Why brooms and not carpets?

[psychodudeneo]

No: HPFGUIDX 45758

The reason given for flying carpets being illegal is that they're 
considered muggle items.

Hello?  Brooms are muggle items too!  Heck, you're more likely to 
find a broom in someone's house than a persian-style carpet.

I can't think of any reason why the Ministry would choose one over 
the other.  To be honest, carpets sound a lot more useful than brooms.

 - anyone want to toss in their opinions here?