Amazon has addressed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s cease-and-desist orders targeting 40 major retailers. These letters responded to the sale of prohibited motorized scooters and e-bikes in the city. Recipients included prominent online retailers like Wayfair, Walmart, Temu, Target, and Amazon.
Mamdani emphasized the need for immediate action, requiring these retailers to stop selling unlawful scooters and e-bikes to New York City residents and businesses. He also mentioned that failure to comply by August 18 could lead to penalties of $2,000.
Reason Behind Cease-and-Desist Orders
The prohibition of these scooters and e-bikes arises from some products surpassing legal speed and wattage limits. Additionally, certain mopeds lack the necessary vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
Mayor Mamdani highlighted the legal measures against retailers marketing potentially hazardous motorized devices. These include high-speed e-bikes, stand-up e-scooters, and other items unauthorized for use on New York City streets.
The legal speed limit for e-bikes in New York City is 15 mph, varying between 20 and 25 mph depending on the bike type. Scooters are restricted to a weight of 100 pounds and a top speed of 20 mph.
“Let’s be clear, these are motorcycles being marketed to New Yorkers as bicycles,” stated Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn.
This initiative followed the tragic accident of 17-year-old Gabriel Nacato, who was fatally struck by an SUV while riding an e-bike in Lower Manhattan. He was commuting to fill out job applications when the incident occurred, and his bike was capable of exceeding 30 mph — an unsafe speed for bike lanes, according to Mamdani.
Amazon’s Response
An Amazon spokesperson informed Nexstar’s WPIX of the company’s intention to examine the concerned products. Amazon expressed readiness to collaborate with the mayor and City Council to address these concerns.
“Safety is a top priority, and we require e-bikes sold in our store to meet applicable safety standards and Amazon policies,” the spokesperson stated.
As for Target and other retailers, responses to inquiries on the matter remain pending.
ICE to Equip Officers with Body Cameras Amid Policy Concerns 
NATO Jets Respond More Frequently to Russian Aircraft Near Eastern Flank 
Latest Headlines: Immigration Crackdown, Jan. 6 Case Dismissal, Wildfires in Spokane 
Mother Documents Terrifying Road Rage Episode on North Carolina Interstate 
Bail Raised for Suspect in Spokane County Fire 
US Military Stockpiles and Weapon Shortages Amid Conflict with Iran