Amazon’s Response to NYC’s Cease-and-Desist on E-Bike Sales

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has issued cease-and-desist letters to 40 major retailers, including Amazon, over the sale of certain motorized scooters and e-bikes. Along with Amazon, online retailers like Wayfair, Walmart, Temu, and Target have been asked to stop selling these products to New York City residents and businesses. According to Mamdani, failing to comply could lead to fines of $2,000 as of August 18.

Reasons Behind the Cease-and-Desist

The prohibition of these scooters and e-bikes is due to some products exceeding legal speed and wattage limits. Additionally, some mopeds lack the necessary Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). The legal speed for e-bikes in New York City is 15 mph, with maximum speeds allowed between 20 to 25 mph, depending on the bike. Scooters must not weigh more than 100 pounds or exceed 20 mph.

Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn stated, “Let’s be clear, these are motorcycles being marketed to New Yorkers as bicycles.” This crackdown follows a tragic incident where a 17-year-old, Gabriel Nacato, was fatally struck by an SUV while riding an e-bike in Lower Manhattan. Mamdani pointed out that the e-bike Nacato was riding could reach speeds of over 30 mph, far too high for bike lane use.

Amazon’s Reaction

An Amazon spokesperson commented on the cease-and-desist order, indicating that the company is “looking into the products in question” and is willing to cooperate with the mayor and City Council. The spokesperson emphasized, “Safety is a top priority, and we require e-bikes sold in our store to meet applicable safety standards and Amazon policies.” As of now, Target has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.