All depends on the instantaneous torque of the motor. A clutch lets you release energy stored in the rotating flywheels of the crank and ignition. Necessary because a gasoline engine won't make high torque at low RPM. An electric motor is different. Torque at any RPM is dependent on the magnetic field strength generated by current and the stator/rotor configuration. You can generate maximum torque at 0RPM with an electric motor. That'll take some getting used to.
A virtual clutch could be programmed. Pull the lever and the field strength goes away and the engine freewheels. Twist the grip and let the lever go and wham, instant torque. The only difference is the visceral feedback of a buzzing, vibrating motor. Again easily synthesized. Engine drag could also be simulated for down hills and such by putting the motor in generator mode when sensed load goes negative. Increase the field in generator mode using a brake pedal and the whole rear brake assembly becomes redundant. This would allow regeneration braking to recharge the battery. It wouldn't get you much recovery but something is better than just burning up that energy in a brake disk.
The only difference in the operation of the chassis would be the unloading of the rear suspension would feel slightly different due to the braking torque being fed through the chain rather than a disk concentric to the rear axle.