Light electric bikes (ebikes) and light electric scooters (e-scooters) have easily made it to the top of the list of the most popular modes of short-distance transportation in the Philippines. Not only are they more economical than conventional motorcycles, but they are also relatively cheaper, more environment-friendly, and more convenient to use. Some also think that they don’t need any government registration, but this bit is not entirely the case in the Philippines, thanks to the new Republic Act 11697, otherwise known as The Act Providing for the Development of the Electric Vehicle Industry or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) Law.
If you’re wondering if an e-bike license is necessary in the Philippines, if it is, the requirements and procedures on how to go about getting it done, then you need to keep reading this guide. After all, yes, some ebikes and e-scooters do require registrations from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) before they can be legally used in the Philippines.
eBike Registration in LTO: What is It For
In June 2022, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) made a public reminder. It says that Filipinos who own certain types of ebikes and e-scooters need to secure an LTO registration and, in some cases, a driver’s license, thanks to the new Republic Act 11697, otherwise known as The Act Providing for the Development of the Electric Vehicle Industry or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law). This law came about after the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recorded more than 300 road crashes involving e-vehicles along major roads in Metro Manila in 2021.
Thanks to the EVIDA Law, the Philippines now has a working regulatory framework that creates a comprehensive roadmap for the operation of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines. It governs everything about EVs, from the manufacturing to the assembly, importation, construction, installation, maintenance, trade and utilization, research and development, and regulation of electric vehicles, as well as other benefits which you can find in this article on EVIDA Law.
LTO Registration for eBikes and Other eVehicles (EVs)
Though the sale of ebikes and many EVs are not regulated by law or by the LTO, some vehicles are mandated by law to have a license, both for the drivers and the EVs. Because of this law, the registration of ebikes and other EVs have been made available at the following branches of the LTO:
- Diliman District Office
- Quezon City District Office
- Pasay District Office
- Caloocan District Office
In addition, the MMDA also offers FREE charging station for e-bikes and e-scooters at Barangay Ugong in Pasig City, along with other free services for the motorists.
E-Vehicles Covered by the LTO Registration Requirement
The registration guidelines detailed in the EVIDA Law cover the following, as defined by the LTO order:
Personal mobility scooter (PMS)
A personal mobility scooter (PMS) refers to any two-, three-, or four-wheeled vehicle, with or without pedals, powered by electric energy with less than 300 wattage.
Electric Kick Scooter
An electric kick scooter refers to a two-, three-, or four-wheeled vehicle, with or without pedals, powered by electric energy with less than 300 wattage and a top speed of no more than 12.5 km per hour.
E-Bikes; E-Moped 2W
eBikes and e-Moped 2W exclusively refers to two-wheeled vehicles, with or without pedals, powered by electrical energy capable of propelling the unit up to a maximum speed of 25 kph and a top speed of no more than 12.5 km per hour.
Light E-Scooter; E-Moped 2W
Light e-Scooters and e-Moped 2W are two-wheeled vehicles, with or without pedals, powered by electrical energy capable of propelling the unit for up to a maximum speed of 50 kph.
E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2a category)
e-Scooters and e-Moped 3W are any three-wheeled vehicle, with or without pedals, powered by electrical energy capable of propelling the unit up to a maximum speed of 25 kph.
E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2b category)
e-Scooters and e-Moped 3W refers to three-wheeled vehicles, with or without pedals, powered by electrical energy capable of propelling the unit up to a maximum speed of 50 kph.
E-Motorcycle
e-Motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles powered solely by electrical energy capable of propelling the unit for more than 50 kph.
e-Trike or 3-Wheeled e-Vehicle
e-Trike or 3-Wheeled e-Vehicle refers to three-wheeled vehicles powered by electrical energy with minimum rated power of 1000 watts, capable of propelling the unit not more than 50 kph with maximum curb weight of 600 kg and designed to carry goods, cargoes, and passengers.
e-Quad
An e-quad is a four-wheeled microcar with limited weight, power, and speed.
e-Quads are divided into two types:
- L6 or light quadricycle which has an unloaded mass of not more than 350 kg and is powered by electrical energy up to 4000 watts.
- L7 or heavy quadricycle which is an e-quad with unloaded mass of not more than 550 kg and powered by electrical energy up to 15,000 watts.
Processing eBike Registrations in LTO
Processing ebike registrations at the LTO refers to getting the ebikes and other EV types registered and licensed by the agency after being deemed roadworthy. Just like how regular motor vehicles are registered, select ebikes are mandated by law to be entered into the LTO system for tracking, inspection, and emission testing and assessment before they can be allowed on the open roads. Likewise, those EVs that require LTO registrations are also subject to LTO fees, including the Motor Vehicle User Charge (MVUC).
Requirements
Like every other vehicle registration procedures, those who are looking to register electric vehicles and ebikes also have to meet the requirements of the agency. According to the LTO Administrative Order 2021-039, manufacturers, assemblers, and/or importers must submit the specifications of the electric vehicle model to their office. These specifications will then be used by the agency to determine the EV classification as well as the rates of MVUC under which the EV will fall. Sich needs to be done no later than three (3) months before the market introduction of any new model.
Except for emission requirements, the requirements for classification of new model electric vehicles and initial registration follow existing policies, rules, and regulations on motor vehicle registration.
These documentary requirements are as follows:
Requirements for Classification
- Classification request letter
- Electric vehicle specifications
- Vehicle photos submitted for classification
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Report from LTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (MVIC)
Requirements for Initial Registration
- ebike commercial invoice from the country of origin
- Bureau of Customs Certificate of Payment
- Certificated of Stock Reported (CSR)
- Sales invoices of MV with sales evaluation from the regional office
- PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate
- Completed and approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
- Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC)
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
So, if you ever think of getting an ebike which can reach a top speed of below 25 kph, or an electric scooter with a pedal, or an electric scooter with a kickboard, then you don’t have to worry about obtaining a license or registering the EV. You simply need to take note of the requirements and restrictions of using electric bikes including the type of roads they are allowed on.
Procedures for Processing eBike LTO Registrations in the Philippines
In case your choice for ebike or other electric vehicle falls under the category of those that need LTO registrations, then here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Prepare the documentary requirements for classification and initial registration and proceed to your chosen LTO Regional or District Office from among the list of designated LTO offices in the Philippines.
Step 2: Once there at your chosen LTO office, proceed to the LTO evaluator and submit the requirements.
Step 3: Wait for the evaluator to check the documents and put them into the LTO system for approval.
Step 4: Upon approval, the approving officer will give you a breakdown of the fees that you will need to pay.
Step 5: Take the breakdown of fees to the cashier and settle the payment.
Step 6: Once the payment is complete, wait for the releasing officer to release your official receipt (OR) and certificate of registration (CR).
LTO eBike Registration Fees
eBike registration, like regular motor vehicle registrations at the LTO, doesn’t come free. There are associated registration fees and it varies depending upon the type and classification of motor vehicles.
For categories:
- L2b: e-scooter
- L3: e-motorcycle
There is a registration fee amounting to a total of Php240, the same as the registration fee for a motorcycle without a sidecar.
For category:
- L4: e-trike
For EVs under this category, the fee is Php300 which is equivalent to the cost of registration for a motorcycle with a sidecar.
For categories:
- L5: e-trike
- L6: e-quad
- L7: e-quad
The registration fee will set you back by Php1,600, similar to the registration fee of a light car.
Penalties
Just like how every regulatory rule is like, every violation comes with a consequence. For LTO violations involving ebikes and other types of EVs, the LTO e-bike memorandum is quite clear. The following violations come with specific monetary penalties and sometimes, penalties under the Department of Transportation and Communication Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 (DOTC JAO 2014-01) also apply.
- Unregistered vehicle or expired vehicle registration – ₱10,000
- Not wearing a helmet (applies to drivers, riders, and backriders) – ₱1,500
- Failure to carry your OR/CR – ₱1,000
- Operating in restricted roads – ₱1,000
Important Reminders
For your reference, here are some real important thing you will need to remember:
- Hybrid vehicles, along with electric vehicles (EVs) are exempted from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number coding.
- Depending on the type of ebike, driving may be allowed on side streets, barangay roads, and other major thoroughfares and highways, as well as national roads.
- The type or class of ebikes also decide on whether the driver requires helmets or not as well as the type of helmet they need.
- The classification is also the basis for the Motor Vehicle User Charge (MVUC) or the registration fee.
- All kinds of the EV that require LTO registration are assigned a special plate.
- Before a special plate can be assigned to an ebike, it must first be issued a certification of roadworthiness.
- A certificate of roadworthiness is issued after the agency checks an EVs electric components, battery, and charging system, among others, and declares them roadworthy.
- All ebikes and EVs enjoy the following benefits in the Philippines:
- Priority registration
- Priority renewal of registration
- Issuance of a special type of vehicle plate.
- Exemption from the mandatory unified vehicular volume reduction program, number-coding scheme, or other similar schemes implemented by different government agencies.
- Priority registration
- Priority renewal of registration
- Issuance of a special type of vehicle plate.
- Exemption from the mandatory unified vehicular volume reduction program, number-coding scheme, or other similar schemes implemented by different government agencies.
- Long-term 100 percent excise tax exemptions for full battery operated vehicles
- Long-term 50 percent excise tax exemptions for hybrid vehicles that operate both by fuel and battery
- Lesser reliance on imported fuel
- Designated electric vehicle charging stations in gasoline stations
- Priority designated parking from various establishments
- Savings from fuel pump
- Greener environment and an economical upgrade for vehicles
Video: eBike Registration at the LTO
If you want to learn more about ebike registrations at the LYO in the Philippines, then you’ve got to watch this video from Marah’s minivlog:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For more information, here are some common questions and answers about ebike registrations at the LTO:
1. Why do e-bikes need LTO registration and driver’s license?
The registration of e-bikes is in compliance with the new Republic Act 11697 or the EVIDA Law. Failure to comply would mean violations and penalties, which could mean wasted time and money on something that could have been avoided if only you followed the rules.
2. What is curb weight?
Curb weight in ebikes or EVs refers to the total unloaded mass of a vehicle with standard equipment and all necessary operating consumables like fluids, batteries, refrigerant, coolant, etc.
3. What is an Electric Vehicle?
An electric vehicle is exactly like a motor vehicle in the sense that it is a helpful tool for mobility and transport. The difference between electric vehicle and motor vehicle is that an electric vehicle is solely powered by electric motors with power storage that charge directly from external sources. This includes hybrid vehicles.
4. What is e-4 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 whereas 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.
5. What is an e-Motorcycle?
An e-motorcycle refers to any two-wheeled vehicle solely powered by electrical energy propelling 50km/h.
6. Is a driver’s license required when driving ebikes?
Yes and no, depending on the type of ebike or electric vehicle that you are driving. Here’s a list for your guidance:
- Not required:
- Personal mobility scooter (PMS)
- Electric Kick Scooter
- E-Bikes; E-Moped 2W
- Light E-Scooter; E-Moped 2W
- E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2a category)
- Required:
- E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2b category)
- E-Motorcycle
- E-Trike/3-Wheeled Vehicle
- E-Quad
7. Is a helmet required when driving or riding an ebike?
Yes, for certain types of electric vehicles including these types on the list:
- Similar to helmets designed for bicycles
- Personal mobility scooter (PMS)
- E-Bikes; E-Moped 2W
- E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2a category)
- Similar to helmets designed for motorcycles
- Electric Kick Scooter
- Motorcycle protective helmet
- Light E-Scooter; E-Moped 2W
- E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2b category)
- Motorcycle standard helmet with ICC stickers
- E-Motorcycle
- These e-vehicles don’t require helmets
- E-Trike/3-Wheeled Vehicle
- E-Quad
8. What’s the maximum speed allowed for ebikes?
The maximum allowable speed for each ebike type and other EVs are as follows:
- Personal mobility scooter (PMS) – 12.5 kph
- Electric Kick Scooter – 12.5 kph
- E-Bikes; E-Moped 2W – 25 kph
- Light E-Scooter; E-Moped 2W – 26-50 kph
- E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2a category) – 25 kph
- E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W (L2b category) – 26-50 kph
- E-Motorcycle – can exceed 50 kph
- E-Trike/3-Wheeled Vehicle – not exceeding 50 kph
- E-Quad – not exceeding 45 kph (for L6 category)
Summary
As ebikes and other types of electric vehicles do not burn any gas and do not emit any pollution into the air, they are fast becoming a more popular alternative for city usage. Not only do they serve well in keeping the environment safe because they do not emit any harmful gasses into the atmosphere, but their use also results in fewer pollutants as well as fewer carbon emissions. One study by the European Cyclists Federation even says that e-bikes have a carbon footprint of fewer than 150 grams per mile or between 2.6 and 5 grams of carbon dioxide per mile.
Not only that, they seem to be the cheaper alternative amidst the continued increase in oil and fuel prices. Owning one also comes with numerous benefits and freebies and exemptions. Some types do not require LTO registrations too, but for those types that do, we hope that the guide given above prove to be helpful in helping you save time and trouble in getting your ebike registered in LTO.