After the passage of RA 11697 into law 31, a lot of focus has turned toward electric vehicles. Just recently, the MMDA reminded the general public that electric vehicle registration is a requirement and that covers all electric-powered vehicles. For purposes of this article, we’ll be sticking with the smaller EVs, particularly e-scooters, mopeds, and e-trikes.
Not to be confused with the aforementioned Act-turned-law, this is based on the LTO’s Administrative Order (AO) 2021-039. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Electric vehicle registration required by LTO since 2021
As it stands, this should not come as a surprise. AO 2021-039, a consolidated list of guidelines concerning the classification, registration, and operation of electric motor vehicles, was signed on May 11, 2021. It likewise contains information that as early as 2006, Guidelines in the Registration of Light Electric Vehicles were already in place. But to give a better perspective here’s what it encompasses as far as what requires registration.
Electric Vehicle – a motor vehicle powered by electric motors with power storage charge directly from external sources
Electric Mobility Scooter – a two, three, or four-wheeled vehicle, with or without operable pedals, powered by electrical energy with less than 300 wattage capable of propelling the unit to a maximum speed of 12.5 km/h
“e-Moped” – roughly classified as two- or three-wheeled electric vehicles with a maximum speed of 50 km/h
“e-Motorcycle” – roughly classified as a two-wheeled electric vehicle with a maximum speed of more than 50 km/h
Specific information on the classifications of smaller EVs can be found here 27.
So what then requires registration, and the possession of a valid driver’s license to operate?
For the sake of brevity, the following do not:
Personal Mobility Scooter
Electric Kick Scooter, Category L1a
Category L1b
Category L2a
Category L2b
And here are the ones that DO require registration, and a driver’s license to operate:
Category L3 Electric Vehicle (e-Motorcycle)
Category L4 and L5 Electric Vehicle (e-Tricycle/Three-Wheeled Vehicle)
If you happen to be the owner of any of these, you may want to refer to the official copy of the LTO’s AO 2021-039 56 that you can find here 62. The crackdown on registration was brought on by an increase in the number of accidents involving smaller EVs since the start of this year. Aside from accidents, owners of such vehicles have one more thing to worry about, and that’s if they and their vehicles are supposed to be on public roads at all.
Have a look, and make sure you’re compliant. An apprehension may not be as bad as an accident, but it’s always best to be on the right side of the law.
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