ICYMI, April 15 (that’s today) marks the start of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) regulation that bans tricycles, pedicabs, e-bikes, e-trikes, and other light electric vehicles from major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region (NCR). What does this mean? For one, if your family has been relying on these modes of transport for your daily routine, congratulations! Mobility has just been made harder for you.

Hogging the spotlight in this news are the e-bikes and e-trikes, which, because of recent incidents, have sparked heated discussions online. Motorists, in turn, have been riding the “hate” wave since, yapping incessantly about how it’s a “hassle” to deal with these light EV drivers.

The ban and negative image of e-bikes and e-trikes are perhaps signs of a disconnect. If they are that bad, why are they so popular? Let’s explore some of the reasons behind this popularity:

They’re a solution for many Filipino families

Many Filipinos turned to e-bikes and e-trikes given the shortcomings of public transport. But the MMDA ruling banning these types of transportation on major roads negates this Filipino ingenuity, said Ira Cruz of AltMobility PH.

“Pinagbabawal ‘yung diskarte ng mga ordinaryong Filipino para makapunta sa trabaho, eskwelahan, at kung saan saan pa,” Cruz said in an interview.

Just last month, a story of a mother who used an e-trike to attend to her child’s medical needs went viral online. Now, do tell, is that a burden on the road?

They’re not second-class road users

Our roads are shared spaces used by cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, cyclists, and now e-bikes and e-trikes. It’s crucial for everyone to understand their role in maintaining safety.

Motorists are number one when it comes to bearing road responsibility. A car driver must look out for more vulnerable road users like bikers and pedestrians. These people who are not in cars, including those who drive e-bikes, are not “lesser” road users. In fact, motorists are mandated to pull out all stops to keep them safe.

They’re not doing it to carve a personality; they have a place to be

Some owners of cars and motorcycles have a passion for their vehicles. They buy new, shiny parts and go on joyrides. That’s not the case for e-bike and e-trike owners. When one drives an e-bike, it’s not for a hobby but for essential travel.

In this writer’s daily commute, the light EVs usually transport people such as adults in their work attire, kids with their bags and books, elderly with their medicine, or goods like gallons of drinking water or groceries.

They’re not all THAT clueless on the road

Some e-bikers and e-trikers need better education, but some are victims of poor infrastructure or impatient drivers. One of motorists’ most common complaints is when light EVs occupy the middle or leftmost lane.

There could be tons of reasons behind that. They could be preparing to turn, avoiding potholes, or going around obstructions in the rightmost lane. Sometimes, those obstructions are actually cars—usually idling on the roadside. *shrugs*

“Share the road” isn’t just a catchphrase, ma’ams and sirs. Try to actually practice it.

They’re not just smaller cars

On this recent trip to Tokyo, I saw more e-bikes than regular bicycles. We associate Japan with trains but they have always had a cycling culture – and now they’ve fully embraced e-bikes.

Meanwhile, today is the start of MMDA and LTO’s e-bike ban on major roads in Metro Manila. pic.twitter.com/SOH0vXPUYp

— persona ng grasa (@goodkidbikecity) April 14, 2024

Many look at vehicles by scale or size. Motorcycles are small. Trucks are big. In the case of cars and e-trikes, Filipinos need to understand how vastly different they are—and it’s not just size.

Cars are metal boxes that usually weigh around 2,000 kilograms. E-trikes weigh four to five times less than that, and their chassis isn’t wrapped with steel all around. E-bikes and e-trikes are also speed-limited from the factory, while stepping hard on the gas can send a car flying.

Knowing these distinctions is vital in terms of assessing their impact. Which vehicle do you think is more prone to killing people it hit? Which one brings more wear and tear to roads? Which one poses more danger to road users?

They’re not baduy, but actually a step toward the future

And frankly, the “safety” concerns are BS. What makes them unsafe – that they can’t get out of the way fast enough from a speeding, distracted driver? You find them ugly because they give poor people the mobility that you bought a shitty SUV to have.

— persona ng grasa (@goodkidbikecity) October 24, 2023

Light EVs are friendly to the environment and easy on the pocket. You can buy one without worrying about fuel costs, damage to Mother Earth, and big monthly payments. (The premium four-wheeled versions are usually priced under 100k.)

Now, push it further. Imagine if good road infrastructure exists, and as such, you can make this affordable and nature-friendly vehicle your daily driver around the city. Now, that’s real financial, environmental, and urban freedom.

They’re not an eyesore; they’re just rocking the boat

A car in traffic will average like 30km/hr.

A ebike can easily coast at 30km/hr and requires no lights or traffic.

Remind me again why we drive everywhere?

— Ramsey Kilani (@Ramsey_Kilani) April 10, 2024

E-bikes and e-trikes are emerging as competitors in the transportation industry. It definitely shatters the long-standing ideal that one must own a car. Being car-free or car-light is gaining popularity in the West. However, light EVs are becoming viable in countries like India if you need a vehicle. With all the costs of owning a sedan or an SUV, it’s no surprise that many Filipino families also choose e-trikes.

They’re not the reason why Philippine roads are dangerous

MMDA’s 2022 annual report (Google ‘mmda road crash 2022’):

Cars (and suvs) still make up most of the crashes, tho fatalities are highest for motorcycles. pic.twitter.com/J8nVAcowiO

— bonbon dessert⁹ || GOOD ENOUGH by CHANYEOL (@tutusandpointes) February 15, 2024

Check out the MMDA 2022 data on road crashes. See what number jumps out. Did you find it? If not, here’s a clue: 52.48 percent. You should have found it by now. If not, here’s the answer: It’s cars. The truth is a tough pill to swallow.

Hopefully, by now, you will have a better understanding that light EVs are not a problem but part of the solution to Filipinos’ transport woes.

Would you get an e-bike or e-trike for yourself? What transport reform do you hope to see in the Philippines? Tell us in the comments.

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