Motoring Today Column

Jun 22, 2022

Authorities have been quite lenient about enforcing regulations to make it safer to use e-scooters and e-bikes on the streets of Metro Manila.

One reason for this may be tied to authorities encouraging the use of active personal transport under pandemic conditions.

Many lump e-scooters and e-bikes together with bicycles when thinking about active transport.

Another could be that Metro Manila severely lacks an efficient and affordable mass transport system, and e-bikes and e-scooters provide a relatively affordable and accessible mode of transport.

Still another reason is that many consider strictly regulating the use of e-bikes as anti-poor. More and more of those cheap three-wheeled battery powered vehicles are being seen on metro streets, not only in villages and subdivisions but also on major thoroughfares and secondary roads.

It is quite understandable that e-scooters are becoming more popular. Once seen as just fun rides for leisure activities are now being used more and more for commutes to work.

However, motorists are complaining that e-scooter and e-bike riders are not only a danger to themselves but also to others.

The main complaint is that many riders don't think traffic rules and regulations don't apply to them. Many go against the flow of traffic. Many ignore traffic signals or signs.

Another problem is that there remains confusion over Land Transportation Office (LTO) policies or regulations covering e-bikes and e-scooters. Are regulations in place? Who are supposed to enforce these regulations?

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is moving to enforce regulations on the use of e-scooters and e-bikes.

A news reports quoted Victor Nuñez, head of MMDA's Traffic Discipline Office for Enforcement , as saying in a television interview, that e-bike and e-scooters must be limited to bicycle lanes and barangay roads.

Nuñez said e-bike and e-scooters must always give right of way to incoming traffic and must not be allowed in the middle of major thoroughfares.

He cited an LTO administrative order that required riders of e-scooters and e-bikes with a maximum speed capacity of 50 kilometers per hour must possess a valid driver's license.

Such e-bikes and e-scooters also need to be registered with the LTO, he said.

These regulations came into effect in May of 2021 but Nuñez said the MMDA chose to be lenient and not strictly enforce them because public transportation services were operating under capacity restrictions under the pandemic conditions at that time.

In the news report, Nuñez said it was not the intention of MMDA to ban the use of e-bikes and e-scooters but called on those who use them to be disciplined on the road and to know their road limitations.

The MMDA has been meeting with other government agencies and the local governments in the National Capital Region (NCR) to discuss guidelines for implementing LTO regulations covering e-bikes and e-scooters.

It is really about time that authorities begin to implement rules and regulations to make it safe for everyone - motorists and users of e-bikes and e-scooters alike - on the road.

They should start by clarifying LTO policies and regulations regarding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Mitsubishi Kyaraban

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has flagged off its "Life Kyaraban," a roadshow to showcase its latest vehicles and how they can enhance owner's lives.

The first stop of the Life Kyaraban was held at theGlorietta Activity Center in Makati from June 16 to 19.

MMPC president Takeshi Hara explains the objective of the roadshow, saying: "Life Kyaraban is a fusion of two concepts. 'Life' that echoes Mitsubishi Motors' commitment to add value and further enrich the lives of Filipinos. Then 'kyaraban', which actually means caravan in Nihongo, representing our commitment to reach customers in all parts of the country."

He also reveals what people can expect at each stop of the road show, saying: "Life Kyaraban is not your typical car display, we have made it more engaging and tapped several lifestyle, technology and fuel partners to help us convey and let everyone discover the holistic and enjoyable ownership experience they can get with Mitsubishi Motors."

If you haven't been to the first stop of the Life Kyaraban, then keep a watch on for when and where the second stop is happening.

Traviz Milestone

Congratulations are well deserved for Isuzu Philippines after its Traviz light truck reached the 10,000th sales milestone just a short time since its launch in November of 2019.

The 10,000th Traviz customer, Mircroserver-8 Enterprises, was feted by Isuzu Motors Philippines led by its president Noboru Murakami, during a ceremonial turnover.

"We are very happy to be recognized as the 10,000th customer for the Isuzu Traviz. We have been using this truck since 2021 and have been receiving very good feedback from our drivers nationwide - the TRAVIZ is truly one of best profit partner," said Sherrie Mae Pag-Ong, Purchasing Head of Microserver-8 Enterprises.

Happy Motoring!!!

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