This column originally appeared in The Politics Brief, our weekly newsletter on the people, power and policies that shape New Yorkers’ lives.<\/p>\n
Sign up<\/a> to get the full version where you can ask questions, share news tips and weigh in on the conversation. Hits inboxes on Wednesdays.<\/p>\n Lawmakers have dithered as e-bikes and scooters have transformed New York City streets since the pandemic.<\/p>\n But a 17-year-old’s recent death in a fatal crash while riding a powerful e-bike<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery family deserves to know that when their loved ones leave home, they will make it back safely,\u201d Mamdani said in a statement. \u201cThat promise becomes harder to keep when companies profit from knowingly selling illegal, high-speed vehicles that have no place in our city.\u201d<\/p>\n City Hall\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe status quo cannot continue,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Mamdani and Menin have clashed over key policies, including the budget<\/a>, housing vouchers<\/a>, public safety around houses of worship<\/a>, and city-funded grocery stores<\/a>. Now, the two Democrats are jockeying to shape New York\u2019s approach to e-bikes and potentially create a model for other cities.<\/p>\n