Philippines Eyes Stricter Safety Rules for E-Bikes and Light Electric Vehicles

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is proposing mandatory safety certification for light electric vehicles (LEVs) and their batteries as more Filipinos use electric-powered transport for daily commutes and short-distance travel.

The proposed regulation seeks to reduce the risks of electrical malfunctions, overheating, and battery fires by requiring covered vehicles and battery units to comply with applicable Philippine National Standards (PNS) before they can be sold or distributed in the country.

DTI Targets Safer E-Bikes and Electric Mobility Devices

The draft technical regulation covers several types of electric-powered vehicles, including electric bicycles (e-bikes), personal e-mobility devices (PEMDs), electrically propelled mopeds, and electric motorcycles. Their corresponding battery units will also be subject to safety requirements.

Under the proposal, batteries must undergo a separate certification process from the complete vehicles. This approach aims to ensure that both the electric transport unit and its power source meet the required safety standards.

The proposed rules could affect consumers purchasing electric vehicles for commuting, running errands, and other everyday transportation needs. They also seek to help prevent substandard products from entering the Philippine market.

What Products Are Covered by the Proposed Rules?

The proposed regulation focuses on LEVs and their batteries. However, the rules exclude certain electric vehicle equipment and energy storage systems.

These exclusions include standalone electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), charging stations and infrastructure, battery-swapping stations, stationary battery energy storage systems (BESS), and separate electrical components not specifically listed in the draft regulation.

Relevant sub-components may still be evaluated as part of a complete light electric vehicle when required by the applicable Philippine National Standards.

DTI Consults Industry Stakeholders on Safety Standards

The DTI, through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), held a public consultation on October 14, 2026, at Seda BGC in Taguig City to gather feedback on the draft Technical Regulation Concerning the Mandatory Certification of Micromobility.

The consultation brought together industry associations, local manufacturers, testing and certification organizations, e-commerce platforms, and other trade representatives.

DTI-BPS officials presented the proposed compliance requirements and answered technical questions from participants. The session also included a presentation by UL Standards and Engagement (ULSE), an international safety science organization, on market safety trends and international benchmarks for LEV batteries and electrical systems.

The presentation highlighted three relevant safety standards: UL 2271 for light electric vehicle batteries, UL 2272 for personal e-mobility electrical systems, and UL 2849 for electric bicycles.

These standards provide technical benchmarks for assessing the safety of batteries and electrical systems used in electric mobility products.

What the Proposed Rules Mean for Filipino Consumers

If implemented, the mandatory certification requirements would add a safety measure for covered electric transport products sold in the Philippines.

For consumers, the proposal highlights the importance of considering battery and electrical safety when buying an e-bike, electric motorcycle, or other micromobility device. Choosing products that meet applicable safety standards can help reduce exposure to potential electrical hazards.

The proposed regulation also aims to improve product quality and strengthen consumer protection by ensuring covered vehicles and batteries meet established safety requirements before reaching the market.

However, the requirements remain part of a draft regulation. Consumers and businesses should distinguish between the proposed rules and any requirements already in effect.

How to Submit Feedback on the Proposed DTI Regulation

The DTI-BPS is inviting stakeholders, technical experts, manufacturers, and other industry participants to submit comments and recommendations on the draft regulation.

Feedback may be submitted through the official 1-BPS Portal at https://standardsph.dti.gov.ph/portal/commenting/forms or by email to bps@dti.gov.ph.

The deadline for submitting comments is December 13, 2026.

The consultation process aims to refine the proposed requirements before the regulation moves forward. For the Philippines’ growing electric mobility sector, the outcome could influence how covered vehicles and their batteries are tested, certified, and sold in the domestic market.

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