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Guide · Updated

Importing Electric Tricycles into the Philippines: 2026 Guide for Dealers

Last checked: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Philippine rules on light electric vehicles have changed several times since 2021. Confirm the current position with the LTO, your local government unit (LGU) and a licensed customs broker before you place an order.

The Philippines is one of the most active markets in Asia for electric tricycles (e-trikes). Families use them as personal transport, small shops use them for deliveries, and some LGUs run them as tricycle-for-hire units. For importers, the most useful question is not "is there demand?" but "where can my customers legally drive, and what will they be asked for?" This guide covers what has been confirmed from official and major news sources and flags what is still unclear.

1. The Metro Manila major-road ban (in force since 2 January 2026)

On 2 January 2026 the Land Transportation Office (LTO) began enforcing a ban on e-trikes and similar light electric vehicles on major highways in the National Capital Region. The first roads named were EDSA, C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Avenue to Magallanes–SLEX (Philippine News Agency). Philstar later reported that the list was expanded to Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Marcos Highway and Sumulong Highway (Philstar, 4 Jan 2026).

Key points for dealers:

  • No nationwide ban. The LTO has said that "there is no blanket ban on e-bikes and e-trikes" and that they can still use city and municipal roads (Inquirer).
  • Penalties. Drivers caught on the covered roads can be fined, have their vehicle impounded, or both, under RA 4136 and Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 (PNA).
  • Outside NCR. LTO Region IV-A said that within Calabarzon the order then covered only certain roads leading into Metro Manila, Sumulong Highway being the one named (Philippine Information Agency).
  • Still changing. Advocacy groups have asked for the ban to be lifted, and the LTO said it would work with LGUs on alternative routes. Uncertain: the list of covered roads may have changed after the articles cited here. Check the latest LTO and MMDA advisories.

What it means for dealers: e-trikes sell best for short trips on local roads, such as barangay and subdivision trips, market runs and deliveries inside one municipality. Tell buyers plainly that a top speed of around 50 km/h does not make the vehicle legal on highways.

2. How the LTO classifies e-trikes

LTO Administrative Order 2021-039 (consolidated guidelines on electric vehicles) defines categories L4 and L5 (e-tricycle / three-wheeled vehicle) as three-wheeled vehicles powered only by electricity, with a minimum rated power of 1,000 W, a top speed of no more than 50 km/h and a maximum curb weight of 600 kg. L4 is the asymmetric layout (sidecar type) and L5 the symmetric layout. The AO separately defines L2 (e-moped, three wheels, up to 50 km/h) (text of AO 2021-039 via Legaldex).

These thresholds matter when you choose models. If a unit is rated below 1,000 W, or goes faster than 50 km/h, it may not fit the L4/L5 definition. Put the rated (not peak) motor power, the top speed and the curb weight on your spec sheet so that buyers can check.

3. Registration: status to verify (national suspension reported in 2024; local rules apply)

In February 2024 the LTO issued AO VDM-2024-044, which required registration and licensing for LEVs. In October 2024 the LTO suspended the registration, licensing and helmet provisions of AO 2021-039 and VDM-2024-044, citing conflicts with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA, RA 11697). The LTO said local ordinances still apply (SunStar; Top Gear PH; DOE summary).

Uncertain: we could not confirm whether the suspension is still fully in force in October 2026, or whether new rules have replaced it. In practice:

  • Units used for hire (tricycle-for-hire) are usually governed by LGU franchise rules. Ask the LGU's tricycle regulatory office before you sell to operators.
  • Keep import documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs entry) and vehicle identification numbers (frame and motor numbers) ready for each unit, in case your buyer needs to register later.

4. Import duty: EO 12 / EO 62 zero tariff for e-tricycles

In May 2024 the NEDA Board expanded EO 12 (s. 2023) to cover battery e-tricycles and quadricycles, with a 0% MFN import duty until 2028 (PNA; DOE statement). The change was put into effect through EO 62 of 20 June 2024 (Lawphil).

Notes:

  • The zero rate applies to specific tariff lines. Your broker must confirm that your exact product (cargo e-trike, passenger e-trike, CKD kit) falls under one of them.
  • VAT and other import charges still apply. We have not listed rates here. Ask your broker for a landed-cost estimate.
  • Petrol tricycles are not covered by this incentive.

5. Which configurations suit the market

Local retail listings checked in October 2026 show 60 V lead-acid systems as common at entry level. For example, one cargo e-trike retailer lists a 60 V 32 Ah model rated for 250–300 kg (retailer listing), and a family e-trike brand lists 60 V lead-acid models (OFERO). These are retail examples, not market statistics. Typical requests from dealers (our observation, not survey data):

  • Cargo: a box of about 1.5–1.6 m, a rain roof, 60 V, lead-acid with lithium as an option. See C16 electric cargo tricycle.
  • Passenger and family: half-closed or enclosed body with 2–4 seats. See T6 electric tuk-tuk for operators.
  • Charging on 220 V household supply. Confirm the charger plug and voltage for every order.

6. Pre-order checklist for Philippine importers

  1. Rated motor power ≥ 1,000 W, top speed ≤ 50 km/h and curb weight ≤ 600 kg, all stated in writing if you are targeting L4/L5.
  2. Frame and motor numbers stamped and listed on the packing list.
  3. Battery type and capacity on the invoice. For lithium packs, a UN38.3 test summary and SDS (needed for sea freight; see our mixed-container guide).
  4. Broker confirmation of the HS code and that EO 62 zero duty applies.
  5. LGU check if the buyer will run units for hire.
  6. Spare-parts kit: controller, charger, brake parts and tyres.

Frequently asked questions

Are e-trikes banned in the Philippines?

No. Since 2 January 2026 they are banned on certain major highways in Metro Manila (such as EDSA, C-5 and Roxas Boulevard) and some connecting roads. The LTO says they can still use city and municipal roads.

Do e-trikes need LTO registration?

In October 2024 the LTO suspended the national registration and licensing requirement for light electric vehicles. Local ordinances still apply, and the position may change, so check with the LTO and your LGU.

Is there import duty on electric tricycles in the Philippines?

Under EO 12 as expanded and implemented through EO 62 (2024), battery e-tricycles have a 0% MFN tariff until 2028. VAT and other charges still apply, and your broker must confirm the tariff line.

What specs define an e-trike under LTO rules?

Under AO 2021-039, L4/L5 e-tricycles are electric-only, rated at least 1,000 W, limited to 50 km/h, and have a curb weight of no more than 600 kg.

Sources

All sources checked in October 2026.

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