At least 28 people have died in crashes involving electric bicycles and stand-up scooters in New York City in 2026, the highest-ever annual total by this point in the year. The supercharged vehicles allow riders to breeze across the city without breaking a sweat, making them attractive to teenagers and people who might not otherwise travel on two wheels. But they have also added to a sense of chaos on already crowded streets.

As ridership soars and the death toll continues to mount, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the City Council are moving to address safety concerns. The Council will hold a hearing on Wednesday to consider new regulations. A New York Times analysis of this year’s fatal crashes found a variety of contributing factors.

Some of the riders were using unlawful high-powered vehicles that can far exceed local speed limits. Others were hit by reckless drivers. Many were working-class immigrants; at least two were delivery workers.

No pedestrians have died after being hit by e-bikes or e-scooters this year, though many have been injured in crashes. On Sunday, a pedestrian who was hit by a traditional bicycle in Central Park died. State and city leaders have pressured retailers to stop selling devices that can exceed the speed limit.

But they have disagreed over other proposals, including whether to increase police enforcement or to require license plates and helmets. Mr. Mamdani sent cease-and-desist orders to 42 online sellers last month and has focused on making street design upgrades, including more bike lanes, to help prevent crashes.