New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has launched a crackdown on online retailers selling allegedly illegal high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters, targeting major platforms including Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT), Target Corp. (NYSE:TGT), Wayfair Inc. (NYSE:W), Temu parent PDD Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:PDD) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) over public safety concerns.
NYC Targets Online Retailers Over Illegal E-Bikes
On Wednesday, in a post on X, Mamdani said the city has issued cease-and-desist orders to 42 online retailers accused of selling electric bikes and scooters that violate New York City safety rules.
He said, "Too many lives have been cut short by high-speed, illegal e-bikes and e-scooters."
The mayor said the action includes major online marketplaces such as Walmart, Target, Wayfair, Temu and Amazon, arguing that companies should not sell devices that pose risks to New Yorkers.
"That’s why we are issuing cease-and-desist orders against 42 online retailers that have been selling these dangerous devices to New York City residents," Mandani said.
He added, "The safety of New Yorkers is not for sale."
Too many lives have been cut short by high-speed, illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) August 6, 2026
That’s why we are issuing cease-and-desist orders against 42 online retailers that have been selling these dangerous devices to New York City residents — including Target, Temu, Wayfair, Walmart,… pic.twitter.com/dkNNepGjTd
NYC’s Growing E-Bike Safety Crisis
The city said the retailers have been selling products that exceed legal limits for speed, weight, or other safety requirements.
The action follows a recent crash involving an illegal device that killed a 17-year-old New Yorker.
"Every family deserves to know that when their loved ones leave home, they will make it back safely," Mamdani said in the official announcement.
He added, "That promise becomes harder to keep when companies profit from knowingly selling illegal, high-speed vehicles that have no place in our city."
The mayor said that since 2017, more than 45 people have been killed while riding illegal e-bikes, while more than 14 people have died in crashes involving illegal stand-up scooters.
Mamdani’s NYC Economic Moves
Last month, Mamdani announced a plan to offer 30% discounts on essential groceries at five city-backed stores, covering items such as eggs, milk, chicken and produce.
He also appointed former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan to lead the board of the Economic Development Corporation, saying her focus on accountability aligned with his economic agenda.
Benzinga’s Edge Stock Rankings data shows a detailed view of Walmart stock’s price structure, with short-, medium- and long-term trends all indicating negative momentum based on the latest data.
Price action: Walmart stock closed Wednesday at $112.34, up 0.71%, and rose 0.23% to $112.60 in after-hours trading.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Ron Adar on Shutterstock.com
