I do not own an ebike but I am seriously considering it. If I do get one it will be used as a fitness bike. I want a bike that will help me prolong my riding time and range (30 to 40 miles in one charge over several hours).
Yesterday I visited my LBS and spent some time talking to the owner of the shop about getting a Trek FX model. If you are not familiar with the bike, it is at its core a fitness bike with the addition of an electric assist motor. What I heard for the owner was a bit discouraging. He believes that although the concept is great, in reality the ebikes fall short of delivering the desired effect.
The problem as he sees it is this: Ebike are simply too heavy to peddle without the use of assist. Most ebikers (is that a word?) he is aware of are forced to go into assist mode even on the slightest of hills due to the weight of batteries and motor. The effect of the motor overwhelms most peddlers’ efforts.
I’m 60+ years, a little but not grossly overweight. I can no longer keep up with my 10-12mph bike club. Maybe I’d be better off buying a newer lighter non ebike riding more and eating less. I’d love to hear any success stories about weight loss/fitness on an ebike.

First time poster
Thanks for listening
BobV