New York City officials are looking to clamp down on illegal e-bikes and scooters as multiple crashes have raised concern in recent months, including an accident last week that killed a 17-year-old near City Hall.
Illegal devices in the city include: e-bikes with motors over 750 watts or the ability to move faster than 25 mph; stand up scooters that weigh more than 100 pounds or can go over 20 mph; and mopeds that do not have valid VIN numbers.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alongside Attorney General Letitia James, said this week the first step is looking at retailers. NYC announced Wednesday that 42 retailers were issued cease-and-desist orders for selling illegal bikes to customers in the city, including the likes of Amazon, Walmart, Temu and Target.
Sellers have until Aug. 18 to comply, and will receive $2,000 infractions if they continue.
"As we continue to focus on this work, we will let New Yorkers know what the next steps are," Mamdani said at a press conference announcing the cease-and-desist letters. "For now, this is our focus."
New York City Council is also looking at ways to curb the illegal devices. Speaker Julie Menin said the city will next month review regulations and safety enforcement efforts.
The review will look at where "existing laws can be stronger enforced, and what additional solutions are needed to keep New Yorkers safe."
Every New Yorker deserves to move around our city freely and safely, regardless of how they get around.
— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) August 4, 2026
But too many people have been seriously injured or killed in crashes involving illegal e-bikes, e-motos, and e-scooters.
That’s why the @NYCCouncil is launching a… pic.twitter.com/vYgkJfEwSA
"New Yorkers should never have to wonder whether a walk through their neighborhood or bike ride to work will end in an accident," Menin said. "But for years, we've seen those calls and the heartbreaking collisions."
Just last week, Gabriel Nacato was killed after a collision with a car while riding an e-bike. The mayor said the teen's bike was not legal in the city.
"Nacato was riding a Deepower QS7 e-bike from Bensonhurst into Manhattan to meet with a career counselor and fill out his summer job applications. The vehicle he was riding is capable of reaching more than 30 miles per hour — a speed that should never be reached in our bike lanes," Mamdani said at the news conference.
"Illegal electric vehicles like the Deepower QS7 have cost too many New Yorkers their lives."
City Council also introduced a 17 bill package for e-bike safety that will be up for consideration this fall.
"Safe streets and responsible cycling go hand in hand, and we can achieve both," Menin continued. "This plan is an opportunity to make meaningful progress and ensure everyone can move around our city safely."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How NYC is cracking down on e-bikes and e-scooters after crashes
