Group 10

E-trike: An Alternative Mode of Transport in The Island Provinces of

The Philippines
Shen Peter Arboleda
Noli Moron
Sayrie Ferry Jr.
Kei Fetalvero

ABSTRACT

Transportation has a big part on a country’s development. In the island provinces of

the Philippines where the roads are narrow, tricycles widen the opportunities of the
people to transport and to make a living. Tricycle becomes one of the main sources of
livelihood of many families in the Philippines but it also causes negative effects in our
health and in the environment. Because huge number of tricycles and other motorized
vehicle can affect our health and the environment, replacing it with E-trike or electronic
tricycle can lessen the damages that it can cause. E-trike, in the long run, can give a
positive outcome to drivers, commuters, and environment. The paper analysed the
hazard effects of gas-fed vehicles to people and environment and the positive impact of
adopting E-trike as an alternative mode of transportation in the island provinces of the
Philippines.

INTRODUCTION

One of the keys to a country’s economic growth is transportation and tricycle is one
of the most used modes of transportation in the Philippines. In a study conducted by
Guillen et al. (2007) it shows that the most developing cities in the world are using
tricycles as mode of transportation. Together with the jeepney, tricycle appeared in the
Philippines after the World War 2. In some other country, tricycle (whether it is
motorized or non-motorized) is commonly used as mode of transport or source of
livelihood—like in China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. In the Philippines, especially in
its island provinces, tricycle is the leading mode of transportation as roads there are
small and narrow. Because jeepneys can only take limited routes due to its size, the
number of tricycle has increased.
Motorized tricycle has become part of every Filipino’s everyday living as it is used
as source of income, delivery system, family service, and mode of commuting. Tricycle
has a lot of things to offer; but on the other side it also has its downsides as it poses and
causes hazard effects on the environment. In the Philippines, one third of the vehicular
population is consist of two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles that also become the
main contributor of pollution, health hazards, and other environmental problems.
Amistad and Regidor (2005) revealed in their study that the use of motorized tricycle is
also considered as the source of noise and air pollution exposing the people to serious
health-related problems. According to Asian Development Bank (ADB), the carbon
dioxide discharge of the Philippines would nearly be four times more, in less than 25
years because of using automobile and motorcycle. In line with this, several options
have been set to resolve this problem. One of this is the strict implementation Philippine
Clean Air Act of 1999 and the introduction of electronic tricycle or e-trike as alternative
mode of transportation.
As mentioned by Balaria et al. (2017) Electronic tricycle or e-trike is almost the
same as tricycle in terms of its use and layout which is tree-wheeled, and can
accommodate several passengers. The only major difference of the two is that tricycle
is gas-fed, while e-trike is run by electricity. E-trike reduces the carbon dioxide
discharge and reduces the dependency in oil, and eventually increases the job
opportunities and income of the tricycles drivers in the long run.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PAPER

The paper aimed to describe the tricycle industry in the island provinces of the
Philippines and the hazards of using a gas-fed tricycle to the environment and the
community. Moreover, it sought to determine the sustainability and positive impact of
adopting-trike as an alternative mode of transport in the Philippines’ island provinces.

MAIN DISCUSSION

After the World War 2, tricycles, together with the jeepneys appeared in the
Philippines. Tricycle is a type of motorized vehicle consisting of a motorcycle attached
to a passenger cab. In the Philippines, tricycle operation becomes one of the sources of
livelihood and mode of transportation of many Filipino. As years past by, the number of
tricycles in the Philippine streets has increased, both in cities and in its provinces.

Figure 1. Motorized Tricycle at Odiongan, Province of Romblon, Philippines

Pagaddu et al. (2021) mentioned that Tuguegarao City makes one of the most polluted
cities in the Philippines when it comes to air quality because of the increasing number of
tricycles. As we develop and become more aware of the damages that we bring to our
environment, we come up with a solution to lessen the hazards that we cause to
environment. Introducing the e-trike is one of these solutions.
In the Philippines, it is estimated that the total number of registered tricycles in the
whole country is over 4.5 million as of 2018. The motorized tricycles nowadays are
equipped with a 4-stroke engines which is said to be using a huge amount of fossil fuels
to operate. However these engines produces high amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) ,
nitrogen oxide (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2) and are also the producers of
greenhouse gases, which are the primary cause of air pollution which results to gradual
climate changes, smog formations and the depletion of the ozone layer. As mentioned
by Nguyen and Naguib (2011), vehicles in the city contain high concentration level of
carbon monoxide, and 15.4% of it is from the tricycles. These takes a toll to the health
of many people as millions of tricycles are being operated everyday on the road and
highways. The air is gradually being polluted by huge amounts of carbon dioxide each
day amounting to 5 or maybe 15 million tons if based on the number of hours a single
tricycle is being operated a day. In manila it is stated that over 10 million tons of carbon
dioxide are being generated and over 4000 air pollution related deaths are being
recorded each year in the city and maybe a thousand or hundred more in every country
in the Philippines combined. Motorized tricycles are also the sources of noise pollution.
In less than 25 years, The Philippines’ carbon dioxide emissions would nearly quadruple
because of automobile and motorcycle use, according to Asian Development Bank
(ADB).
Most carbon emissions generated daily is result of commuter trips—to and from
work or school. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that an average
gasoline passenger vehicle on the road today has a fuel economy of about 22 miles/gal,
and drive around 11,500 miles/year. The agency concluded that every gasoline burned
creates 8,887 grams of CO2. This gas is harmful and also responsible for global
warming. But by using E-trike, automatically minimizes air pollution since it does not
burn fossil fuel which means they do not release any exhaust gases to the atmosphere,
has a quieter engine, lesser moving parts, cheaper operating costs, no tailpipe
emissions, and runs on electricity. The mainstream use of electric tricycles would yield
beneficial impacts toward reducing oil dependence and improved air quality. It also
avoids excessive fuel consumption that gives the driver less burden knowing that the
cost of oil continues to rise, also reduces oil dependency, has low maintenance and
eventually increases job opportunities to many that will also help increase tricycle
drivers' income in the long run. E-trikes do not get stuck in traffic which means it is
faster to go to a destination, this is advantageous not just to people but to environment
as well.
 A recent study conducted in US showed that electric bikes are eighteen times more
energy efficient than a 4x4 or SUV, thirteen times more efficient than a standard sedan
and almost equal impact on the environment as a traditional bike. As the technology of
battery and motor continue to develop and improve, things like solar chargers and
regenerative charging motors the environmental footprint of an electric tricycle will be
reduced even further potentially being 100% eco-friendly. Regular riding improves
fitness, it has low-impact cardio exercise, most models have the option to turn off the
motor and make it to traditional one to git a bit more workout riding. Driving less also
lessens spending gasoline and maintenance especially for adults. People aren’t fit as
ever, an E-trike gives the feeling of freedom but with the stability of three wheels which
there’s no need to balance anymore, instead, effortless smooth operation ride is all
needed and let the motor do the work.

A common motorized tricycle can carry two to four (2-4) passengers including the
driver. Sidecars are truly too small for the common Filipino commuter, making them
volatile and susceptible to accidents. Most tricycles have a 4-stroke engine. Sidecars
are improvised structures made from scrap metal. Currently, there are no laws
regulating the size and composition of sidecars that are technically dangerous to traffic
and prone to accidents. Sidecars are actually too small for the average Filipino
commuter, making them unstable
Figure 2. and prone
Electronic Tricycle to Province
at Odiongan, accidents. A 2005
of Romblon, study by the Asian
Philippines

Development Bank showed that tricycle emissions tests showed hydrocarbons at 6,000
ppm, or 10 times the permissible standard. The four-stroke engine was shown to be an
engine type in the same ADB study (2005), but in some respects it may be more
efficient than a two-stroke engine, but still nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide. Asia
Development Bank (ADB) research and the World Health Organization (WHO) have
shown that tricycles are the main source of noise, even when binding legislation on
emissions testing is in force. This includes threats to human health. Studies have rarely
reported accidents in the city, but due to sidecar instability, reckless and abusive
drivers, and poor-quality sidecars made of scrap material, tricycles turns out to be more
prone to accident.
 Few years ago, the Philippine government together with the Department of Energy
(DOE) and Asia Development Bank (ADB) has worked on a project focused on the
popularization of electric vehicles in the Philippines. This project includes the
introduction of electric tricycles, also known as E-trike. In September 2019, under the
project of Department of Energy (DOE), BEMAC (British Exports Marketing Advisory
Committee,) successfully delivered a total of 3,000 units of electric tricycles to 37 LGU’s
and national organizations all over the Philippines.

Table1. The table shows the list of 37 LGUs and national organizations that received electronic tricycle from BEMAC.
No. of E-
trikes
National Capital Region Quezon City 300
Valenzuela City 250
Pasig City 200
Malabon City 175
Mandaluyong City 170
Muntinlupa City 150
Pasay City 101
Manila City 100
Las Piňas 100
Armed Forces of the Philippies 50
DOST 20
DOE 2
Region I Ilocos Norte 20
Region II Echague, Isabela 120
Region III Malolos, Bulacan 100
Angat, Bulacan 20
Hagonoy, Bulacan 20
Balagtas, Bulacan 20
Region IV-A Carmona, Cavite 200
Batangas City, Batangas 50
Los Banos, Laguna 40
Binan, Laguna 40
Bae, Laguna 40
Region IV-B Brookes Point, Palawan 50
San Vicente, Palawan 50
Odiongan, Romblon 40
Region V Camarines Sur, Sagnay 40
Camarines Sur, Tigaon 40
Camarines Sur, Naga, Calabanga, Balongay 16
Camarines Sur, Naga, Canaman, Mangawayan 10
Camarines Sur, Naga, Ocampo, Hibago 7
Camarines Sur, Naga, Pili, La Purisima 7
Region VI Boracay (Department of Transportation) 190
Boracay (Department of Tourism) 10
La Carlota, Negros Occidental 50
ARMM Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur 200
 Benefits of e-trike include higher energy efficiency. It's more environmentally
friendly above all, a bigger savings for the driver. E-trike can carry up to 9 passengers,
while motorized can carry 4 passengers. The 4-stroke engine type uses a lead-acid
battery type, and the former uses a lithium secondary battery. Motorized tricycles
consume gasoline, but E-trike charges the battery electrically and costs the driver 11.00
pesos per kWh. Therefore, for every kilometre used by an electric tricycle, E-trike costs
1.20 pesos of gasoline and 0.30 pesos of electricity. E-trike confirms P0.90 gasoline
savings. E-trike doubles the number of passengers it can carry, while being more
advantageous in all respects in terms of fuel economy. E-trike appears to be more fuel-
efficient, doubling the number of passengers it can carry.
The usual daily cost for a Motorized Trikes driver is 117 pesos including petrol.
Dispatcher fees, meals, municipal tickets. Drivers usually buy e-trike unit in instalments.
The price is 120,000 Philippine pesos for 3 years, but if you pay the unit in cash, it will
be 101,400 Philippine pesos including the battery. It is expected that e-trikes drivers will
have to pay Php120-Php180 daily for a period of time for 2-3 years. In addition, it
provides Php30 and Php49.06 for charging two batteries. Today's transportation
systems use 4-stroke motorcycle engines, which are more environmentally friendly than
traditional 2-stroke engines. Comparative studies of power unit specifications show that
E-trike is safer, uses less fuel, and nearly doubles passenger capacity, making it more
efficient in terms of body design. E-trike's capital expenditure is more than double that of
traditional tricycles, but the return on investment of the former can be amortized in less
time. In terms of fuel savings, E-trike is more advantageous plus it doubles the
passengers that a normal motorized tricycle can. In island provinces of the Philippines
where the price of Gasoline are more expensive, using E-trikes will definitely help the
drivers to save not just money, but also the health of people and environment.
Table2. In a study by Balaria et al. (2017), the following table clearly compares
the specifications and passenger capacity of motorized tricycle and E-trike.
Type of Vehicle
Particulars
Motorized E-Trike
Passenger Capacity 4 9
Battery Lead Lithium
Total Distance (km) 60 to 80 40 to 80
Gasoline Use (L) 1.20 -
Electric Charging Time (hrs.) - 1-12
Cost per Liter P 50.00 -
Cost per kWh - P 11.00
Cost per km use P 1.20 P 0.30
Savings per km - P 0.90

SUMMARY/CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION
a. Summary

In the Philippines, knowledge about tricycle is not new—same as the damages

that it cause to people and our environment. These motorized tricycles produce
carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2) that are very
harmful to environment and can also kill humans. By replacing these tricycles with E-
trike, we can save money, save life, and save our future generations. Electronic
tricycle as an alternative mode of transport in the Philippines will save thousands of
lives, in particular to its provinces where tricycles and other motorized vehicles are
the main mode of transportation.

b. Conclusion

Most Filipinos rely on motorized vehicles in terms of transporting, commuting,

and making a living. The study showed that by replacing these motorized tricycle
and vehicles with E-trike, we can help our environment without sacrificing these
needs. Compared to other gas-fed vehicles, E-trikes will definitely change the future
of transport by saving money, saving people, and saving the environment. E-trike is
more efficient when it comes to body design because it is much safer, less fuel
consumption, and almost double the capacity of the passengers. Although E-trikes is
much more expensive than the regular motorized tricycle, the investment with soon
be reoccupied in a short period of time. The adaptation of E-trikes to island
provinces of the Philippines can benefit the environment and the people in the long
run. Adopting E-trikes as an alternative mode of transportation has a lot of
advantages—it does not use fossil fuel, increases the income of the operator, and
has a greater environmental impact.

c. Recommendation

The study showed the role of the tricycles in the life of Filipinos, the disadvantage
of it to health and the environment, and its advantage when it is replaced with
electronic tricycles. The limitation of the study is the data available especially dealing
with E-trikes in island provinces of the Philippines. Proper and detailed information
may be needed, more on the E-trike’s status in every province of the Philippines.

REFFERENCES
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[ CITATION Lad18 \l 13321 ] Comparative Profitability Analysis of Electric, Pedicab, and

Gasoline-Fuelled Tricycles in Isabel, Leyte