I'm still a wannabe but my reasons for wanting to add a motor are as follows:
- Extending my range, part 1. My commute is short but my shift is long. After 3 days of riding all the way to and from on either side of a 12-hours shift, I'm absolutely beat and worthless for chores on my off days. Using the electric motor to supplement means that I will be able get through the commutes where I'm just too worn out to provide the motive power myself.
- Extending my range, part 2. After the commutes listed above, I have no energy for bike runs to the grocery store (I've done it once in my 4-ish bike commuting years).
- Cost of fuel. Much further per dollar.
- Georgia summer heat. Even when I'm at the top of my form, biking in during the evening commute hour in the summer is hot, exhausting work and leaves me with far less energy for work.
- Power assist. There are a few hills on my route which are so steep that I must use my lowest gear combination with just a load heavy enough for my day at work. The motor would help haul the recycling, the lawn mower, and other heavy items up those steep hills.
- E-bike total cost is cheaper than paying a car payment, maintenance, etc