Federal regulators have ordered a recall of Fly E-Bike's popular model known as the Fly 10 moped, marking the latest and perhaps most serious blow to the embattled micromobility company. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all Fly 10 mopeds manufactured between July 1, 2022 and October 31, 2024 must be recalled due to a braking system that fails to meet federal safety standards under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No.
122. 8 feet to come to a complete stop – nearly 11% worse than required.
In wet weather testing, average deceleration was 16% worse than the minimum federal requirement. NHTSA warned that such non-compliance may result in reduced braking performance, which could increase stopping distance or lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash that may result in injury.
The recall follows a high-profile investigation by Streetsblog last year that cast doubt on Fly's safety claims and regulatory compliance. Fly must replace brakes or repurchase affected vehicles.
Notification letters are expected to go out in mid-March. The recall is only one of several major challenges facing Fly E-Bike, which has also lost a planned partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation and faced lawsuits over alleged fraudulent claims about its batteries.
This recall highlights the importance of rigorous testing and regulatory compliance in the micromobility industry. As the use of e-bikes and mopeds becomes increasingly common, it is crucial that manufacturers prioritize safety above all else to protect consumers.
