Issues about use of e-bikes on public roads

There has been a sudden influx of and strong market for e-bikes nowadays and, as a result, there are hordes of e-bikes in the streets. By definition, the term “e-bike” refers to a bicycle with an electric, pedal-assisted motor.

I was privileged to participate during a recent meeting of the Committee on Traffic and Transportation of the 8th City Council of Marikina to discuss about a proposal to enact a city ordinance regulating the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) within the city.

While there was a consensus among the members of the committee that an e-bike is one of the most economical and viable alternate transport device and a great help in minimizing pollution, some issues were raised regarding the safety of users and pedestrians. Consider the following:

1. There is no national law regulating the use of e-bike which means that anyone, with or without driver’s license, can use, drive or operate it on major streets just like any motorized vehicle.
2. An e-bike is simply a bike and, therefore, in most cases it is exempted from traffic rules and regulations.
3. Users of e-bike, even without a driver’s license, are not required to use helmets.
4. An e-bike needs no registration as long as it has foot pedals for manual pedaling.
5. An e-bike is not required to have number plate nor to be covered by insurance.

In an effort to address these concerns, Councilor Ernesto Flores authored an ordinance regulating the use of electric bikes plying within Marikina City.  He said that e-bikes still are subject to the regulatory powers of the city government, and it is the declared policy of the city to protect the public, property and the e-bike riders themselves by regulating the use of e-bikes within the city.

The committee suggested the following as amendments to the ordinance: An e-bike may be used on selected bike lanes in the city. If an e-bike is to be used on a public road, the user is subject to traffic rules and regulations—e.g., the e-bike must be registered and it must have a license plate issued by the city government, renewable every two years; and only licensed drivers will be allowed to operate e-bikes.

We want to exchange notes with other local government units on how they are addressing the emerging issues regarding the operation of e-bikes in their localities. They may reach me at reginaldtamayo@yahoo.com.

—REGINALD B. TAMAYO, assistant city council secretary, Marikina City