Some other stuff has been covered in:
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?202578-E-bike-driver-licencing
However the insurance is another issue.
Picture yourself as an underwriter trying to set a rate
E biker "How much for insurance?"
UW " Do you have a licence?
EB "No"
UW "Any training"
EB "No"
UW "Are there rules to follow?"
EB "Maybe but I don't know them"
UW "Do you have a safety certificate?"
EB "Don't need one and there probably aren't any standards anyway."
UW "To estimate the potential impact damage I need to know the weigh and speed. Numbers please?"
EB "Maybe 500 pounds all up and the speed governor is heh heh broken so maybe 65 kph"
UW "I'll call facility. I don't handle policies over $15K"
If a responsible E biker wanted insurance can they get it?
I was under the impression the vehicle had to be registered. Also the rate is based on the make / model and the insurers probably don't have any lists.
Some non-house devices are covered by a homeowner policy. Power lawn mowers, bicycles and small boats under 20 HP for example. I don't know if e-bikes are covered or if the insurance industry has studied the implications.
A DUI rider wouldn't be covered as they are committing a criminal act and insurance policies don't cover criminal acts.
One issue is the fence straddling of is it a motorized vehicle or not?
If you can ride a motorized wheelchair through a mall why not an E-bike?
This whole thing is like nailing jello to a wall.
BTW I was at a Home Depot and thought I saw a Honda Ruckus parked. I ended up talking to the owner but it wasn't a Ruckus but rather an E-bike. The owner spent a bundle on higher output batteries and bypassed the governor. Decent range and performance. All illegal but so what.