Mayor Mamdani Targets Online Retailers Selling Illegal High-Speed E-Bikes And Scooters

YSR.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Wednesday that New York City has issued cease-and-desist orders to 42 online retailers accused of illegally selling high-speed e-bikes, stand-up scooters, and other motorized devices that cannot legally be operated on city streets.

According to City Hall, the retailers have been ordered to immediately stop selling the prohibited devices to customers across all 175 New York City ZIP codes. Officials say many of the products exceed the city’s legal limits for speed, weight, or motor size and are illegal to sell or operate within the five boroughs.

The announcement comes just days after an illegal high-speed e-bike was involved in a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 17-year-old teenager. City officials say illegal e-bikes and stand-up scooters account for more than half of all rider fatalities involving those types of vehicles.

Under New York City law, stand-up scooters weighing more than 100 pounds or capable of traveling faster than 20 mph, e-bikes with motors exceeding 750 watts or speeds above 25 mph, and certain mopeds without a valid Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) are prohibited from being sold or operated on public streets.

Mayor Mamdani said the city will hold retailers accountable for continuing to market and ship dangerous vehicles into New York City, adding that every family deserves to know their loved ones can travel safely. Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn said legal e-bikes remain an important transportation option, but warned that heavier and faster illegal devices pose a growing danger to riders and everyone sharing the streets.

Retailers that continue selling prohibited devices after receiving a cease-and-desist order could face civil penalties of up to $2,000 for each illegal sale, while illegal vehicles found operating on New York City streets may also be impounded. The city says the enforcement effort is part of its broader campaign to improve street safety and reduce traffic fatalities.