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MANILA, Philippines – The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted governments to impose transportation restrictions to curb transmission of the virus among travelers.
As an alternative to the usual means of transportation, the public turned to old-school bicycles and their modern counterparts: the scooter and electric bicycles.
Such vehicles have been useful for some health professionals, especially other essential workers, who do not have to face the hassle of commuting to work in public transport and the risk of infection that comes with it.
“Your e-scooter convenience? Never commuted again since October 2019“Said Syd Henrie Risky, an occupational therapist who will be working on his e-scooter.
“I’m going to work, I just drive an electric scooter”He added.
Syd is one of many people who now own a vehicle of this type, but who are not covered by any transportation regulations at this time.
For this reason, the Office of Land Transportation (LTO) is now drafting a guideline that will regulate the use of electric scooters by updating the provisions of the Republic Law 4136 or the Law to Compile Laws Relating to Land Transportation and Rules of Traffic.
Under existing law, any vehicle that uses liquid fuel or electricity must be registered and the owner must have a valid license.
The LTO also emphasized that the use of e-scooters must be governed by a certain law, as it is small in size and requires a balance that is prone to accidents.
The agency is awaiting approval from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on the proposed guidelines.
“First, you need to have a license or register. Second, where can it be used, what kind of streets can be used. Third, there is the protective equipment that they must wear so that, if not avoided, injuries are reduced.”Explained the Chief of LTO and Undersecretary of DOTr, Edgar Galvante.
But a group of e-scooter advocates, “Electric Kick Scooter,” questioned the timing of the guide’s release.
“I can’t really take it against LTO. Mandate ng Constitution, but the thing is, it’s really a bad time during this pandemic season. These avant-garde are the mode of transport used,”, Argued Tim Vargas, president of the group.
Galvante on the other hand said, “The bad time is not considered here. If safety is considered, the time is not right. “
However, the LTO cannot yet say when the guidelines will be released, but assured the public that they will be released quickly once the DOTr gives the green light to the proposal. MNP (with reports from Joan Nano)
