Electric Motor Vehicle Classification
During the height of the Covid-19 restrictions, many discovered that kick
scooters, electric-powered bikes, electric three-wheelers were inexpensive
and easy to operate and maintain alternative modes of transport.
They were even encouraged by authorities who understandably were lenient
about regulating their use.
Now with traffic back to normal and congestion back to pre-pandemic levels,
these alternative modes of personal mobility continue to increase in
number.
The rise in the cost of fuel perhaps added to their popularity, as well as
other heavier, more battery-powered vehicles.
Now complaints are now being heard about their presence on the road and
asking authorities if kick scooters, electric bike and similar
three-wheelers can be legally used on city streets and national roads.
Many who are thinking of acquiring light battery powered vehicles, or even
EVs, are asking questions such as: if they need to registered with the Land
Transportation Office? On what roads can they be used? Do they need a
license to use them?
It turns out that as early as last year, the LTO has issued Administrative
Order 2021-39, defining and listing the various classifications of electric
vehicles, and where they can each be used, and whether one needs to have a
license to operate them.
AO 2021-39 defines the Electric Mobility Scooter as "two, three or
four-wheeled vehicle, with or without operable pedals, powered by
electrical energy with less than 300 wattage capable of propelling a unit
up to a maximum speed of 12.5 kilometers per hour.
AO 2021-39 also lists three main categories for electric vehicles - L, M,
and N- with each farther divided into subcategories.
Category L covers vehicles with less than four wheels, and four-wheelers
with some restrictions on top speed, mass and maximum rated power.
Category L1a covers two-wheelers with or without pedals, a maximum speed of
25 kilometers per hour. These are restricted to bike lanes, private and
barangay roads, and operators must wear bicycle helmets.
Category L1b covers two-wheelers with or without pedals with a maximum
speed of from 26 to 50 kph. These are restricted to outer edge of local
roads, and operators must wear a bicycle.
Category L2a covers three-wheelers with or without pedals with restrictions
the same as Category L1a.
Category L2b covers three-wheelers with or without pedals, with maximum
speeds of from 26 to 50 kph. These are restricted to outer edge of local
roads and operators must be licensed and wearing bike helmets.
Category L3 covers two-wheelers powered solely by electric power capable of
speeds of more than 50 kph. These are allowed on all roads except highwasy
and expressways. These must be registered and riders must be licensed. They
may be used public transport.
Categories L4 and L5 cover three-wheelers with a minimum rated power of
1000 watt, a maximum curb weight of 600 kilograms, maximum speed of more
than 50 kph., and designed to carry passengers or cargo. Operators must be
licensed.
L4 refers to tricycles with side cars. L5 refers to three-wheelers like
"tuk-tuks".
These are allowed on all roads except highways and expressways and can be
used for public transport.
Categories L6 and L7 covers e-Quads or four-wheeled micro-cars.
L6 refers to light electric quadricycles with maximum unladen weight of 350
kilograms, 4kW output, and 45kph.
L7 refers to heavy quadricycles with maximum unladen weight of 550kg, 15kW
output, and speed above 45kph.
L6 and L7 operators must be licensed, can only cross national roads, and
may be used as public transport.
LGUs can issue ordinances allowing L4 and L5 tricycles, and L6 and L7
electric quadricycles on main thoroughfares and national roads provided
they are constrained to outermost lane of the highway.
LTO Administrative 2021-39 defines Category M Electric Vehicles as at least
4-wheelers designed to carry heavier passenger loads.
Category M1 covers electric vehicles designed to carry no more than 8
passengers in addition to driver, does not have a maximum gross weight
exceeding 3.5 tons. Common examples are e-cars, e-SUVs, and e-vans.
Category M2 covers electric vehicles designed to carry more than eight
passengers, with maximum gross weight of more than 3.5 ton but not
exceeding 5 tons. Common examples are e-jeepneys.
Category M3 covers electric vehicles designed to carry more than eight
passengers and have a maximum gross weight exceeding 5 tons.
Category N electric vehicles are defined as at least four-wheeled vehicles
solely powered by electric energy and designed to carry heavier goods.
Category N1 refers to vehicles having maximum gross weight not exceeding
3.5 tons.
Category N2 refers to vehicles having maximum gross weight of more than 3.5
tons but not exceeding 12 tons.
Category N3 refers to vehicles with no more than eight seats in addition to
driver and having a maximum gross weight exceeding 12 tons.
Existing rules and regulations governing the operation M and N vehicles
powered by internal combustion engines are adopted for their respective
electric vehicle counterparts.
LTO Administrative Order 2021-39 also states that operation Personal
Mobility Scooters are limited to private road. They may also be operated on
pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes or similar lanes designated by proper
authorities with the rider required to wear protective helmets similar to
those designed for bicycle riders. Driver's license and registration are
not required.
The order also states that the operation of electric scooters shall be
limited within barangay roads. They may also be operated on bicycle lanes
or similar lanes designated by proper authorities.
Electric kick scooter riders are required to wear protective helmet similar
to those designed for motorcycle riders. Driver's license and registration
are not required.
Classification is one thing. They can now be legal. But the process of
registration is another matter that needs clarification. As well as the
implementation of regulations on where and by whom can these EVs be used.
Future Motoring Forum editions will tackle these concerns.