New York City issued cease-and-desist orders to 42 online retailers accused of selling illegal, high-speed e-bikes, stand-up scooters and other motorized devices to New Yorkers. The action, announced Aug. 5 by Mayor Mamdani, targets retailers selling devices that exceed the city’s legal limits for speed, weight or other safety requirements.
According to Mamdani, more than 45 people have died while riding illegal e-bikes, and more than 14 while riding illegal stand-up scooters.
Fifty four percent of e-bike rider deaths involved illegal e-bikes capable of exceeding 25 mph between 2017 and 2025, according to a press release from the Office of the Mayor. Fifty two percent of all stand-up scooter fatalities involved illegal scooters capable of exceeding 20 mph.
“Every family deserves to know that when their loved ones leave home, they will make it back safely," the mayor said. "These are not unavoidable tragedies, they are preventable losses."
The orders require the retailers to immediately stop selling prohibited devices to customers across the city’s 175 ZIP codes, setting a weight and speed limit for scooters and e-bikes. Stand-up scooters cannot weigh more than 100 pounds or travel faster than 20 mph, while e-bikes cannot have motors larger than 750 watts or be capable of traveling faster than 25 mph. Seated mopeds must have and display a valid vehicle identification number.
The city said online sales have played a major role in making these devices more accessible. One illegal device was also involved in a fatal crash that killed a 17-year-old New Yorker shortly before the announcement.
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. Illegal devices found operating on city streets may also be impounded.
“Every New Yorker should be able to walk down the sidewalk and cross the street without fear,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “Those who sell illegal e-motos to New Yorkers are fueling a tragic rise in injuries and fatal accidents on our streets."
