NYC warns Amazon, Target and dozens more over sales of illegal e-bikes
Mayor Mamdani announced the city is taking legal action against 42 companies, including Amazon and Target, for selling illegal e-bikes and stand-up scooters.
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New York City is putting electric bike retailers on notice. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the city is taking legal action against 42 companies, including Amazon and Target, for selling illegal e-bikes and stand-up scooters.
The city has issued cease-and-desist orders to more than 40 retailers, demanding they immediately stop selling e-bikes, scooters and stand-up scooters that are deemed illegal to ride in New York City.
Specifically, Mayor Mamdani says they are targeting retailers that sell these devices that exceed 25 mph, surpass weight limits or lack required safety features.
“We’re going to go after those websites and retailers that are willfully selling illegal vehicles to New Yorkers, it should not have to be up to each New Yorkers to know every single line of New York City law, we know the law very clearly, these retailers know the laws very clearly and if they don’t they have two weeks to learn it," the mayor said.
New York City law prohibits the sale and operation of electric stand-up scooters over 100 pounds or that can exceed 20 mph, e-bikes with electric motors larger than 750 watts and exceed 25 mph and seated mopeds that do not have a valid vehicle identification number displayed.
Companies that receive the notice will have until Aug. 18 to come into compliance or face fines of up to $2,000 per violation, according to Mayor Mamdani.
The city is also encouraging companies to meet with the city Department of Transportation, the NYPD and the city's law department to lay out compliance plans.
“Two of the biggest factors of the severity of a traffic crash are the speed and weight of a vehicle, which is why the proliferation of faster, heavier illegal e-mobility devices is such an alarming trend on our streets. While legal e-mobility remains a great option to get around the city, faster illegal e-bikes and scooters are dangerous for everyone who shares our streets, including riders,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn.
The announcement comes after Gabriel Nacato, a 17-year-old fatally collided with a vehicle while riding an e-bike near City Hall last week.
"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." said Mayor Mamdani.
News 12 reached out to Amazon and Target for comment but did not immediately hear back.
A spokesperson for Amazon wrote, "Safety is a top priority and we require e-bikes sold in our store to meet applicable safety standards and Amazon policies. We are looking into the products in question and look forward to partnering with the Mayor and City Council."
