Originally Posted by
Aznman
Hmmm, I guess the law is the main arbiter by far then.
Of course. Along with a certain willingness on the part of the public to go along. Mopeds, for the most part, are almost-motorcycles; so there isn't too much objection to have to go thru the same processes of motorcycles and automobiles. A few years ago when Virginia instituted the titling restriction, there was some grumping but it died out very quickly. Bicycles, on the other hand, will never undergo such restrictions, mainly because of the American attitude that, in general, they're children's toys. No matter how expensive, fast, etc.
E-bikes are going to be an interesting shakeout, because they're a middle ground. I, personally, am still going to bet on the "children's toys" attitude is going to keep them unlicensed and unrestricted. At least as long as their performance is kept within the realm of a pure pedal-powered bicycle. Stretch the performance envelope, however, and that could change.