The question is, what will the (any) bike be used for? For instance, a light weight racing bike that would be perfect for, say RAAM, would be less than useful for, say, a loaded tour across the country. Different problems, different solutions.

To address the electric bike issue specifically, electrics have a high "hopability factor." You can just hop on and go. The batteries are heavy, yes, and the bikes themselves tend heavy. This slows a person down, but is less a factor on flat roads. Once you are up to speed, no matter what the bike, maintaining speed is not a big deal. Hills, on the other hand. . ., but that's what the motor is for. With exceptions, the people riding electrics aren't vitally interested in land speed records, anyway.

**Rant Alert**

The assumption that annoys me is that the only reason for getting a bike is for sport and for getting in shape. It is possible to get on and ride for the pleasure of spending a day outside at a leisurely pace. Or to go to the store for a small purchase. Or to meander over to a friend's house for a cup of coffee. Or go out to a nice dinner with your love. Relaxed transportation, in other words, can be a valid goal. Getting in shape doesn't have to be a factor, though it can be a nice side effect.

/rant

shorter me: Figure out what you want in a bike first, then go shopping. There is room for electric bikes, if not in the same space as other bikes inhabit.

One other thing. Where is it written that a person is only allowed one kind of bike? What would be the problem with an electric for general transportation, a LWB recumbent for touring, and a lightweight racer for (duh) racing, or any other mix that you can think of? Fit the solution to the problem.