What is an E-Bike, and how safe are they?

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

riders have raised concerns about the safety of some types of vehicles, and about whether they legally qualify as e-bikes. Here's what's known about e-bikes and their risks.What is an e-bike? The Consumer Product Safety Commission, the federal agency responsible for regulating the safety and sale of low-speed electric bicycles, defines an e-bike as a two- or three-wheel vehicle that has pedals and an electric motor. The motor must be rated below 750 watts, which is roughly twice the power that a professional cyclist can generate. The rider can use the pedals or the motor, singly or in combination. With the motor alone, the bike must not be capable of going faster than 20 mph on a level surface. State laws govern where e-bikes can be ridden, the minimum age for riders and other rules about how the vehicles are used. To meet federal regulations, bicycle manufacturers have developed a three-tier classification system for e-bikes.

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Class 1: Maximum speed, 20 mph; the motor may provide power only while the rider is pedaling. (This is known as «pedal assist.») Age restrictions: none in most states, although some states, such as Oregon, do not permit the use of any class of e-bike by riders younger than 16.Class 2: Maximum speed, 20 mph; the motor may provide power independently of the pedals. Age restrictions: none in most states. (These e-bikes in particular attract criticism because by relying solely on the motor, they can achieve immediate bursts of speed.)Class 3: Maximum speed, 28 mph — but only if the pedals and the motor are used simultaneously. These vehicles are intended for commuters and other riders who are