I don't think it looks anything like the Pedego, other than the color. I'd like to ride the belt drive to see- it could make a quiet bike even quieter. I only use the top 6 gears of my 9 right now, so 5 might work.... Cracks me up how people bash Stromers about weight and looks; to each his own. Do batteries and motors that look like tumors growing out of the frame look better? To some, apparently they do. Do I care that my 60lb bike is heaver than 45lb bike? Nope., I regularly pass those bikes on my 'tank'. Anything over 15lb in a bike is a heavy turd, anyway.
Buy and ride the bike you like. I rode 6 before I chose, and it was an easy choice after doing that. I don't bash on the other 5, tho...