Getting Back to Work with an Electric Bike: Chris Morin

Chris Morin was one of the first participants in the E-Bike Partnership pilot project jointly run by the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Department of Labor. In partnership with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, and the Bangor Area Recovery Network, the pilot provided Chris with an e-bike, helmet, toolkit, safety vest, and training in November of 2023. He’s been logging hours and miles on his e-bike ever since.

Morin, who is in substance use recovery, was living in the Orono-Old Town area at the time and struggling to arrange transportation to Bangor to his required daily Treatment and Recovery Court appointments, substance use testing, and counseling, and to look for work.

“I had been a CNC machinist for more than 20 years and lost it all in just five months. I went from being on top to being vulnerable and living on the streets. I’ve been in recovery for 778 days, and this e-bike has been an awesome help.”

In addition to cycling more than 100 miles in an average week to get to Bangor for appointments, Chris secured not only one job but three. During the concert season, Chris works for Waterfront Concerts, setting up and breaking down the stage equipment for visiting artists and in facilities maintenance during the events. The e-bike enables Chris to be available whenever needed, in the early mornings and late at night. In addition, Chris secured a year-round position cleaning professional office buildings. With the e-bike, he can commute between a half dozen worksites for this job. 

"Not having wheels was a huge stress. Now, the e-bike is also a source of enjoyment. I made a lot of lifestyle changes and have dropped 120 pounds. Having the e-bike for exercise and for the mindset it helps me keep has been a big part of it all for me."