I don't get the hostility towards pedelectrics. Amongst my bikes, I have a Trek FX+, which is similar to the Valencia. I love riding that bike. You can see the stereotypes promoted even in this thread. Anyone who rides a bike like that is apparently 'Fat & Lazy' as it 'defeats the purpose for which we ride', as if bike commuters are one large block with devotion to a higher cause that rejects any kind of assistance.
There are a ton of reasons to use a pedelectric bike. Here are the ones I can think of off the top of my head
1. Someone getting into bike commuting who isn't sure they can do it & like the reassurance
2. Someone with a ride that is slightly outside of their capabilities
3. Someone with lots of hills on a ride
4. someone with time/family commitments that might otherwise prohibit cycling
5. Someone who is looking to expand their bike use. (I find that I use mine for a ton of trips where I used to take the car)
6. Someone out of shape, looking to get into riding (some would call those fat & lazy)
7. An older person who may not have the stamina they once had
8. casual bike commuters
9. People who want to commute but not sweat profusely
10. People who want to use the bike during the workday to travel, but can't afford the time it might take on a regular bike.
I'm sure there are lots of other reasons, but these are just the ones that come to mind. The FX+ is the most enjoyable bike that I ride. I still like my other bikes & ride them a lot, but sometimes having the electric assist on the huge hill on the way in to work is a real benefit. Also, if I'm running late, I can grab the FX+ & still make it to work on time by activating the assist. There are always going to be internet heroes that dictate that people who do x or y aren't real cyclists (or fill in the blank with whatever activity). I used to see the same thing on the runner's world forums. People would somehow claim the moral high ground agains those who run with ipods, or those who don't embrace barefoot running.
The bottom line for me is that my FX+ allows me to use my bike to replace trips that I used to take the car for & I think that's a great thing, regardless of what anyone else thinks. If you're at all interested in the concept, you really should give it a try.
PS- I know that CC was joking. I see the smiley face, and I'm not calling him/her out specifically. But every time this gets brought up, someone makes the fat/lazy comment.