Software switching between legal classes is peculiar. Is there any other situation where we would accept that? Would we accept say software unlocking of emissions restrictions on a motor vehicle? Or software unlocking of fully automatic on a firearm?
The stakes are not nearly as high with a bicycle as they are with your other examples. If it's that important to a locality to ban, say, Class 3 (and actually enforce the ban) then they can ban software unlocks and try and enforce that too. My state is currently working towards restricting (requiring registration and a drivers license to operate) e-bikes faster than Class 3, so the pinkie promise works fine here.
Hot take: Any 'perfect' commuter bike candidate has to have a Gates belt drive, and no candidate would have an uncovered chain. Commenter who says "anyone who is worried by an uncovered chain probably doesn't ride bikes a lot." --lol
I commute all four seasons with an uncovered chain and you can verify that by looking at the right leg of every pair of pants I own! I'm ok with it but if I ever replace this bike I'm not repeating my mistake.
