NYC Warns 42 Retailers to Halt Illegal E-Bike Sales by Aug. 18 or Face $2,000 Fines
Updated
Updated · amNY · Aug 6
NYC Warns 42 Retailers to Halt Illegal E-Bike Sales by Aug. 18 or Face $2,000 Fines
3 articles · Updated · amNY · Aug 6
Summary
Aug. 18 is the deadline New York City gave 42 online retailers to stop selling overpowered two-wheelers to residents across the city’s 175 ZIP codes or face fines of up to $2,000 per violation.
The Mamdani administration says the devices are falsely marketed as e-bikes or e-scooters even though they exceed city limits, including one model tied to a 17-year-old’s death that can hit 30 mph with a 1,500-watt motor.
Steve Banks said the city wants retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Segway and Deepower to meet with the NYPD, DOT and Law Department, and could also sue to stop noncompliant ads and sales.
DOT says illegal devices were involved in most recent micromobility fatalities: 45 unlawful e-bike deaths made up 54% of e-bike fatalities since 2017, while 14 illegal e-scooter deaths accounted for 52%.
The crackdown adds pressure beyond riders alone and comes as the City Council advances new e-bike legislation and state Attorney General Letitia James has already issued a consumer alert.