Banning e-bikes: Another blow to mobility, transport options

Amid issues with long public transport queues and heavy traffic led by worsening car-centrism, Metro Manila residents now face a new dilemma following a ban on electronic bikes (e-bikes) on major roads.

Once posed as a silver bullet for mobility, e-bikes and other lightweight vehicles will be barred from passing through select busy highways starting April 15 due to “safety concerns,” according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). 

Following its growing popularity, however, the push against e-bikes from the Metro’s key arteries could result in unprecedented longer travel and difficulties finding alternative transport options. 

At present, e-bikes have become essential for people, including 44-year-old Hellie Torrefiel from Mandaluyong City who uses her e-bike on the way to work.

On April 15, Torrefiel can no longer use her e-bike to pass through Shaw Boulevard and attend her job at a laundry shop in the neighboring city, Pasig. 

This is also the case with Val Navida who works as a household aide and uses an e-bike to accomplish errands conveniently.

Apart from using an e-bike to bring her employer in and out of their subdivision, she also used the vehicle to buy groceries and necessities for the household.

Cheaper, more convenient

The rise and popularity of e-bikes boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were looking for reliable modes of transportation without sacrificing a lot of money.

In estimate, a basic e-bike can be purchased for around P15,000 only. Meanwhile, one must ideally have an annual income of at least P612,000 to P746,000 just to secure a car loan.

Navida explained that she turned away from gas-run motorized vehicles as e-bikes are more convenient, especially for tasks requiring only short-distance travel.

“Hindi rin ganoon kagastos since de-charge lang din. Less maintenance kaysa sa sasakyan,” she added.

Although electrical prices occasionally rise and fluctuate, e-bike users benefit from the free solar charging stations provided by the MMDA, which have been operational since 2022. 

In some instances when Navida and Torrefiel cannot reach the said stations in Barangay Ugong, Pasig, or Orense, Makati, respectively, they charge their e-bikes in their homes without fear that it will spike up their electricity bill.

This was affirmed by 46-year-old Cathelyn Lopez who uses an e-bike to bring her kids to school.

“Sa isang linggo parang isang beses lang ako magcharge eh. Minsan hindi pa kasi malapit lang naman talaga at saka ayun lang naman ang gamit, hatid-sundo,” she said. 

Apart from this, more people also switched to e-bikes due to the inconvenience of using cars that tend to get stuck on major thoroughfares due to heavy traffic congestion.

Since the ban will finally be enforced, e-bike users have no choice but to look for transport alternatives through commuting or more expensive, gas-powered vehicles. 

Bureaucratic registration

The practical and cost-efficient appeal of e-bikes also explains why some people argue that light electric vehicles should not be subject to regulation, which could include additional fees and “unnecessary”  processes.

As per the Land Transportation Office Administrative Order 2021-035, only electric vehicles with a maximum speed of over 25 kilometers per hour must be registered with the said agency.

According to Torrifiel, mandatory registration may become difficult for low-income earners who have daily jobs: “Hassle. Aside sa araw-araw na dapat asikasuhin, dadagdag pa ang pag-register ng e-bike.”

Following the ban, she also believes that the process must be streamlined and made easy if ever the mandatory registration will push through.

“Tutal naman hindi na dadaan sa national roads, bakit pa kailanganin ng registration kung pwede namang wala na o hindi kaya permit na lamang?” she said.

Even though the MMDA is justifying the ban due to the alleged increasing number of road crashes involving e-bikes, currently available data has refuted the rationale of their policy.

A 2022 report from the MMDA itself revealed that only 2.05% of road incidents have involved e-bikes and trikes — a far cry from the 52.4% of collisions resulting from cars. 

While Torrefiel acknowledges that electric vehicles, much like other transport options, have their security risks, she believes that bike safety should be addressed instead of imposing a ban.

“Delikado rin dahil minsan ay nagigitgit sa daanan. Pero sana may konkretong solusyon para sa mga e-bike users,” she said.

In the end, banning e-bikes on national roads is expected to affect Navida and Torrefiel’s line of work, including people who rely on electric vehicles to finish their daily tasks.

From this view, a blow on e-bikes is also considered a blow to mobility and transport opportunities, especially when the government can barely provide alternatives.