How To Become Part Of The Solution With HATASU

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March 23, 2024

I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again till I’m blue in the face––one of the biggest threats to our economy and quality of life is traffic and poor public transportation infrastructure. Not only does it affect business owners, but for many employees, the most challenging part of their day happens on the way to work––which leads to decreased productivity and low morale.

This has led to a surge in personal mobility vehicles, or more specifically, a rise in e-bikes and e-trikes. But as Filipinos increasingly search for more sustainable, practical, and cost-effective alternatives for their personal mobility, the importance of regulatory clarity and proper education on their use has never been more critical.

This is one of the biggest reasons I have agreed to support HATASU Philippines, as they share the same advocacy for change, seeking out clear regulations and responsible usage in the Philippine e-bike industry.

Now I know what you’re thinking: let’s just ban the sale of e-bikes because they are a menace on the roads. And I can’t blame you for feeling that way. If I’m honest, that’s my initial emotion too. But we have to be realistic and democratic about this. Effective traffic management requires a basket of solutions. And whether we like them personally or not, e-bikes can play a big role in that.

This is why it is so important to develop the regulatory framework immediately. Because they are growing faster than most politicians can react. And if left unchecked, they will end up becoming an even bigger problem that may become impossible to solve.

As it is now, the landscape of e-bike usage in the Philippines is still akin to the Wild West—exciting but largely unregulated. While traditional bicycles and motorbikes have clear rules, e-bikes fall into a gray area, sometimes leading to confusion and unsafe practices. The lack of specific guidelines (and proper enforcement) for e-bikes usually ends up in increased traffic due to the lower average speed, heightened frustration, and road rage, which can end up in personal injury (or death), undermining the benefits that these eco-friendly vehicles can offer.

Currently, HATASU Philippines, together with their dealers Motorcentral alike, offers workshops, instructional materials, and hands-on training sessions that cover everything from the basics of e-bike operation to advanced safety techniques and of course road rules.

They have also explored collaborating with me to promote safe and proper usage through social media as they believe through education, HATASU empowers riders to make informed decisions, respect traffic laws, and become ambassadors of e-bike etiquette. By doing so, they foster a culture of safety and responsibility that benefits all road users.

The proper adoption of e-bikes in the Philippines can lead to numerous benefits. First and foremost, clear regulations (and strict enforcement) would enhance road safety, reducing accidents and promoting harmonious integration with other vehicles.

Secondly, a regulated e-bike market can boost consumer confidence, as potential buyers would feel assured of the legality and safety of their investment.

Moreover, e-bikes are an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. By providing a sustainable mode of transportation, HATASU e-bikes can help reduce the country’s air quality issues, making a positive impact on the citizens and environment.

So if you are in the market for an e-bike, visit any of Motorcentral’s branches located in Bacoor, Cabuyao or Biñan Laguna to learn how to become part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

About the Author

James Deakin