Did it look like one of these?

If so they are considered bicycles under the federal electric bicycle law.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electri...#United_States
They do look like scooters and would be almost impossible to pedal if the pedals are used. The above "electric bicycles" do have pedals but there usually stored under the seat because they are a safety hazard in turns. As your riding it with the pedals installed they turn just the same as if you've lifted your feet from your pedals while coasting. When you take a curve a pedal will hit the ground lifting the rear wheel off the ground causing a loss of traction and a nasty fall. There are a few people using them on the local rail trail. They are nice people and don't act like an idiot as you describe the one you observed. They usually keep there speed at 10 MPH or slower to conserve there batteries.