i started out on an ebike. still have two, although i really only use assist for utility riding now, like climbing very steep hills with my kid on the bike to get her to school, errands, etc.

with many types of ebikes, you can get just as much of a workout as a regular bike. you just go a little faster, so as long as you gauge your workout by time (not distance) it truly is just as much exercise. if it takes 100 watts to go 15 mph, it takes well over 200 to go 20 mph. you could pedal at 100w for an hour and go 15 miles, or pedal at 100w with the bike throwing in another 120 for an hour, and go 20 miles. exact same amount of exercise, just 1/3 more distance and speed. there are actually some interesting studies that show people with ebikes get just as much or more exercise with them on average, in part because it's fun to go fast, far, and for those who aren't super fit the idea of the assist is an enabler.

i do agree that the ones with throttles or very high powered motors with cadence sensors are basically mopeds and really shouldn't be allowed in bike lanes and on mixed use paths. but there's a huge range of bikes out there, and anything that gets people out of cars is at least partially good in my book.

ebikes range from 25 to close to 100 pounds. one of my bikes is a 28lb electric road bike and it's really a nice ride even with the motor turned completely off. no drag except for the additional 10lb, which you only would notice when climbing, really.