It's not so cut and dry even in other countries. Pedelecs (the EU term) are popular for commuting in a place where bike commuting is already popular but for recreation the usage is kind of like it is here: a lot of old folks puttering around. That actually helps ebike proponents in North America because if people were getting rawdy on ebikes then established users would push even harder to ban them on trails. It's also why all the snowboard vs skier comparisons in this thread are comical when so much of the ebike marketing is so similar to Viagra marketing.
Where the argument breaks down is the vast difference in trail access in North America compared with Europe. Here, trail decisions have almost always been made by the local community along with the local land managers. The reality is motorized off-road users have been consistently losing access for decades nearly in proportion with population growth.
In Europe, manufacturers are already pushing to change regulations so that they can exceed the 25 km/h – 0.25 kW limits.
Also in Europe, there's pending legislation requiring compulsory third party motor insurance for ebikes.
And Schwalbe has introduced moto-style eMTB tires with a wider rear tire, instead of a wider front, because it's not quite the same sport.
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