🚦Before You Ride: What Parents Should Know Before Buying an E-Bike 🚦

Before the current school year for elementary and high school began, we decided to buy an e-bike that would serve as our kids’ daily ride to and from school. The goal was simple — make their commute more comfortable, safer, and hassle-free than squeezing into crowded trikes or jeeps, especially now that classes are in full swing.

 

Since today’s e-bikes come in 2-wheel, 3-wheel, and even 4-wheel options, we chose a 3-wheel unit after the dealer assured us that it could travel longer distances compared to a heavier 4-wheel model. Ours uses a 60V38AH battery (upgraded from the standard 25AH), fits 3 people comfortably — or 4 if everyone is petite — and came with freebies like a reverse cam, Bluetooth speaker, mini fan, wiper, rain cover, and spare tire. Many stores even throw in a “buy 1 e-bike, get 1 appliance” promo — no wonder e-bikes are the new “king of the road” in almost every barangay!

 

It’s easy to understand why more parents are shifting to e-bikes: they’re practical, affordable, and usually do not require LTO registration or a driver’s license. However, some cities, like Biñan, Laguna, have their own rules. Under City Ordinance No. 21-2023, all 3-wheel and 4-wheel e-bikes that regularly pass through or crossing the national roads must be registered at City Hall (specifically through the Biñan City Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Board), secure a permit to travel monthly, and the driver must have an LTO-issued license.

 

Thinking we could immediately use ours, we were surprised to learn about this rule after noticing other e-bikes with “plates.” To comply, we registered at the LGU, paid a small fee, and now renew our travel permit every month (free but time-consuming). To avoid getting into trouble, we enrolled our house helper in driving lessons and helped her secure a non-pro driver’s license from LTO so she can legally fetch our kids.

 

Beyond legal requirements, we’ve also picked up a few real-life lessons from using our e-bike daily. Our helper once accidentally bumped into another unit, cracking the windshield and damaging its frame. When we contacted our dealer for repairs, we were surprised to find out that many e-bike parts are manufactured 1:1, meaning there are no extra frames, only windshields. Even small items like bolts and nuts easily become loose — and are not always on hand. Although we did get a replacement windshield, the frame had to be repaired elsewhere. We also noticed that the voltmeter reading isn’t always accurate; sometimes it shows 67% even when fully charged. And unlike car batteries, e-bike batteries should never be fully drained — or else you’ll end up replacing it for around ₱8,000.

 

These are things we wish we knew earlier. Not because we regret buying an e-bike — but because we believe future buyers deserve to make smarter choices. So before you swipe your card or say yes to that “promo,” research first.

 

✔ Check the specs carefully

✔ Know your local ordinances

✔ Read reviews about the dealer’s after-sales service

✔ Ask if spare parts are readily available

✔ Compare brands — not just prices

✔ Buy from reputable and trusted shops

 

At the end of the day, our only hope remains: that this e-bike fulfills its purpose — to bring our children safely home every day. May this experience guide you before making the same big decision!

 

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