It always amuses me when haters that can't afford something that others have try and belittle whatever "it" is. I used to be that way until I grew up and stopped worrying about small minded people. If I had wanted an electric motorcycle I would have bought one, maybe I will someday. What I wanted was what I built, a human powered bicycle with power assist that can take hundreds of pounds of gear places that a traditional bike has difficulty navigating, for weeks at a time and distances that are far in excess of what an electric motorcycle is capable of. Often when sitting in a base camp after a day ride, people will drive in and unpack their bikes for a ride. I don't look down on them, I don't feel superior, but listening to whiners sit back and judge others like I see in this forum has taught me that sadly bike riders aren't all alike. I am proud of my bike, I did build it after all. She is the only one of her kind at the moment and I like that too.

Since you obviously are out of your league on ebike motors and batteries let me help you out some. Yes, there are 1000w to 3000w motors. Most of them are hub motors, not center drives, and some of those reach speeds over 40 mph if the bike is geared to do so. They are not the "norm" by any stretch of the imagination, however. They are also not classified as a bicycle or street legal. Also, if you think there is a motor/battery combo that will do 40 mph for 75 miles you're simply deluded. 750w is equal to 1 hp. A bicycle with a 750w electric motor that can't exceed 28 mph., on motor power only, is classified a bicycle, not a motor vehicle, not a power assisted vehicle, but a bicycle. That means anywhere a bike is allowed to ride, so am I.

I chose not to conform to your narrow minding view of a... let's see, what was your babbling bull****, oh yeah, "mainstream, traditional bike tourer", because I wanted comfort and luxury while riding for extended periods. My bike, with panniers and bar bag and everything I ride with, weighs in just under 175 lbs. fully loaded. The trailer weighs 14.5 lbs. and carries up to 100 lbs. of creature comforts. Add my weight of over 250 lbs., the weight of a bottle of Tanqueray gin and a large bottle of olives and it's more than most tandems can carry.

I find it funny that I have never run into riders "On the Road" that feel like you couch surfers seem to. Most are very open minded, jump at the offer to try for themselves and often take advantage of the portable shower and solar oven I ride with, Tanqueray and olives too.