A problem is that if the bicycle goes above 20mph, it is a scooter and would fall under motorcycling laws. That means licensing and insurance. Generally under 20 miles or so it is considered a moped and is treated differently.
Also no offense, but going 20 mph in a bike lane or worse a sidewalk would be very bad. An ebike is not a bike, but a moped under the classic definition, a bicycle with pedals and a engine to provide supplemental power. It's just not a gas moped.
Yes... and most electric assist bikes cap out at 20 mph in the US, as required by law.
Also... you sound like you've never ridden a road bike seriously. 20mph in a bike lane, especially while going downhill, is pretty meagre for a standard road bike. No assist needed.
Hell, I'm fat (ish) and I can hit 25 on flat ground on my road bike with some effort (although staying there is draining). I can easily do 30 going downhill.
I'm regularly passed by folks doing more than 30 on hills where I live.
I forgot about that, downhill without pedaling brings most bikes a good clip, mine being no exception. I have a really good bike with great disk breaks I keep in good shape so I'm no more or less in danger than any other bike on the road. The biggest concern any cyclists have are crowded streets and poorly thought out bike lanes, not ebikes.
Then why does practically 90% of non-motorized bikes pass me on a flat road. Also prove the anger that actually has been caused by bikes compared to road bikes and I'll maybe consider it. It's really reactionary and would be silly nosy neighbor legislation.
Sane cyclists don't ride 20 on the sidewalk. Too many obstacles and too much risk. Any alley/driveway is potentially a blind corner with a car backing out. Pedestrians never move predictably. Etc, etc.
Bike lanes are hit or miss. I'd ride over 20 in a protected lane, but not next to a line of parked cars (door zone).
Also no offense, but going 20 mph in a bike lane or worse a sidewalk would be very bad. An ebike is not a bike, but a moped under the classic definition, a bicycle with pedals and a engine to provide supplemental power. It's just not a gas moped.