Really? I expect some folks among the marketing depts and legal depts of the big three at least to encourage such devices since most of the online companies sell unrestricted ebikes..anyway I may pay a ticket for speeding but i don't lose my warranty
No, no, Art. You are getting that wrong.
since most of the online companies sell unrestricted ebikes..
...in North America. Such crap is banned in Europe.
For example, if any of the Big Three tried to sell street illegal bikes or encouraged users for breaking the law in Europe, that might end up with a lawsuit (it could be filed by the Government) and it would lead to huge penalty or ban for given company. There was a tragic accident in France involving a de-restricted e-bike and it was loud in the media. In case it is the user de-restricting their e-bike, it is the user's responsibility. The large e-bike companies have to play fair.
The EU speed restriction has its good sides. All e-bikes (except of street legal S-Pedelecs) are treated as regular bikes and their users enjoy all the benefits such as riding dedicated bike paths, MUPs or off-road trails. On the other hand, the S-Pedelecs, after being properly registered and insured, are road legal, the same as mopeds. These must be properly equipped.
See this German e-MTB:
BULLS
www.bulls-bikes.com
It is a road legal EU S-Pedelec (45 km/h or 28 mph). Apart of being a really good e-MTB, it is equipped with the support for the number plate (illuminated), rear light with the STOP light, the Supernova M99 Pro headlight, and a horn. (It could be my single e-bike if I made a double wheel set for it).
The American people may not understand that. The U.S. e-bike laws are vague and either not enforced or there are many e-bike bans in different locations. In Canada, no S-Pedelec is allowed but at least the speed limit is 32 km/h (20 mph): I could live with that.
Reportedly, there are 10 times as many e-bikes in Europe as in North America. The speed restriction is a rather delicate matter here.
P.S. On topic: I don't know what I would have done had I a 25 km/h restricted EU commuter e-bike here. Either take the risk and buy Planet3 from Alex or suffer until the warranty period were over.