[QUOTE="Afnug, post: 5647987, member: 28851"]A lot of normal bike riders travel up to 20 mph, I presume you wouldn't be happy for them to have, registration plates, periodic safety examination, compulsory insurance & rider licencing,
(some people think this is a good idea) you still have to pedal ebikes.[/QUOTE]
I think a big difference is that someone who, on flat roads, can keep up 20mph will be an experienced cyclist. Anybody with minimal experience would be able to ride an unrestricted e-bike at that speed.
EDIT
Expanding on that a little. When commuting, or on a sportive if there is some "Dangerous Dick on a Bike", clearly daft, inconsiderate or novice, it is straightforward enough to put the hammer down briefly, gap them and settle back to normal speed. Having Dangerous Dick on an unrestricted e-bike would be a recipe for chaos.