Amazon has issued a response to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s cease-and-desist orders aimed at 40 major retailers regarding the sale of prohibited motorized scooters and e-bikes. Online retailers such as Wayfair, Walmart, Temu, Target, and Amazon received these letters demanding the immediate cessation of certain scooter and e-bike sales to NYC residents and businesses, as Mayor Mamdani announced. Failure to comply could lead to fines of $2,000 after August 18.
Reason Behind Cease-and-Desist Letters
The ban on these scooters and e-bikes arises from their excessive speed and wattage capabilities, beyond legal limits. Furthermore, some mopeds lack valid Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). Mayor Mamdani stated that legal steps were being taken against online retailers selling motorized devices that pose dangers, including high-speed e-bikes and scooters that can’t legally be used on NYC streets.
The speed restriction for e-bikes in New York City is set at 15 mph, with the maximum speed allowance being between 20 to 25 mph based on the type of bike. Additionally, scooters must not exceed 100 pounds in weight or go faster than 20 mph.
“These are motorcycles being marketed as bicycles to New Yorkers,” stated DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn.
Tragic Incident Hastens Actions
The actions follow a tragic event involving 17-year-old Gabriel Nacato, who was fatally struck by an SUV while riding an e-bike in Lower Manhattan. The e-bike he was on could exceed 30 miles per hour, a speed deemed inappropriate for bike lanes according to Mayor Mamdani.
Amazon’s Position
A spokesperson for Amazon informed Nexstar’s WPIX that the company plans to review the products in question, expressing readiness to collaborate with the mayor and City Council to address concerns. “Safety is a top priority, and we require e-bikes sold in our store to adhere to applicable safety standards and Amazon policies,” the spokesperson remarked.
Target has not yet provided WPIX with a comment on the issue.
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