DOTR: On the USE OF E-Tricycles

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) respects the pronouncement of Mayor Isko Moreno to ban e-tricycles in Manila, as it is within the purview of the Local Government Unit (LGU) to grant franchise for the operation of tricycles in its area of jurisdiction.

DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Richmund de Leon clarified that a previous Memorandum Circular issued by the DOTr and its partner agency, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), prohibits tricycle operations along national roads.

“Joint Memorandum Circular 001 Series of 2017 of the DOTr and the DILG expressly states that ‘tricycle operation should only be confined along city or municipal roads, not along national roads, and is limited only to routes not traversed by higher modes of public transport’,” Usec. de Leon said.

The JMC, however, notes that local councils may allow e-trikes on national roads if there are no other alternative public transport mode or route.

“When the Department of Energy (DOE) donated to the DOTr in 2018 some 200 units of e-trikes to aid in providing environment-friendly transportation to tourists in Boracay, these electric vehicles were deployed in resort areas of the island, and not on national roads,” de Leon said.

“Similar with e-trikes, the Land Transportation Office-Philippines (LTO) also prohibits the use of e-bikes on national roads,” he added.

According to Usec. de Leon, the LTO, in view of the Manila LGU pronouncement, shall help clarify existing rules and will soon release a detailed memorandum circular regarding the registration and operation of e-trikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters.

“As the DOTr recognizes the full authority of Mayor Isko to cancel the franchises of e-tricycles in his city, we shall remain willing and ready to assist the City of Manila in rationalizing its public transportation system to improve the commuting experience of the public through enhanced mobility and connectivity,” Usec. de Leon said. (DOTr PR)