Robert, Growing up in the 70's and seeing the moped boom and bust, I think there's several important differences between mopeds and e-bikes.

Mopeds were noisy, smelly, and dirty (even more so after we had our way with them). E-bikes are silent, clean, and green.

Mopeds were primarily used by pre driving age teens, and students when a car wasn't an option. E-bikes are primarily used by adults who consciously choose them in place of a car, or low impact recreational riding and exercise.

Mopeds were significantly faster and more powerful than off the shelf, legal e-bikes. E-bikes that match a mopeds capabilities are limited to DIY builds.

Mopeds were relatively inexpensive compared to available options. E-bikes are expensive, and quickly enter the price range of used, and new motorcycles.

Mopeds had virtually effortless extreme range capabilities at 100 to 150 mpg. E-bike range is limited, and requires forethought for longer trips.

Mopeds were grudgingly tolerated by the legal establishment at best and quickly lost favor. E-bikes outside of a few places are accepted and welcome, and are gaining favor with the legal establishment to the point of being promoted as green transportation in some locations.

I'm not too concerned with the ES crowd, they're a small group of tinkerers that spend a lot of time, effort, and money to make high power e-bikes that in reality have the capabilities of a modest scooter.

I do agree there should be regulations, and that California got it right, and that it should be the universal standard for the US.