AUTHORITIES in Mandaue City are standing firm on their ban against e-bikes on major roads, stressing that public safety outweighs convenience as enforcement operations intensify.
Hyll Retuya, head of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team), said at least four e-bikes were impounded in a single morning operation near the University of Cebu–Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM), following reports that some riders continued to defy city regulations.
“For e-bikes, despite the recent news that they might be allowed in some areas, here in Mandaue City, we are firm in not allowing these e-bikes to operate in the city, especially along the highways,” Retuya said.
He noted that the operation was prompted by complaints from the public, prompting authorities to immediately deploy personnel to the area.
“This morning alone, four e-bikes were impounded,” he said, adding that some riders managed to flee.
Retuya emphasized that violators face a steep penalty, with impounded units only released upon payment of a P5,000 fine.
“If you get impounded here, we’ll release you after you pay the fine. If you get caught again, you pay again,” he warned.
The Team chief said the city has already stationed enforcers, including members of the Masco, in key areas to monitor and intercept violators.
Despite these efforts, he admitted that enforcement remains challenging as some riders continue to test authorities.
“We received information that they were even challenging our personnel. It’s like they want to challenge the government’s rules, so we’re taking action,” Retuya said.
Beyond defiance, Retuya pointed to deeper concerns about road safety.
He said many e-bike riders operate without proper documentation and often exhibit reckless behavior on the road.
“You see them on the road and their drivers are often irresponsible. Most of them are reckless. They drive haphazardly and weave in and out of traffic, which affects disciplined drivers and those with proper documents,” he said.
Retuya also dismissed arguments that rising fuel prices justify the use of e-bikes on major roads.
“For me, it’s still not justifiable because what we’re prioritizing here in Mandaue City is safety,” he said.
The official added that public sentiment appears to support the city’s stance.
“We saw the public outcry and we’ve been monitoring the comments, which are mostly negative,” he said, referring to reactions to discussions about possibly allowing e-bikes in some areas.
He clarified that while e-bikes may be tolerated in less congested areas such as subdivisions, they remain strictly prohibited on highways.
“Inside the subdivision is fine but once they go out onto the highway, that’s where they get impounded,” Retuya said.
The ban, he said, is grounded on local government authority and longstanding policy.
“For us here in Mandaue City, from before until now, e-bikes have been prohibited. There’s no reason for us to change that,” he said.
Retuya further pointed out that many e-bikes currently in circulation lack proper registration, citing a suspension of registration processes in recent years.
“What I know is that in 2024, the registration for those was suspended. So basically, there’s no registration,” he said, adding that units in the region would have needed to process registration in Metro Manila prior to the suspension.
He also warned that other cities are already struggling to manage the growing number of e-bikes on the road.
“Look at Talisay City, they can’t control it anymore they’re everywhere, even going against the flow of traffic,” he said.
As enforcement continues, Retuya made it clear that authorities will remain relentless in apprehending violators.
“It’s difficult because they keep coming back, so we just have to keep apprehending them,” he said. (ABC)