Several folks have done a deep dive into the state laws when it comes to referencing E-Bikes and Motorcycles. Some have claimed that E-Bikes are defined as Motorcycles, yet according to state law, NOT so fast;
When I was reviewing this a few months ago I noticed that a lot of the E-Bike definitions and laws have been updated a few years ago, so someone is clinging to the past.
So for the record, E-Bikes are NOT motorcycles because they have an electric motor (and other factors like speed, torque, weight, horsepower, etc.).
There has also been a debate about whether E-Bikes should be allowed on sidewalks. In a perfect world, I would say yes, but their should be a courteous suggestion in the ordinance that says when encountering any pedestrian or ADA motorist on the sidewalk you fully stop your bike until they pass. But since E-Bikes are defined as BIKES and NOT motorcycles and BIKES are allowed on sidewalks, it is only logical to include E-Bikes on sidewalks.
As I have stated, I do ride my bike on the sidewalk in certain areas in town and rarely do I see a ped, and when I do, I either stop or slow way down when passing. Also, I would prefer NOT to ride the sidewalks because you have to ride them at around 5 MPH because they are so full of cracks and divets. I tell bike commuters to try to avoid sidewalks as much as possible, they are more dangerous then the roads.