I did not know that. Thank you! I often wonder if it is partly due to my old Pentium computer and possibly slow connection trying to deal with the new advertising norm. Technology is a love hate relationship for me...

Now that my current build is completed I will likely be riding more and posting less. Although I will be watching how the E-bike and more important to me eMTB regulations proceed from afar. I'm with the crowd that thinks California got it very right. The 1hp (750W) limit and 20mph speed is a perfect compromise for the "new" classification of E-bikes. I'm not as sure about the 28mph PAS only inclusion, but certainly understand the desire for commuters.

Moving back to eMTB only, I think a variable power assist is "almost" required to make off-road riding what I'd like it to be. The reason I use the term "variable power assist" is because that is what a throttle device becomes if you tie its' use to pedal movement (PAS); it's no longer a throttle by the traditional definition. My concern is that access divisions based on Class 1 and 2 for MTB trails will solely be based on a throttle looking device being on a eMTB when it isn't a traditional throttle. I will build my future eMTB ride with dual freewheeling chainrings at the crank which will allow the use of a throttle without pedaling, but will simply remove the freewheel at the crank if access laws divide based on Class1 and 2. The actual throttle device will still be there, but pedaling will be required when the "variable power assist" device is used while climbing.

If and when laws are actually enforced, would the official view my ride as a Class 1 or 2? For me it's all about safety and control of the power being applied when I want and need it, and not having power come on simply because my foot has pressure on the pedal or the crank is spinning. It kind of like the difference between theory and real world application.

Like many others have stated, I have no issue with a traditional throttle and a 20mph speed limit. I can work with that to get the ride feel I want. But if powers that be get influenced by people that don't ride or understand the practical benefits of a throttle, then I will simple change my throttle to a "variable power assist" device; either by eliminating the crank freewheel or tying the power control device to the PAS sensor.