensing requirements. Getting an electric vehicle registered in the Philippines might seem quite complicated, but it is relatively simple. In addition, there are limitations regarding what kind of EVs can be driven on which roads, whether helmets are mandatory, and whether or not a driver’s license and registration are required. 

Furthermore, thanks to Administrative Order 2021-39 (Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles), we now know the different classifications the Land Transportation Office uses for each type of electric vehicle.

DEFINITION OF TERMS ACCORDING TO LTO

What is curb weight?

The total unloaded mass of a vehicle with standard equipment and all necessary operating consumables like fluids, batteries, refrigerant, coolant, etc.

What is an Electric Vehicle?

A motor vehicle powered by electric motors with power storage charge directly from external sources. This includes hybrid vehicles.

What is e-Moped?

There are two types of e-Mope:

e-Moped 2W (also classified as L1a and L1b) is classified as a two-wheeled electric vehicle with a maximum speed of 50 km/h.

e-Moped 3W(also classified as l2a and l2b) is a three-wheeled vehicle, with or without pedals, powered by electrical energy with a maximum speed of 50km/h.

What is an e-Motorcycle?

A two-wheeled vehicle solely powered by electrical energy propelling 50km/h.

Now, suppose you are planning on getting an E-Bike or E-Scooter or already have one. In that case, you should read over the guidelines of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

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FREE charging station for e-bikes, e-scooters launched by the MMDA

Electric Mobility Scooter

Vehicles with three or four wheels can either be steered with or without pedaling. These vehicles should have motor power ratings of less than 300 watts and have a top speed of no more than 12.5 km per hour.

Restrictions on the road

• It is important to consider limitations on the use of lanes on private roads and to designate pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, and other similar areas for lane usage.

Requirements:
Helmet – Bicycle Helmet Only
Driver’s License and Registration – Not Required

Electric Kick Scooter

It is similar to personal mobility scooters but only has two wheels.

Restrictions on the road

• It is restricted to barangay roads, designated pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, and other similar lanes.

Requirements:
Helmet – Motorcycle Helmet Only
Driver’s License and Registration – Not required

Category L1a

A moped or bicycle with two wheels powered by electricity can be ridden with or without pedals and whose top speed is less than 25km/h.

Restrictions on the road

• Only allowed on designated bike lanes within local barangay roads. Drivers are permitted to cross national and other types of roads at the intersections; however, these cannot be used for public transportation.

Requirements:
Helmet – Bicycle Helmet Only
Driver’s License and Registration – Not required

Category L1b

It is a vehicle similar to those in L1a but with a maximum speed of 50km/hr.

Restrictions on the road

• The vehicle may be used on other local roads that extend beyond barangay roads, as long as it stays on the edge of the road. As long as the driver yields the right-of-way to each incoming vehicle, they may cross main thoroughfares and national roads intersecting with allowed roads. However, this cannot be used for public transportation.

Requirements:
Helmet – Motorcycle Helmet Only
Driver’s License and Registration – Not required

Category L2a

A three-wheeled electric moped operated with or without pedaling has a maximum speed of not more than 25 km per hour.

Restrictions on the road

• This will only be allowed on private, barangay, and bicycle lanes. The vehicle may cross main thoroughfares and national roads adjacent to allowed roads, provided that the driver yields the right of way to oncoming traffic. It is prohibited to use the vehicle as a public transport vehicle.

Requirements:
Helmet – Bicycle Helmet Only
Driver’s License and Registration – Not required

Category L2b

Vehicles of this type are similar to those in L2a but only have a maximum speed of 50 km/h.

Restrictions on the road

• It is permitted to use other local roads beyond the barangay roads. This is only as long as the vehicle remains on the part of the road closest to the edge. Just like the previous E-vehicles, drivers may cross national roads that intersect with allowed roads. Also, this cannot be used for public transport services.

Requirements:
Helmet – Motorcycle Helmet Only
Driver’s License and Registration – Required

Category L3

Electric motorcycle powered exclusively by an electric motor, whose top speed is over 50km/h.

Restrictions on the road

• There is no restriction on using slow vehicle units on all types of roads. However, suppose they don’t meet the minimum power rating set by the Department of Transportation. In that case, they may not be allowed on highways. Public transportation is allowed, but some regulations must be followed.

Requirements:
Helmet – Motorcycle Helmet Only
Driver’s License and Registration – Required

Category L4 and L5

It is determined that a three-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor must have a motor power rating of at least 1000 watts, a max speed not exceeding 50km/hr, and a maximum curb weight of 600lbs.

Restrictions on the road

• May travel beyond the barangay roads and take other local and tertiary public roads. The driver must yield to traffic when crossing main thoroughfares and national highways. The vehicle can also be used for private hire. As long as it complies with the ordinance, it can traverse national highways and major thoroughfares. But it should not be used for limited access highways.

Requirements:
Helmet – Not required
Driver’s License and Registration – Required

Category L6 and L7

A four-wheeled microcar propelled solely by an electric motor is called an E-quad (electric quadricycle). E-quads are classified into light (L6) and heavy (L7) e-quads based on their unladen weight, motor power rating, and whether they exceed 45km/hr.

Restrictions on the road

• Allowed to use local and tertiary national roads other than private and barangay roads. Drivers can only cross main thoroughfares and national roads if they yield to oncoming traffic. As long as the vehicle stays near the edge of the road, it can be used as for-hire private transport as authorized by local government units and can traverse highways and major thoroughfares. This vehicle is also ineligible for limited access highways.

Requirements:
Helmet – Not required
Driver’s License and Registration – Required

What are the Penalties for e-bikes and e-scooters?

Drivers, owners, and passengers of electric vehicles who do not follow the guidelines are subject to different penalties. Failure to display a registration certificate comes with a Php1,000 fine.

Operating on restricted roads carries the same fine. Php1,500 for not wearing a helmet, Php10,000 for using unregistered/expired EVs. Other penalties are outlined in the DOTC Joint Administrative Order 2014-01

For those of you who are owners of any of the above mention e-vehicles, you may refer to the official copy of the LTO’s AO 2021-039 by clicking here.

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