Short summary: New York City warned 42 online retailers in August to stop shipping illegal, high-speed e-bikes and scooters into the city, or face fines up to $2,000 per device. A month past that deadline, big platforms including Facebook Marketplace and Temu are still shipping them, which matters if one of these unregistered, souped-up bikes ever hits you.
Mayor Mamdani's cease-and-desist push targeted two-wheeled electric vehicles that blow past the legal limits: more than 750 watts of motor power or faster than 25 mph for e-bikes, and scooters over 100 pounds or faster than 20 mph.
So far, about 15 of the 42 companies, including Amazon and Walmart, have stopped shipping to city addresses. Some of the biggest online marketplaces have not.
Why this keeps happening
City Hall says it is in compliance talks with more than 10 of the largest platforms, but has not issued fines yet.
Meanwhile, the human cost keeps climbing. There have been 20 deaths citywide this year tied to e-bikes and e-scooters, up from 13 over the same period last year.
What it means if one of these bikes hits you
An illegal, unregistered e-bike or scooter often comes with no insurance, no VIN, and sometimes a rider who does not stick around after a crash.
Steps to protect yourself if you're hit
- Call 911 and get a police report, even if the rider takes off.
- Note the bike's description, any delivery bag branding, and nearby camera locations.
- See a doctor within a day or two, even for soreness that seems minor at first.
- Check your own auto policy for uninsured motorist coverage, it may be your best path to payment.
If the rider disappears, you are not necessarily out of options. Our guide on what to do when the other party is uninsured or gone walks through how those claims generally work. Follow-up care matters too, even for injuries that feel minor at first, here is why physical therapy visits count toward your claim.
Questions New Yorkers ask us
Is it illegal to ride these souped-up e-bikes in NYC?
Yes. New York City law caps e-bike motors at 750 watts and 25 mph, and bans scooters over 100 pounds or faster than 20 mph. Selling or shipping devices that exceed those limits into the city can now draw a fine of up to $2,000 per device.
Can I still get paid if the e-bike rider who hit me has no insurance?
Generally, yes. Your own auto policy's uninsured motorist coverage can often step in, and there may be other paths depending on how the crash happened. It is worth getting a free review of your specific situation.
What if the rider fled the scene?
Report it right away and gather anything you can, like a description or nearby video. Deadlines vary by situation, which is exactly why it helps to get advice now rather than waiting.
Not sure where you stand after a crash? Get your free case review or call (347) 526-1246. A real person answers, 24/7.
Reporting: Streetsblog New York City.
