Reasoning behind using small, efficient, ICEs. (internal combustion engine)

I've gotten some comments and a couple emails concerning "buzzbomb" motored bikes and how annoying they are. I respond by saying I agree with some of the criticism but ask people to read what I have written so far for they would discern I am NOT advocating the cheap, smoky, noisy, made in China 2 stroke kit engines that have gained some popularity.

I'm still running a MAB, or motor assisted bicycle, after a lot of research. I have absolutely no love affair with ICEs, just they are more applicable for my use right now. I do keep my eye out for advances with ebikes and battery tech and have to say I really do like the torque curve characteristics of electric motors through the rpm range.

For me weight and impact on the functionality of the original bicycle are paramount, something I've not compromised on my MABs. My current outlook is pragmatic: a 14 lb. ICE and drive system that produces 1200 watts with 3 lbs of readily available stored energy (IE: 1/2 gal gasoline) gives me 90 miles of range. The heaviest power assist bike I own weighs 52 lbs, the lightest weighs 44 lbs. With an eye on the horizon however, the way things are trending, I wonder how long that will be the best choice, or perhaps even a choice at all.

I wonder sometimes if ebikes are held to a higher standard though, like they should be more advanced if they are to be considered worthy. I remember a couple of threads on the other MAB forums where the subject line asked "how much does your bike weigh?" I was surprised at the replies, indicating the majority of gas bikes being much heavier than I would have thought, many in the 70 to 90 lb range, some at 100.

If we ask that ebikes remain as bicycles with a high degree of portability, it seems fair to do the same for gas bikes. I see many showing interest in larger displacement and heavier engines with more HP all the time...79cc, 99cc engines weighing 25 to 30 lbs. dry weight. The mission creep for gas bikes morphing into small motorcycles with faster top speeds seems like a given reading through the pages here anyway, and the "if it's not reasonably portable like a bicycle" argument seems largely an ancillary consideration.