I rode a $15,000 pedal assisted Specialized recently. Not far, but apparently you can bluetooth connect to it and plug in a destination and the battery will provide you with as much assist to return back with 5% charge left or something like that. The technology in them is insane. It was so easy to ride too, just flew uphill.
Hunted timber company land on my regular mtn bike this fall. Had to walk it up most of the uphill roads but boy was it nice to hunt until the end of shooting light and be out before it got dark enough to need a lamp. 4+ miles in no time. The pack does throw off your balance quite a bit. I can't imagine trying to ride with an elk quarter on your back...
I'd be happy with them keeping e-bikes classified as motorized.