NEW YORK (BRAIN) — Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Wednesday legal action will be taken against online retailers selling e-bikes, e-scooters, and other motorized devices that exceed speed, weight, or fail to meet other mandatory city safety requirements.
The city issued cease-and-desist orders to 42 retailers. Those who continue selling them after receiving an order could face a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for each illegal sale. Illegal devices found operating on New York City streets also could be impounded.
It is illegal to sell or operate on New York City public streets:
- E-bikes equipped with motors larger than 750 watts or capable of speeds exceeding 25 mph.
- Motorized stand-up scooters weighing more than 100 pounds or capable of traveling faster than 20 mph.
- Seated mopeds that do not have and display a valid Vehicle Identification Number.
"Today, we're putting online retailers on notice: If you continue selling dangerous, illegal devices into New York City, you will be held accountable," Mamdani said. "We will use every tool available to make our streets safer for everyone who walks, bikes, drives or rides. ... Every family deserves to know that when their loved ones leave home, they will make it back safely. That promise becomes harder to keep when companies profit from knowingly selling illegal, high-speed vehicles that have no place in our city."
Last week, a 17-year-old from Brooklyn died when the "high-speed e-bike" he was riding crashed into a SUV in Lower Manhattan. According to the Office of the Mayor's Office, between 2017 and 2025, 45 rider fatalities involved illegal e-bikes capable of traveling faster than 25 mph, accounting for 54% of all e-bike rider deaths during that period. During the same period, 14 rider fatalities involved stand-up scooters capable of traveling faster than 20 mph, representing 52% of all stand-up scooter deaths.
On Tuesday, the City Council said it will hold a hearing Sept. 30 to examine e-bike and e-scooter safety, to discuss potential legislative action, and to conduct oversight of the city's enforcement of the existing laws. Testimony will be heard from city agencies, transportation and public safety experts, advocates, workers, and members of the public.
In June, City Councilman Frank Morano and several residents filed a lawsuit against Mamdani for overturning a criminal enforcement policy for e-vehicle violations in March.
