Are there people who have given up cycling or are considering giving it up because they no longer have the strength/fitness for the cycling routes that they like?
I have to ask what is important, the cycling...or the route?
I did a two-day tour over the weekend. I admit I didn't pedal all the way. I - gasp! - walked up two hills I would have sprinted up 40 years ago.
I know there are some here who would rather eschew a goal of completing the tour under their own power and choose instead a goal of remaining upon the machine - an e-bike - for the entire ride. Like Brother Dave said, everybody's got their own kick going.
For sure, e-bikes are not welcome on local group rides. Not forbidden, just no one wants to be near them.
I was watching a video of a corporate retreat type bike tour. The leader/organizer/CEO, on a pedal bike like most of the participants, said, "It has been hard and the hardness creates a tremendous bond amongst the team.” One of the other participants said, “I’m riding the e-bike and it’s super cake, like a walk in the park."
E-bikes are cool technology, I'm fascinated by them and if anybody wants one or is riding one that's just dandy. That said,
it's a different experience. I think if I arrived at the start of an organized tour and many of the other participants (wonderful human beings, all) were on e-bikes, I'd turn around and leave.