New York City Launches Sustainable Delivery Unit to Regulate E-Bikes, Scooters, Delivery Apps

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have announced the creation of the Department of Sustainable Delivery (DSD) within the DOT to regulate commercial e-bike, e-scooter, and moped use, aiming to improve street safety and hold delivery app companies accountable. The department will be staffed by up to 45 unarmed peace officers, funded through the city's fiscal year 2026 budget, although these officers will not be active until 2028, raising concerns about enforcement effectiveness. The DSD will focus on enforcing traffic laws, including setting a 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes and scooters, and aims to penalize delivery apps that impose unrealistic delivery deadlines by potentially revoking their licenses. While the administration emphasizes worker safety and pedestrian protection, critics argue that enforcement alone may not address the structural causes of reckless delivery practices and call for more comprehensive regulation. Mayor Adams is urging the City Council to pass legislation to strengthen delivery worker safety and grant the city more authority over app companies. The initiative reflects a broader effort to bring order to the growing delivery sector amid increasing concerns over street safety and app-driven delivery pressures.