I read the Spec article and I see these bikes more and more everyday. Not a bad idea,
But again the nit-pickin, or what I see is some aspects of society trying to make a buck or more important not lose revenue.
Short story many people can not afford a car (initial cost, insurance, registration, maintenance, GAS $$$$ and parking). But they still have to work and in many cases for minimum wage. Now to get there, we have buses but on a strict schedule and could take over an hr considering the route and transfers. Bus pass over $80 a month.
So voila the ebike, buy one for a thousand and get a good helmet throw in a raincaot and you have freedom and maybe defer buying a car or get rid of the second car. Especially for a job in the core, parking and upkeep.
So who is losing with no insurance, gas and registration and parking,
Who is winning no noise, exhaust, less traffic moderate speed rife to work to see your surroundings.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm
Leave this alone, it sounds like a great thing. They can feel safe on Lawrence coming from the east and with the bike path over the 403 from the west to Aberdeen.