I am old enough to have experienced these same concerns over gas powered mopeds. I grew up in a small bedroom community and all the rage was the Solex and Puch mopeds, and all the parents of kids who didn't have one created a ruckus over the things buzzing through traffic, on sidewalks, etc. The city council made rules and the cops enforced them heavy handed. It fixed the problem of foolish kids on mopeds and then out of nowhere the things petered out and the market for them dried up.
The shop I worked in sold and serviced the Puch mopeds, and we were very happy to correct course on that mistake after 2 years of enduring it. Easy money up front, but as ebikes are proving, they become a hassle to service as they age and get abused.