Sure it's theft, if you take something belonging to someone else without their permission.
Simple solution... ask!
If you intend to go across town, or into town, call and ask if you may 'charge your pack' while you visit with them.
Stop at mickey D's?
Same thing... ask if you can plug in your pack.
If they reply in the negative, perhaps you are better off going down the street to 'Scrubby & Lloyd's Greasey Spoon' where they will probably sell you a better meal and might just allow you to plug in your pack, also.
Our libraries here are all beginning to cater to folks with laptops, or at least make provision for them. I see nothing wrong with plugging in your backpack.
Many of our parks have spiffy outdoor BBQ/picnic areas complete with GFCI outlets for the public. ...they are FOR the public...
It probably takes a bit more planning to venture out with an ebike, I guess.
...I might find out soon enough... just picked up a Razor E200 I will cannibalize to use on a MAB. Perhaps I should include a small petrol fueled generator plant onboard ??? Got two Champion generators out back with 6.5 HF engines on em !
Good thread!
I hope it increases awareness.
rc