My take on the history is within 70 years bikes were fully mature, "safety" bicycles (around 1890s?). Unless you believe 18 gears one doesn't use is progress ;) Anyway, I assume you'll do another follow up piece soon because so many enjoyed it. And I'll theorize WHY.

What you're really tapping into is the anti-social nature of e-bikes. That's why I love your piece's pissiness. On regular bikes it's like regular life, everyone equally dealing with their physical problems, riding together, or trying to ride together. My Dad, never the social creative, went on bike trips decades ago with strangers. Now that's something haha. Today, if he had an e-bike, he'd miss that.

E-bikes are about getting somewhere as fast and easily as possible. As you point out. They are all about ME. Just the other day I was almost run over on a path with a guy and his huge e-bike with his kids barreling down the path trying to get home for whatever. We made eye-contact. I truly believe he was unconsciously thinking "there's something wrong here". Why should he force me off the path?

No shit!

We need to regulate e-bikes and scooters like transportation, cars, etc. e-bikes are not part of our social fabric the way bicycles are. Unless one has a dispensation, like you proposed, e-bikes should be out in traffic and bicycles in their own friendly, compassionate space.