Incident Involving Underage E-Biker in Bend
BEND, Ore. – A serious incident occurred involving 13-year-old Liam McCarty, who was riding an e-bike with a friend when he experienced a brake failure and was struck by a car. Liam recalls waking up in an ambulance, emphasizing his luck at surviving the crash without a helmet.
The incident unfolded on Rae Road on October 2, and it has raised significant concerns among parents and local authorities. Liam’s father, Jeff McCarty, described the anxiety he felt upon receiving the news about his son’s injury.
In the aftermath, both Jeff and Liam are advocating for awareness regarding the risks associated with underage e-biking. They highlight safety issues with the e-bikes offered by Veo, which are reportedly not well-maintained—often experiencing problems with pedals, chains, and steering.
According to St. Charles Health, there have been 100 patients treated for e-bike-related injuries this year in Bend, with seven incidents occurring just last weekend. Dr. Jon Roberts, a trauma surgeon, noted that injuries from e-bikes tend to be more severe compared to regular bicycles due to higher speeds and the bikes’ heavier weight.
Despite the city’s partnership with Veo in 2025 to provide 300 e-bikes for public use, the current rules allow only riders aged 18 and older. Liam expressed his belief that tighter age verification would improve safety for younger riders.
The McCarty family aims to raise awareness about the dangers posed by improperly used e-bikes—an important lesson Liam is learning through his recovery.
In response to the incident, Veo issued a statement expressing concern for Liam’s well-being and reaffirming its commitment to safety. They mentioned reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident and stressed that their vehicles are meant for adult use only. Veo encourages parents to ensure that minors do not ride their e-bikes.
