LTO Classification of eBike & Scooter

Owning an electric bike (ebike) is kind of a big deal now. It’s becoming more popular, thanks to the increasing awareness of environmental protection and campaigns against pollution. With the rising number of those who ride ebikes, the number of accidents involving e-bikes has also risen, prompting the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to hold a meeting with the different local traffic bureaus of Metro Manila cities to discuss LTO’s Administrative Order (AO) 2021-039, otherwise known as the Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration, and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles.

AO 2021-039, which was signed in 2021, sets the regulations that govern the use, registration, and associated fees for all kinds of ebikes in the country. Some types require registration with the LTO while some require its driver to have a valid driver’s license. Now, if you’re wondering whether the type you own requires registration or a license to operate from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), we listed the detailed information on different e-bikes and their respective classifications, road restrictions, and if, indeed, they require a driver’s license and registration, as well as a helmet.

classification of ebikes philippines

What is an eBike

eBike, otherwise known as electric bike, is, in broad terms, a term used to refer to any two- or three-wheeled mode of transportation propelled by an electric motor. With the limited public transportation and the sky-high fuel price, more and more people have switched to riding ebikes to get to work or run around for their daily errands. Unfortunately, the popularity of ebikes has become so noticeable that the number of accidents involving them have also caught the attention of the authorities, particularly the MMDA and the LTO, hence the stricter regulatory policies.

eBikes are classified into different types and depending on the type of ebike that you possess, you may be required to secure an ebike registration or a driver’s license, or to wear a helmet. There might also be restrictions as to where the ebike can be used. That said, it is important to know your ebike classification in case you end up breaking some rules and get penalized for it.

Types of eBikes as Classified by the LTO

The policies and classification of ebikes are all detailed in the LTO’s Administrative Order (AO) 2021-039. If you need to know whether you are required to register your ebike with the LTO or if you need to secure a driver’s license to operate one, then the AO 2021-039 is the literature you’re looking for. Luckily, we have them all here as well, so there’s no need to bother digging through the issuances from the agency.

Here’s a list of the different ebike classifications, along with the restrictions and requirements associated with the use of each one:

Personal Mobility Scooter (PMS)

This refers to the type of electric bike (ebike) with three or four wheels that can either be steered with or without the use of pedals. These vehicles must have motor power ratings of less than 300 watts and have a top speed of no more than 12.5 km per hour. This type is designed for shorter trips and within the community.

Restrictions on the road

The operation of this type of vehicle is limited to:

  • Lanes on private roads subject to internal rules of the said private road
  • Pedestrian walkways
  • Bicycle lanes, and
  • Other similar areas for bike lane usage

Requirements

As for the requirements:

  • Helmet – Yes, but Bicycle Helmet Only
  • Driver’s License and Registration – Not Required

Electric Kick Scooter

It is a two-wheeled electric bike similar to personal mobility scooters. It features all the basic parts of a kick scooter, from the handlebars to the deck and wheels, but it is exclusively powered by electricity. It’s accessible and mobile, and is the perfect option to ride in from point A to point B without the need to think about parking spaces or to suffer from car traffic headaches.

Restrictions on the road

The operation of this type of vehicle is limited to:

  • barangay roads
  • designated pedestrian walkways
  • bicycle lanes,
  • other similar lanes

Requirements

As for the requirements, here’s your instructions:

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

Category L1

This category of electric vehicle refers to any vehicle with two wheels powered by electricity, including ebikes. Vehicles categorized as Category L1 can either be steered with or without the use of pedals and have a top speed of no more than up to 50 km per hour.

The electric vehicles under Category L1 are further subdivided into two: L1a and L1b.

Category L1a (E-Bikes; E-Moped 2W)

Electric vehicles under this category refers to any moped or bicycle with two wheels powered by electricity. Vehicles categorized as Category L1a can be ridden with or without pedals but its top speed is only up to a maximum of 25 km/h.

Restrictions on the road

This type of electric vehicle is only allowed to operate under the following conditions:

  • Will only operate on designated bike lanes within local barangay roads
  • When crossing national and other types of roads at the intersections; but not for public transportation.
  • Operated on bicycle lanes and other similar lanes

Requirements

As for the requirements, here’s what you need:

  • Helmet – Yes, Bicycle Helmet Only
  • Driver’s License and Registration – Not required

Category L1b (Light E-Scooter; E-Moped 2W)

It is a vehicle similar to those in L1a but with a maximum speed of 26 to 50 kms/hr.

Restrictions on the road

This type of electric vehicle is only allowed to operate under the following conditions:

  • May be allowed to go beyond barangay road, but only on the edge of the road
  • The vehicle may be used to cross main thoroughfares and national roads intersecting with allowed roads, but not for public transport due to lighter construction

Requirements

As for the requirements, here’s what you need:

  • Helmet – Yes, Motorcycle Helmet Only
  • Driver’s License and Registration – Not required

Category L2

This category of electric vehicle refers to any three-wheeled vehicle powered by electricity. Vehicles categorized as Category L2 can be steered with or without the use of pedals and have a top speed of no more than up to 50 km per hour.

The electric vehicles under Category L1 are further subdivided into two: L2a and L2b.

Category L2a (E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W)

Electric vehicles categorized under L2a refer to three-wheeled electric moped operated with or without pedaling at a maximum speed of not more than 25 km per hour.

Restrictions on the road

This vehicle will only be allowed on the following:

  • private road
  • barangay road and
  • bicycle lanes
  • The vehicle may cross main thoroughfares and national roads adjacent to allowed roads, if and only if the driver yields the right of way to oncoming traffic
  • It is prohibited to use the vehicle as a public transport vehicle

Requirements

As for the requirements, here’s what you need:

  • Helmet – Yes, Bicycle Helmet Only
  • Driver’s License and Registration – Not required

Category L2b (E-Scooter; E-Moped 3W)

Electric vehicles categorized under L2b refer to three-wheeled electric moped operated with or without pedaling at a maximum speed of 26 to 50 km per hour.

Restrictions on the road

This type of electric vehicle is only allowed to operate under the following conditions:

  • It is permitted to use other local roads beyond the barangay roads as long as the vehicle remains on the outermost part of the road closest to the edge
  • Drivers of this vehicle category may cross national roads that intersect with allowed roads, but only if they observe the proper right of way and yield to oncoming vehicles.
  • Vehicles of this type cannot be used for public transport services due to lighter construction

Requirements

As for the requirements, here’s what you need:

  • Helmet – Yes, Motorcycle Helmet Only
  • Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration – Required

Category L3 (e-Motorcycle)

This category of electric bikes refer to electric motorcycles powered exclusively by an electric motor, whose top speed is over 50km/h.

Restrictions on the road

This type of electric vehicle is only allowed to operate under the following conditions:

  • Allowed in all types of roads except limited-access highways.
  • There is no restriction on using slow vehicle units on all types of roads, but if the vehicle doesn’t meet the minimum power rating set by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), then they may not be allowed on highways.
  • It can be used for public transport, too, but with some regulations

Requirements

As for the requirements, here’s what you need:

  • Helmet – Motorcycle Hel wemet Only
  • Driver’s License and Registration – Required

Category L4 and L5 (e-Trike or 3-Wheeled e-Vehicle)

This category solely describes e-trikes or any three-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor. It is powered with electrical energy with a minimum motor power rating of at least 1000 watts, capable of propelling the unit at a max speed not exceeding 50 km/hr. It has a maximum curb weight of 600 lbs and was designed to carry goods, cargoes, and passengers.

Restrictions on the road

This type of electric vehicle is only allowed to operate under the following conditions:

  • May travel beyond the barangay roads and take other local and tertiary public roads.
  • The driver needs to give the right of way and yield to traffic when crossing main thoroughfares and national highways.
  • May traverse national highways and major thoroughfares as long as it complies with the ordinance
  • It can not be used for limited access highways where vehicles are generally much faster
  • The vehicle can also be used for private hire, when authorized by concerned local government units (LGU), provided that they stay on the outermost lane/part of the highway

Requirements

As for the requirements, here’s what you need:

  • Helmet – Not required
  • Driver’s License and Registration – Required

Category L6 and L7 (e-Quad)

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

L6 or light quadricycle

Category L6 or light quadricycles are electric microcars which have an unloaded mass of not more than 350 kg and are powered by electrical energy up to 4000 watts.

L7 or heavy quadricycle

Category L7 or heavy quadricycles refer to those electric microcars with an unloaded mass of not more than 550 kg and powered by electrical energy up to 15,000 watts.

Restrictions on the road

This type of electric vehicle is only allowed to operate under the following conditions:

  • 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
  • They can traverse highways and major thoroughfares, with the passage of an ordinance
  • This vehicle is also ineligible for use in limited access highways

Requirements

As for the requirements, here’s what you need:

  • Helmet – Not required
  • Driver’s License and Registration – Required

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers related to ebike classifications:

1. Are e-bikes allowed on highways in the Philippines like EDSA?

If you have a Category L3 vehicle or an electric motorcycle in the Philippines, you’re allowed to use all types of roads except for highways where vehicle speeds are normally faster (except for units with higher power ratings whose minimum is set by the Department of Transportation). You may use your L3 electric vehicle for public transport, but remember that it will be subject to existing road laws and regulations. If you own an electric bike under this classification, you’re mandated to wear a prescribed motorcycle helmet.

2. What is an e-moped?

E-moped refers to electric mopeds, a two-wheeled vehicle or bike powered by an electric motor and a rechargeable battery that follows a moped-style similar to the shape of a Vespa. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and produce zero emissions while in use.

3. Are ebikes and electric cars the same?

No. eBIkes are generally bikes that run on electric power. They are light structured, two- or three-wheeled, with the exception of the e-quad which is four-wheeled, and have limited power rating and speed. On the flip side, electric cars are electric powered vehicles with higher power ratings and speed and can be used like other four or more-wheeled motor vehicles.

Summary

Understanding that ebikes, like other forms of transportation in the Philippines, come in different types and classifications is the first step to checking how to get your ebike authorized for legal use on the open roads. Not only does it let you know the specifics of the ebike registration procedures, but it also helps one prepare for the fees, including the registration fees and Motor Vehicle User Charge (MVUC), making it easier to legally use the ebike on Philippine public roads.

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