Gabriel Nacato dies in Manhattan crash after riding an illegal high-speed e-bike
Gabriel Nacato, a 17-year-old boy, was killed in a collision with an SUV on Center St. near City Hall in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday. The crash occurred at approximately 8:55 a.m. when Nacato was riding a Deepower e-moto bike, which exceeded the city's speed and motor power limits. The death of the teen, who died at the scene, has prompted transportation advocates and local officials to demand stricter regulations and enforcement of e-bike laws. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal noted that the tragedy was preventable and resulted from a failure in the regulatory regime. Transportation advocates are now pushing for legislation to end the sale of illegal high-speed devices. In response, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced a legislative package of 17 bills aimed at increasing safety regulations and strengthening enforcement. The City Council plans to hold a hearing on these bills on Sept. 30 to address the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters across the city.