Weren’t these called mopeds back in the day? So these new ones should be called MopedEV.
Class 1: eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 2: eBikes that have pedal assist have a maximum speed of 20 mph, and are throttle-assisted. Class 3: eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.In my limited understanding, there are 3 classes of eBikes:
1) pedal-assist (electric only to help you pedal) up to 25 MPH
2) pedal-assist up to 28 MPH
3) non-assist (the bike can move itself) limited to 28 MPH
All are limited to 750 watts to be classified as a bicycle. Above that, it appears they are a "motor driven cycle" much like the Moped you mention. Would then require title, registration, and an operators license with a motorcycle add-on. Guessing this is because they can exceed 28 MPH, which appears to be an arbitrary cut-off for non-human-powered vehicles.
I was serving on a DNR advisory board when the legislation was passed on eBikes. At the time, they were becoming quite the nuisance. Folks were not following cycling rules OR motor-driven rules, and running them wide open anywhere they wanted. Mowed down a few pedestrians on the Monon, as I recall. The legislature decided to clear up a few things.
Personally, I think the pedal-assist are a great way to get more folks active and outdoors. The full-electrics are simply motor vehicles.