Will the Mamdani-Menin rivalry boost regulations of e-bikes in NYC?
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Published Aug 6, 2026
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This column originally appeared in The Politics Brief, our weekly newsletter on the people, power and policies that shape New Yorkers' lives.
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Lawmakers have dithered as e-bikes and scooters have transformed New York City streets since the pandemic.
But a 17-year-old's recent death in a fatal crash while riding a powerful e-bike near City Hall during the morning rush is prompting city leaders to consider meaningful legislative action on illegal two-wheelers. The growing political rivalry between Council Speaker Julie Menin and Mayor Zohran Mamdani appears to be adding an accelerant to the effort, too.
On Wednesday, Mamdani announced the city had issued cease-and-desist orders to 42 online retailers that sold devices that are illegal to ride on city streets.
“Every family deserves to know that when their loved ones leave home, they will make it back safely,” Mamdani said in a statement. “That promise becomes harder to keep when companies profit from knowingly selling illegal, high-speed vehicles that have no place in our city.”
City Hall’s actions come one day after Menin announced the Council will consider 17 bills related to e-bikes and other so-called micromobility devices. The bills cover vehicle safety, street design, delivery worker protections and data reporting, among other measures.
“The status quo cannot continue,” she said.
Mamdani and Menin have clashed over key policies, including the budget, housing vouchers, public safety around houses of worship, and city-funded grocery stores. Now, the two Democrats are jockeying to shape New York’s approach to e-bikes and potentially create a model for other cities.
But regulation and NYPD enforcement of e-bikes is a political minefield. The 80,000 e-bike delivery workers are mostly immigrants who depend on their vehicles to make a living. Critics say delivery apps incentivize the workers to go as fast as they can to bring food to customers.
Enforcement targeting e-bikes also often ensnares traditional cyclists, who often bristle at any crackdown given the reckless driving occurring all over the five boroughs.
But the speed of the devices is forcing lawmakers to take action. Between 2017 and 2025, 45 people died riding illegal e-bikes capable of traveling faster than 25 mph in the city, according to a press release from the mayor’s office. Those deaths accounted for more than half of all e-bike rider deaths during that period.
Gabriel Nacato, 17, of Brooklyn, died last week while riding an illegal e-bike that can go 30 mph — twice the speed limit for the devices.
Mamdani said that Nacato’s bike “is one that should never have been on our streets.”
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This week in New York politics
- Gothamist took a tour of the “Commie Corridor” of Brooklyn and Queens. The stronghold of young, leftist and college-educated voters fueled Mayor Zohran Mamdani's rise.
- City officials extended the pied-à-terre tax exemption deadline to Sept. 18 after a confusing rollout.
- A federal judge ruled state officials can’t prohibit law enforcement officers — including immigration agents — from wearing masks while on duty.
- New York is investing more than $9 million to strengthen the cybersecurity of its drinking water and wastewater systems after hackers targeted water utilities in other states.
- The heavy police presence at last weekend's Summer Streets event marks the latest NYPD surge under Mayor Mamdani.
- A controversial bitcoin mining operation in upstate New York seeks to transform into a data center despite Gov. Kathy Hochul’s moratorium on new facilities powering the AI boom.
- New York is looking to shut down Kalshi, alleging the "prediction market" is just a gambling operation in disguise.
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Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email elkim@nypublicradio.org
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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