Mamdani Issues Cease-And-Desist Orders To Retailers Selling Illegal High-Speed E-Bikes After Bensonhurst Teen’s Death

The city has given 42 companies until August 18 to bring their online sales practices into compliance with New York vehicle regulations

NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration issued cease-and-desist orders this month to online retailers selling motorized devices capable of exceeding legal speed limits on city streets, following the death of a Bensonhurst teenager riding an e-bike capable of reaching more than 30 miles per hour.

The Incident That Prompted The Action

City officials said Gabriel Nacato was riding a Deepower QS7 e-bike from Bensonhurst into Manhattan to meet with a career counselor when he was killed. Mamdani cited the incident directly in announcing the enforcement action, describing the vehicle’s speed capability as incompatible with safe use in city bike lanes.

How The Enforcement Process Will Work

Corporation Counsel Steve Banks said the roughly 42 companies identified as selling non-compliant devices will be given a two-week window to bring their listings into compliance with city and state vehicle regulations before facing fines. Officials framed the compliance period as standard practice, comparing it to typical cure periods offered in other regulatory enforcement contexts.

What Officials Say The Goal Actually Is

Banks and Mamdani both emphasized that the objective is full compliance rather than fine collection, with Mamdani stating the administration’s goal is for zero fines to be issued by the August 18 deadline because every identified retailer has voluntarily corrected its practices.

Officials Involved

The announcement was made alongside Attorney General Tish James, Department of Transportation Commissioner Flynn, and other city officials, reflecting a coordinated response involving both city and state authorities.

Broader Street Safety Context

The enforcement action is part of a wider street safety push by the administration, which has also pursued infrastructure changes including reduced speed limits near schools and expanded intersection safety improvements since the start of the current school year. Further coverage of New York City policy continues at bohiney.com.

SOURCE: https://bohiney.com