New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announces legal action against online retailers selling illegal e-bikes.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the city will take legal action against online retailers that sell e-bikes exceeding the city's speed limits. The move follows the death of 17-year-old Gabriel Nataco, who was killed in a crash while riding a Deepower motorcycle purchased from Amazon. Mayor Mamdani stated that major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Wayfair have operated outside of the law for over five years. The city will issue cease and desist orders to these companies by August 18, with as fines of $2,000 per sale for each illegal bike sold after that date. New York City Council members are also considering legislation to improve street safety, including a ban on e-bikes exceeding 15 mph and a trade-in program for illegal bikes. Data shows e-bike and scooter collisions have increased by more than 28% this year compared to the same period last year.