I think it's tragic that ebikes have become the domain of drunks and losers. We have the perfect solution to global warming and urban intensification right there, and no self-respecting person will use it because it's a tool of the underclass.
Coming from a cyclists perspective, I always assumed that eBike riders were laypeople who just wanted to pay for the convenience to make the daunting task of pedaling seem like less of a deal.
It's truly tragic that bikes as a form of transport has been regulated to the domains of college kids, hipsters, fitness buffs, and enthusiasts.
< 15 miles is manageable for most people if they don't give up the first day they're sore.
What you are missing from your perspective is mountainous regions, long distances or fact that some people do not want to arrive too sweaty, but still wish to enjoy the ride.
