Op-Ed: E-Trike Safety Is Real — But the Failure Runs Deeper than the Vehicles - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica highlights that while safety concerns around electric tricycles (e-trikes) and e-bikes in Philippine cities are valid, the root cause extends beyond rider behavior to deeper systemic issues. Observed problems such as poor lane discipline and unpredictable maneuvers reflect not just reckless driving but a broader governance failure. This includes regulatory gaps, weak enforcement of product standards, fragmented public education, and the lack of a cohesive long-term vision for electric mobility. The rapid influx of e-trikes occurred without a coordinated national plan, leading to a regulatory vacuum where overlapping responsibilities among the Department of Transportation (DoTr), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Land Transportation Office (LTO) resulted in unclear classifications and enforcement delays. The article further explains that product safety standards for e-trikes are inconsistently applied, with many vehicles lacking basic safety features like properly positioned side mirrors, reliable lighting, and adequate battery protection. Although the DTI has a product standards framework, enforcement