MANILA - The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) welcomes the proposal to register electric vehicles (EV) including e-trikes and e-bikes. 

However, the group said further study must be conducted and that registration must only cover faster EVs.

At the press conference for the upcoming Auto Parts & Vehicles Expo 2024, EVAP Assistant Executive Director Neil Lopez said registration for any EV is for the safety of the user and the public as well. 

EVs must be registered to ensure the vehicle is also not substandard, the group said.

“If you don’t have standards, we create a window, an opportunity for substandard products to enter the market. Diyan na pumapasok ang mga nasusunog, nasisisra. Some vehicles, if not registered, they’re not even allowed to national roads,” said Lopez.

However, he clarified that registration must only cover EVs that exceed a certain speed.

Lopez asserted that there are e-bikes that have slower speeds, and there are those that are capable of running at a faster pace. 

EVAP is still reviewing the minimum speed for EV registration, but the group also hopes that if this pushes through, the public will be given enough time to prepare.

“Meron standards if they exceed a certain speed, they need to register already, but of course like for example bicycles do not need to be registered. Meron naman limits,” he said.

The Metro Manila Development Authority has said it is working with relevant agencies to regulate e-trikes and e-bikes, including the registration of such EVs as these become more common on the roads. The Land Transportation Office said it would send a recommendation to the Department of Transportation.

Many motorists have complained about e-bike and e-trike users not following traffic rules.