E-Bikes thoughts, comments?

[Crankin]

I have very mixed feelings, too. I am old enough (just about 61) to say, "if I can ride, so can you," but, maybe when I'm 85 or 90? I'd rather just get a nice upright bike and do less hills...
I have seen exactly one while I've been riding. It's pretty much a cycling mecca around where I live, so I doubt I'll be seeing many.
DH saw a guy on one, last year when he was riding to work. He couldn't figure out why some guy in jeans was dropping him, so when he caught him, he found out. The guy appeared to be neither out of shape, overweight, or super old.
A few years ago, I was doing the bike valet duty at a farmer's market and some company was demo-ing e-bikes. They looked huge and heavy. Meh, if someone wants one, it's fine with me, but I will not be getting one. I ride with too many people in their 70's to think it's just for older people!

[BikeDutchess]

I'm a proponent of e-bikes. I do think they can get, and keep, more folks riding. Sure, I've seen plenty of folks in their 70's riding too, but not everyone gets to that age in good health. My dad (who live in the Netherlands) has had a lot of health problems, but his e-bike allows him to keep doing the longer rides and go on cycling vacations. E-bikes are immensely popular there (as are regular bikes, of course). I think it's one of multiple factors that keeps people there riding for so long, and it's fabulous.

With the hills around here, e-bikes would be nice for commuting too (not applicable to me now as I work from home). If it keeps more cars off the road, great! Especially during the most polluted months around here (esp. January and July).

Right now the price points aren't quite there yet to really grow this segment, but the increasing competition might get them there.

[Sky King]

So glad I put this out there. I enjoy hearing everyone's thoughts and opinions. Think I will go do some digging around the internet and see what the prevailing winds say. Yes, I see the value in commuting but am personally hoping they don't start showing up on trails.