Things To Do on an eBike in Cumberland County, ME
Cumberland County has the densest bike network in Maine, with Portland Trails' paved and stone dust paths on the peninsula and longer rail trails north and west of the city.
Shops and rentals in eBike shops in Portland, eBike shops in South Portland and six other towns are listed on this site. The classes matter more here than in most counties, because Portland Trails, Brunswick and South Portland each treat them differently.
Where to ride in Cumberland County
Cumberland County mixes city trails with rules that differ by class. Class 1 and 2 are welcome on Portland Trails and Brunswick's river path, and Class 3 is not.
Riding along the water near Portland, Maine.
The Back Cove loop is flat stone dust, the Eastern Prom is paved and lit, and the Mountain Division Trail is a long paved corridor with a gravel stretch.
1. Back Cove Trail, Portland
Portland Trails' own description and the Maine by Foot guide agree on a loop of about 3.6 miles around the tidal Back Cove, with a distance marker every quarter mile. The Portland Trails FAQ lists it among the wide, well-surfaced trails and says it is lit at night and has bike racks.
Distance: About 3.6 miles around the loop; start: Several access points around the cove; Portland Trails' map shows the parking; surface: Packed stone dust, per Portland Trails and Maine by Foot.
eBike access: Portland Trails permits Class I and II eBikes on its trails and does not permit Class III on any of them. Portland Trails runs the network, so its FAQ is the controlling source. Etiquette and planning: The trail is busy with walkers and runners, so slow down and pass with a bell or a call. Managing source: Portland Trails, trail tips and FAQs.
2. Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland
The Eastern Prom Trail runs along the bay toward the Old Port and is paved, plowed in winter by the city and lit at night. Portland Trails says it is the only trail in its network with a public bathroom. Maine by Foot describes the Eastern Prom and Back Cove together as a 6.8 mile route, while its own pieces (3.6 plus about 2.1) add to less, so the combined mileage is uncertain.
Distance: Roughly 2 miles by itself; Maine by Foot gives 6.8 miles for the Eastern Prom and Back Cove together; start: Along the Eastern Promenade in Portland; the Portland Trails map shows the access points; surface: Paved.
eBike access: The same Portland Trails rule applies: Class I and II are permitted and Class III is not. The City of Portland maintains this trail. Etiquette and planning: Crowds are heaviest in summer evenings, and the path passes a popular beach. Managing source: Maine by Foot, Eastern Prom and Back Cove.
3. South Portland Greenbelt Walkway
The city describes an off-road path that spans 5.6 miles from the Wainwright Athletic Complex near the Scarborough town line to Bug Light Park, and says it is the eastern end of the Eastern Trail. Its Class 1 and 2 rule was changing in spring 2026, which is why we list it with a warning.
Distance: 5.6 miles from the Wainwright fields to Bug Light Park, per the city; start: Wainwright Athletic Fields, Mill Creek Park, or Bug Light Park; surface: Not stated on the city's page.
eBike access: The Press Herald reported on April 9, 2026 that eBikes were not permitted yet, and the city's council summary says first readings were approved on April 7 to permit Class I and II on city property and the Greenbelt. The city's code for Chapter 4 now lists Ord. No. 20-25/26 dated 4/7/2026. We could not confirm the final vote, so ask the city. Etiquette and planning: Plan on Class 3 being prohibited if the ordinance passed as reported. Managing source: City of South Portland, Greenbelt Walkway.
4. Class 1 mountain bike networks in Gray, Gorham, Westbrook and Cape Elizabeth
The New England Mountain Bike Association keeps a list of networks that allow Class 1 eMTBs, and in this county it names Libby Hill Trails in Gray, Alden Hill at the University of Southern Maine, Nineteen Mountain Trail Area and Weeks and Moody's in Gorham, Westbrook City Forest in Westbrook, and Stonegate in Cape Elizabeth. The association says access can change, so treat the list as a lead and not a permit.
Distance: Mileage varies by network; each manager's map has it; start: Each network has its own trailhead in the town named; surface: Mountain bike singletrack and woods roads.
eBike access: The association says it supports Class 1 eMTBs where land managers and owners allow them, and that riders must follow local rules. Class 2 and 3 are not covered by the list, so ask each manager. Etiquette and planning: Check each manager's page for closures, since the association says regulations can change. Managing source: New England Mountain Bike Association, eMTB trails.
5. Androscoggin River Bicycle Path, Brunswick
Brunswick describes a paved bicycle and pedestrian path along the Androscoggin River that links in-town Brunswick to the Cook's Corner area, with scenic overlooks and privies about half a mile from each end. The town page says it can be reached from Topsham across the Merrymeeting Bridge.
Distance: 2.6 miles, per the town; start: In-town Brunswick or the Cook's Corner end, north of Route 1; surface: Paved, 14 feet wide.
eBike access: The town page states that Type 1 and Type 2 motorized bikes are permitted and Type 3 are not. It uses the older "type" wording, which lines up with the state's Class 1, 2 and 3. Etiquette and planning: It is a shared path, so keep right and pass with a warning. Managing source: Town of Brunswick, Androscoggin River Bicycle Path.
6. Mountain Division Trail, Windham and Standish
The Windham Outdoors page calls the trail a 6 mile route, mostly paved with a gravel portion in the Otter Ponds section of the Sebago Lake Land Reserve in Standish. Windham's own page gives 5.6 miles, and describes it as a ten foot paved trail with a gravel hill of about 1.2 miles.
Distance: 5.6 to about 6 miles, depending on the source; start: Windham, with the gravel portion toward Standish; surface: Mostly paved with a gravel stretch.
eBike access: We found no eBike rule on either Windham page. State law lets a Class 1 or 2 ride where bicycles may go unless the municipality prohibits it, and a Class 3 needs permission on a bicycle path, so ask Windham before a Class 3 ride. Etiquette and planning: The trail is part of a longer corridor that the sources say links nine communities. Managing source: Windham Outdoors, Mountain Division Trail.
Planning a Cumberland County ride
Start in Portland with a Class 1 or 2 rental, ride the Back Cove loop, then connect to the Eastern Prom for a harbor view and a lunch stop in the Old Port.
If you want a car-free path outside the city, drive to Brunswick for the river path or to Windham for the rail trail.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Back Cove loop and the Eastern Prom on a Class 1 or 2 bike, with a stop at the water.
Full day: Add the Brunswick river path or the Windham rail trail after a morning in Portland, and check the South Portland rule before crossing the bridge.
What not to ride
Pondicherry Park, Bridgton: Maine Trail Finder lists bicycles as not allowed in the park, which has a 2.3 mile trail network (listing).
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park: The state's park brochure limits bicycles to the park road.
Any Portland Trails path on a Class 3: Portland Trails does not permit Class III eBikes on any of its trails.
When to ride Cumberland County
Start early in Cumberland from June through August, and carry water on any ride longer than a short loop.
Shop hubs
8 towns in Cumberland County have listings in the directory. Pick a town to see contact details and claim links for its shops.
- eBike shops in South Portland (1)
- eBike shops in Portland (10)
- eBike shops in Yarmouth (1)
- eBike shops in Brunswick (3)
- eBike shops in Westbrook (2)
- eBike shops in Scarborough (1)
- eBike shops in Freeport (1)
- eBike shops in Bridgton (1)
Rental and tour operators
The rental listings are below. Call each one about electric models, helmets, and return times, because a listing does not show today's fleet.
Lighthouse Bikes🎯 Tours
Gorham Bike & Ski🚲 Rentals
Summer Feet Cycling🎯 Tours
Brad’s Bike Rental & Repair🚲 Rentals
Fun And Sun Rentals LLC🚲 Rentals
The Portland Encyclepedia🚲 Rentals
M3 Urban Motorsports🚲 Rentals
Maine eBike rules snapshot
Maine sorts eBikes into three classes in 29-A M.R.S. section 101. An electric bicycle has two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. A Class 1 motor assists only while you pedal and stops assisting at 20 miles an hour. A Class 2 motor is capable of propelling the bike by itself but is not capable of propelling it at 20 miles an hour. A Class 3 motor assists only while you pedal and stops at 28. A bike that meets the definition is left out of the moped, motorized bicycle, and motorized scooter definitions. We found no 2026 amendment to either section.
The operating rules are in section 2063, subsection 14, added by Public Law 2019, chapter 349. An electric bicycle operator is exempt from the Title 29-A rules on financial responsibility, licenses, registration, and plates. Since October 1, 2019, a permanent label must show the class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage, and the motor must disengage when the brakes are applied. A Class 1 or 2 may go wherever a bicycle may go, including bicycle paths, unless the municipality or agency prohibits it. A Class 3 stays off bicycle paths unless the path is inside a highway or roadway or the authority allows it. On a path designated non-motorized with a significant natural surface such as gravel, stones, or wooden bridging, an eBike needs the authority's permission.
Nobody under 16 may operate a Class 2 or Class 3, and a child under 16 may ride as a passenger on one only if the bike is designed for passengers. Any operator or passenger under 16 on any eBike wears a properly fitted bicycle helmet. A Class 3 needs a speedometer that shows miles per hour, and an operator is subject to the open container rule in section 2112-A. Private owners may restrict eBikes on their own ways and property. Read our Maine eBike laws guide, then check the sign at the trailhead.
Land managers add their own rules on top of the statute. The Bureau of Parks and Lands park rules say bicycles and other wheeled vehicles stay on roads and trails specifically designated for their use, and we found no statewide Bureau policy that names eBikes. Acadia National Park allows only Class 1 eBikes on its carriage roads and Schoodic bike paths.
Where a trail sign, a town ordinance, or a land trust says no eBikes, that rule controls. We name the managing source for each route below and mark what we could not confirm.
Cumberland County towns set their own rules for their own paths, and we found no county-wide eBike ordinance. The South Portland rule changed in spring 2026, so check it on the day you ride.
Frequently asked questions
Which Portland trails allow eBikes?
Portland Trails says Class I and II eBikes are permitted on its trails. Class III is not permitted on any of them.
How long is the Back Cove Trail?
About 3.6 miles around the loop, per Portland Trails and Maine by Foot.
Which Portland trail has a public bathroom?
Portland Trails says the Eastern Prom Trail is the only one.
Are eBikes allowed on Brunswick's river path?
Brunswick says Type 1 and Type 2 motorized bikes are permitted and Type 3 are not.
Can I bring an eBike to Wolfe's Neck Woods?
The state's brochure limits bicycles to the park road, so trails are off limits.
Is the South Portland Greenbelt open to eBikes?
The city's code lists a new ordinance dated April 7, 2026, but the city's council summary and a Press Herald report describe first readings only. We could not confirm the final outcome.
Do kids need a helmet on an eBike in Maine?
A child under 16 does, whether driving or riding along. A passenger that young is allowed on a Class 2 or Class 3 only if the bike is designed to carry passengers, and the helmet rule applies either way. See the Maine eBike laws guide.
Is registration required for an eBike in Maine?
No registration is required, because the statute exempts an electric bicycle and its operator from registration and license plates, and from the financial responsibility rules, in 29-A section 2063(14)(A). Tampering that pushes a bike past 20 or 28 miles an hour removes it from the category.
All shops in Cumberland County
Every listing we hold for this county, 20 listings in 8 cities, is on the Cumberland County eBike shops page.