Good topic, Harry. I've thinking about getting one for a while. I don't have a car (can just about afford one, but would rather save the money), but those bike rides over 4-5 km can be a bit much if you care about not arriving all sweaty and you hair all limp! However, I'm about to move from a city to a small town where the distances may not justify an electric bike so I may just keep using my ordinary bike
I'd say they are a great idea; even if you get a little less excercise, you do get some, and fresh air, too. And if anyone should wonder, you get more fresh air on bike even on a heavily trafficked road than the people in the cars. And exercise, too. The thing that has always prompted me to use my bike for getting to work has been the fresh air and exercise I get going home. I's always ice to get your mind 'aired out' through a good bike ride home.