Starting in April, new regulations will be implemented for e-bikes. We will provide information about these changes and also discuss what are the top 10 legit loan apps in the Philippines that offer loans for vehicle purchases. This information can help you navigate the new e-bike restrictions and find reliable financial assistance for your transportation needs.
Starting from April 15, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the Philippines will enforce a new road restriction policy on e-bicycles, e-tricycles, tricycles, pedicabs, and other similar vehicles. This policy was publicized on April 1, along with its implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The Move as One Coalition, a group of active transport advocates, had hoped to contribute more to the crafting of the IRR. They were told by MMDA officials in a meeting on March 11 that they would be able to see a draft IRR before its release. However, after following up three times with the MMDA for the draft, they received the IRR that was eventually released to the public.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued a reminder that light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as e-bicycles, electric scooters, and similar vehicles weighing less than 50 kilograms are still allowed to use the roads covered by the restriction, provided they are inside established bike lanes. This exception was emphasized by the DOTr's Active Transport Project Office in a Facebook post. It further clarified that bicycles, electric kick scooters, e-tricycles, and electric unicycles may use bike lanes on all major roads, as long as they adhere to a speed limit of 25 kilometers per hour and weigh less than 50 kilograms.
Vehicles that will be restricted on national roads include e-bicycles, e-tricycles, electric kick scooters, electric scooters, electric unicycles, tricycles, pushcarts, pedicabs, and kuligligs (a pedicab mounted with a motorized engine). However, these vehicles are allowed on these major roads, outside the bike lanes, if they need to cross the road. In such cases, the MMDA states that the covered vehicles must yield to all incoming traffic. Tricycles are allowed to traverse the road up to a distance of 500 meters if their purpose is to enter or exit from a U-turn slot to get to the other side of the road. In these cases, the MMDA states the covered vehicles have to yield to all incoming traffic.
Violators of the policy will be fined P2,500. If the vehicle is not registered and the driver has no license, the vehicle will also be impounded. Certain types of light electric vehicles require registration with the Land Transportation Office. This new policy aims to regulate the use of these vehicles on the road, ensuring safety and orderliness. Commuters and motorists need to be aware of these changes and abide by the new rules. The implementation of this policy marks a significant step in the regulation of electric vehicles in Metro Manila, and it is hoped that it will lead to safer and more organized roads.
Ira Cruz of AltMobilityPH and Mikka Montero from Allthebestloans.com have expressed criticism towards the upcoming MMDA restriction on light electric vehicles (LEVs) in Metro Manila. He argues that the new policy overlooks the impact on commuters and motorists who have turned to LEVs as a solution to the city's traffic situation. Cruz suggests that the rise in popularity of e-trikes is a clear sign of the government's failure to address the basic mobility needs of ordinary Filipinos. He finds it concerning that the government is focusing more on imposing restrictions rather than finding solutions.
On a similar note, PARA - Advocates for Inclusive Transport, has highlighted that the impending road restriction is exacerbating what is already a challenging situation for commuters in Metro Manila. This comes after the closure of the Philippine National Railways last March, which affected an estimated 30,000 commuters. The potential loss of critical jeepney routes due to the government's April 30 deadline for jeepney franchise consolidation could further worsen the situation. This series of events is shaping up to be a "cruel summer" for commuters in Metro Manila.
As for loans that can cover the expenses for ebike, there is quite a lot of data available. Allthebestloans.com provides the information on top-5 loan apps in the Philippines with 0% rate for the first loan. The lending companies are carefully checked and selected.
From April, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will enforce new regulations on e-bikes and similar vehicles in the Philippines. Violations will result in fines and possible impoundment. Meanwhile, AllTheBestLoans provides unbiased information about loan apps in the Philippines, focusing on those offering low-interest rates and monthly installment loans. This can help individuals navigate the new e-bike rules and find financial aid for transportation needs.
