E-trikes no longer allowed in major highways in the metro

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

January 2, 2026 | 5:43pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) began implementing a ban on electric tricycles on major highways on Friday, January 2, citing safety concerns.

In a statement issued on New Year’s Day, the LTO declared the ban on e-trikes on major thoroughfares, including EDSA, C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and Quirino Avenue to the Magallanes–South Luzon Expressway.

Markus Lacanilao, LTO chief, said the restriction is intended to reduce road safety risks.

“These main roads are designed for fast and large vehicles, and it is not suitable for e-trikes because of the fast traffic, the volume of cars, and the width of the roads. Slow, light vehicles joining these types of roads cause a clear danger to everyone who uses the road,” Lacanilao said in Filipino.

Enforcement, penalties, transition. Lacanilao said the LTO is working with local government units to come up with alternative routes for e-trikes, particularly those used for local business and livelihood.

Under the new rule, e-trikes caught violating the ban may be fined and their vehicles may be impounded.

Traffic enforcers will help enforce the ban in key areas.

The prohibition was originally set to take effect on Dec. 1, 2025, but was deferred to January 2026 to allow time for information dissemination.