Beyond e-bikes: high-speed electric rides create new road hazards in central Maine

CENTRAL MAINE • July 30, 2026

E-bikes started becoming popular around 2019 and, boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic, they became a popular option for commuters and people with mobility issues. But in recent months, reports of e-bike crashes have increased across the country, with many involving children. One such crash occurred last week on Bangor Street in Augusta, where a 14-year-old riding an e-bike suffered serious leg injuries. Andrew Zarro, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, said e-bikes aren’t the problem. Electric motorcycles are. E-bikes can’t go above 28 mph, but e-motos can — some drive up to 65 mph.