Jonas: Craft e-bike policy

CEBU, Philippines — Dismissed Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes urged Mayor Glenn Bercede, the City Council, and the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) to carefully study and craft an appropriate policy on e-bike use in the city.

In a statement the other day, Cortes said e-bikes are not illegal but rather a clean and affordable alternative means of transportation for the people of Mandaue City.

However, Cortes emphasized that a clear policy is needed in managing the use of e-bikes, particularly regarding their registration, if they are to pass through the roads of Mandaue City.

“Giawhag nako atong Mayor Glenn Bercede ug atong konseho, kuyog sa TEAM nga tun-an ang pagpanday ug sakto nga polisiya sa e-bike/trike use sa atong dakbayan,” he said.

He said clear policies are the key to ensuring that all sectors of society are included in the city’s progress.

Cortes made the statement following the implementation of the ban on e-bikes in the city due to traffic congestion consideration.

Sought for comment, TEAM Assistant Department Head Hyll Retuya, who is determined to ban e-bikes in the city, said he understands Cortes' concern.

"I respect the decision of the good Mayor Jonas Cortes. We'll be waiting for the Sanggunian to craft for a local legislation to this effect,” he told The Freeman yesterday.

Last Nov. 26, the Mandaue City Traffic Board imposed a total ban on e-bikes operating as public utility vehicles.

Retuya previously said that since e-bikes have not yet become widespread in the city, they decided to adopt a proactive approach of preventing potential issues early on.

He also said they were determined to implement the ban, citing numerous complaints about e-bikes in other local government units, expressing concern that similar issues could arise in Mandaue in the future.

Retuya said there are currently 40 ebikes operating as public transport in Brgy. Paknaan and 20 in Opao.

As ordered by the traffic board, e-bikes are barred from entering all major thoroughfares and barangay streets. Offenders may be fined up to P1,000, and e-bikes immediately impounded, with no possibility of reclaiming them.

Retuya said that e-bike drivers are required to secure licenses and register their vehicles. The LTO, however, has yet to implement e-bike registration in Mandaue City.

It was previously reported that unlike the tricycles, which are registered and have franchises, the e-bikes operating in the city are not registered.  Retuya had made it clear that the city cannot register the e-bikes.

Last Oct. 16, LTO temporarily suspended the registration of light electric vehicles (LEVs), which include e-trikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters, as it was still finalizing roadworthiness regulations.

In particular, LTO suspended Administrative Order (AO) 2021-039, or the “Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles”, following a directive from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The DOTr’s order for LTO was to withhold issuances which are inconsistent with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which promotes the use of e-vehicles and sustainable energy. (CEBU NEWS)