So I'll offer my 2 cents as a counter point. But first, I have to caveat that if you're handicapped, sick, or injured I get it, e-bikes get you into the woods and back to doing something you love. I'd say old too, but I know a couple of 70+ year olds who wouldn't be caught dead on one since its a point of pride that they can still ride in the first place without assistance. If you're able bodied, then why? Isn't the entire point of riding a bike to do it under your own power, have a great time, while getting a workout? Its sad that e-bikes make "riding more fun" by making the hard part easier. Grinding up a hill is supposed to be hard, that's kind of the point. Its hard, and it makes you stronger. A stronger you is a healthier you. If you aren't fit, then you suffer like any other non-fit person until you get fit, walk the hard parts until you're strong enough to clean them. I don't get this whole easier is funner thing.
I guess it all comes down to what you want to get out of a ride. If your looking for a lung burning workout maybe an ebike isnt for you, however one could argue that turning the power off and pedaling a 50lb bike uphill would be the ultimate bike workout and would either kill you or make you stronger. lol
The biggest advantage of an ebike is that it can offer more choices. Its not just making the hard parts easier, its about making them fun! I still max out my heart rate every ride but only when I choose to. If you want to challenge your fitness level, do 40 miles in low power or even turn it off on easy sections. Had enough?, switch it to high and cruise back home while recovering.
Trail maintenance day? load up every tool you have and still climb hills no problem.
Recovery ride? No better way to keep your heart rate in check while still having fun.
Your buddys bike is beyond repair in the middle of the woods? Tow him back or zip back to the truck and drive back for him.
More choices equal a better experience,for me anyway. Since getting the ebike, I no longer care what trail we decide to take, they are all fun and I'm not afraid of bonking 12 miles from the finish. Without fail, someone will mention a big climb and then turn to me and say, "well, you dont care either way! " Thats a good feeling!
Keep in mind that I'm mostly riding with guys on regular bikes. I did a ride with 2 other ebikes a few weeks back and it changed things quite a bit. Since the motor only amplifies your pedaling, it can end up being just as difficult as a non ebike if you want to be ahead of, or keep up to other ebikes. Racing up climbs will absolutely max out your heart rate but for a shorter duration since you get to the top faster. Factor in doing this for twice or three times the mileage and you could end up MORE beat at the end of an ebike ride. I'm serious, you need to try one to understand.
One final point on the easier is more fun statement. This exact scenario has been playing out in slow motion over the last 30 plus years. Current trail/enduro bikes are soooooooo much more capable and easy to ride compared to the full rigid 26" hardtail I started on. More fun? ABSOLUTELY! Why is that though, just because it easier? Nope, because it made it possible to ride more difficult trails without killing yourself. Riding fast over gnarly terrain is fun, at least to me. I probably ride harder on my current bike than way back then, the difference is, its easier so I ride longer and also more challenging trails. There is literally no difference with the advantage ebikes provide. It just provides a big advantage all at once so its more noticeable. I would guarantee that theres a bigger advantage gap between an old rigid mtb and a new carbon trail bike than there is between that same carbon trail bike and an ebike. 30 years of small improvements have made a gigantic difference in every way, adding a motor just makes a difference in one way, how hard you choose to pedal.
