I can build the wheel myself, but I am a bit sketchy on the electronics. I should be able to figure out eventually how to set up what I want though. I am looking to do a significant portion of the work with my own pedaling, and have something light/inconspicuous enough that it wouldn't be ridiculous to leave the system on and go for an un-assisted ride. Am I correct in assuming that if I ordered parts overseas, that speed would be limited on the mechanical/power limitations of the system, rather than limited with software due to local laws?

I suppose 20mph with a loaded utility cycle would still serve my needs, but it just seems a bit silly in principle to build an E-Bike that I could beat in a race un-assisted.