A bill filed at the House of Representatives seeks to regulate the operation of privately owned scooters, e-motorcycles, and other electric motor vehicles, with penalties on riders who violate road and traffic rules.
The bill provides that road violations involving e-motor vehicles are penalized with fines ranging from P1,500 to P10,000, and other applicable penalties set by the Department of Transportation for violations on licensing, registration, operation, weight or load limits and franchise requirements. Under HB 8974, electric vehicles that can reach maximum speeds of 25 kilometers per hour or less and e-bikes that can reach maximum speeds of 50 kph do not require a driver’s license to operate, but all riders are required to wear protective helmets.
Except for personal mobility scooters and electric kick scooters, all other vehicles not requiring a driver’s license to operate can pass major thoroughfares, but for crossing purposes only and subject to certain conditions.