E-bikes, E-trikes Ban in Metro Manila Starts Jan. 2 with Mandatory Impounding

Starting today, Friday, 2 January 2026, Land Transportation Office (LTO) is strictly banning e-bikes and e-trikes from the main roads of Metro Manila.

If you are tired of getting stuck behind slow (or sometimes overspeeding) e-trikes blocking the lanes on your morning commute, this change will likely come as a relief. However, if you are one of the many residents who rely on these vehicles for a cheap and easy way to get around, your daily journey just got much more difficult.

The holiday grace period has officially ended. While authorities previously held off on impounding during the December rush, law enforcers are now being deployed to key areas to ensure these vehicles stay off high-speed routes.

Also read: MMDA Bans Street Parking on Major Roads

Major roads included in the Metro Manila e-bike/e-trike ban

The ban targets the biggest roads in the city where slow-moving vehicles cause the most safety concerns. You can no longer drive an e-trike or e-bike on EDSA, C-5 Road or Roxas Boulevard. The ban also covers the stretch from Quirino Avenue all the way to the Magallanes–South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

LTO Chief Markus V. Lacanilao said these roads are designed for faster and larger vehicles. He explained that mixing lightweight e-trikes or e-bikes with heavy traffic is a danger to everyone. While this helps clear the lanes for cars and buses, it means e-trike users must now find alternative paths through smaller streets.

Also read: Study Says Metro Manila Has 3rd Worst Traffic in Southeast Asia

LTO penalties for e-bikes/e-trikes including fines and mandatory impounding rules

Image credit: Overtaking e-trike via Marlon Marquez | Facebook

The era of simple verbal warnings is over. If you take an e-trike onto a prohibited road today, you face immediate penalties as prescribed under Republic Act 4136 and Joint Administrative Order 2014-01. These sanctions typically involve a fine of ₱2,500, and enforcers will seize and tow your vehicle to a government lot. You will be required to pay these official fines to get your vehicle back.

LTO recognises that many families use e-trikes for school runs and errands. Because of this, officials are working with local government units and industry sectors to map out safe side routes in the coming days.

For now, you must stick to barangay roads and avoid the main highways entirely. If you try to use a major road for your commute today, you risk having your vehicle impounded on the spot.

Featured image credit: Tricycle Scooter Electric via HUIHAI Official Website