ALING Lydia found new freedom in her 60v e-trike that can do about 30 to 40 kilometers on a single charge of the 20 ampere-hour battery. She is now able to go to the nearby public market to do her groceries, after dropping off her grandchildren to school at the Albert Elementary School in Manila.
To do this she travels from her house in Samat St. to Dapitan, a mere 2 kilometers away. She never brings her e-trike across España or any of the major streets, plying instead the familiar secondary roads because she fears the movement of traffic, especially trucks and big SUVs who “have no respect for road users like me.”
Thirty-year old Freya Santos, on the other hand is a lot more aggressive. She rides her e-trike on the bike lanes of España all the way to her work along E. Rodriguez, evading traffic enforcers by leaving early. She takes the main highway using the bike lane which she considers safe. But is it really?
The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) acknowledges the importance of any form of electric vehicle a way to replace fossil fuel use, it also recommends measures such as improving vehicle stability, implementing stringent driver training and licensing requirements, and enhancing road infrastructure can go a long way in mitigating the dangers associated with these vehicles.
“Public awareness campaigns emphasizing safe driving practices and responsible road behavior for both tricycle drivers and other road users will play a pivotal role in ensuring safer journeys for everyone on Philippine roads,” EVAP Chairman Rommel Juan said in a press statement commenting on how the City of Manila in 2019 rolled out plans to stop e-trikes in certain areas, albeit with minimal consideration for proper operation, and even safety. This was before the pandemic. Today, e-trikes flood Manila’s streets, both the secondary and main thoroughfares.
Manila bans e-trikes in 2019
Back then, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is taking steps to address the issue of electric tricycles (e-trikes) in response to their ban as public transport in the city of Manila. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the LTO will soon release a memorandum circular clarifying the registration and operation rules for e-trikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
The ban on e-trikes in Manila before the pandemic was initiated by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, who expressed concerns about their classification as “toys” by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Domagoso attributed the e-trikes to causing chaos on the roads and competing with regulated public transport, leading him to call for their removal. He also sought clarity on whether e-trikes can be used as public transport vehicles.
Back then, the DOTr Undersecretary Mark Richmund de Leon expressed the agency’s willingness to support the local government in improving Manila’s public transport system. While acknowledging the Mayor’s authority to cancel e-trike franchises in the city, de Leon stated in a report that appeared in the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the DOTr remains ready to assist in optimizing the public transportation system for enhanced mobility and connectivity, thereby improving the overall commuting experience for the public.
Regarding the use of e-trikes, de Leon pointed out that Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 2017-001, issued by the DOTr in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), explicitly prohibits tricycle operations on national roads.
The circular from the LTO aimed to provide clarity on the rules and regulations surrounding the registration and operation of e-trikes, with the objective of finding a balanced and practical solution to the challenges posed by these vehicles in Manila’s transport landscape. But where are these restrictions now? How about the other LGUs? What have they been doing in regulating e-trikes.
E-trike crisis?
So what’s wrong with e-trikes (not electric tricycles that have much better safety technologies, balance, speed and braking) that should concern everyone?
One of the primary reasons for the heightened risk of three-wheel electric tricycles on local roads (from Aparri to Jolo) is their design and limited stability. Unlike traditional four-wheel vehicles, tricycles have only one wheel in the front and two in the rear. This configuration makes them more susceptible to tipping over, especially during sharp turns or when traversing uneven road surfaces. The lack of a fourth wheel significantly compromises their balance, raising the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Three-wheel electric tricycles lack the protective features found in conventional cars.
Passengers and drivers are exposed to the elements and have minimal protection in the event of a collision or accident. Attempts for registration include having the minimal equipment necessary by Philippine laws, like headlights, taillights and turn signals but there are other considerations like reinforced structures to improve stability and safety, leaves occupants vulnerable to severe injuries, including head trauma and fractures in case of a crash.
There is also one more item for safety–the kind of electrical connections and safety of the lead acid batteries used to power the e-trikes. Electrical fires from the motors or controllers cannot be extinguished with plain water, and require a CO2-dispensing Class-C fire extinguisher.
Its small footprint (almost just as wide as the handlebars of a motorcycle) and slightly longer, the size of an e-trike can compromise their visibility, especially during adverse weather conditions or at night. Insufficient signaling equipment (the taillights are mounted low in the frame) can also be problematic, as other road users might not be adequately warned of their intentions, increasing the risk of collisions and misunderstandings.
A widespread problem with three-wheel electric tricycles in the Philippines is overloading. To maximize profits, drivers often exceed the recommended passenger and cargo capacity of the vehicle. This practice not only affects the vehicle’s stability but also increases braking distances, making it challenging to control the tricycle in emergency situations.
The lack of stringent requirements for drivers of e-trikes to undergo formal training and obtain licenses is a significant concern. Many drivers are inadequately trained, lacking the necessary knowledge and skills to safely operate these vehicles. This lack of proficiency leads to poor decision-making on the road, disregard for traffic rules, and an inability to handle unexpected situations, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The condition of Philippine roads poses additional hazards for three-wheel electric tricycles. Potholes, uneven surfaces, road debris, and inadequate signage are prevalent issues, all of which can cause accidents or damage to the vehicles. Additionally, the narrow width of roads in rural areas may make it difficult for tricycles to safely share the road with larger vehicles, potentially leading to collisions or traffic disruptions.
Integration with traffic flow is the biggest disgust of other road users, e-trikes’ lower speeds can disrupt the flow of traffic on busy roads, especially in urban areas. This discrepancy in speed might lead to overtaking maneuvers and lane changes that can be hazardous, particularly on highways or major thoroughfares.
While three-wheel electric tricycles have undoubtedly provided a valuable transportation solution in the country, there are still safety and legal issues that need to be resolved for these small footprint EVs to operate properly. It is crucial to address the significant safety concerns they pose on the roads.
