Yes: I totally recommend pedal-assist bikes. Also: a number of states are regulating them.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws

A lot of them say: an e-bike that does not go over 20mph is, legally, equivalent to a bicycle. Over that and you are, legally, a moped or a motorcycle.

This makes sense to me. My e-bike is pedal-assist (meaning: not a throttle; I have to pedal to make it go, and the motor just helps me out.) It is like a bike, except that when I hit a hill, I can turn on the assist, and it helps me out. But it's not much faster than a bike (if you can ride over 20mph, it's slower); its not the sort of bike that I'd be scared to encounter on a bike path, etc. I once rode a moped, and it's completely, totally different.

I got my e-bike mostly because I have to lecture in front of a bunch of people (200 or so) as soon as I get to work, and I would rather not do this while horribly sweaty. But it also helps with rides I'd love to take, but that have big big hills between me and the ride.