E-Bikes on the Trail – Yea or Ney?

A recent conundrum. And in comparison to the bigger challenges of the day, not pivotal. Yet, it keeps coming up, so I’m exploring it with you.
 
Between the change of season and the current barriers to social activity, bike use is way up. Just ask anyone in the industry. I’m out on some trail or another about six days a week and it seems like as more weeks goes by, so do more bikes.
 
I’m all for excursive, but here’s one of my questions. Is riding an e-bike exorcise? Yes, uphill takes work, but isn’t the work one of the reasons you’re on the bike?
 
I have good friends in town who use their e-bakes as an alternative to getting in the car. They’ll use the e-bikes to run multiple errands and cover more ground. I get it. But as a trail ride, it seems an odd choice.
 
This past weekend I hiked to the top of one of the local ski runs. Right before descending, a guy riding up hill on an e-bike passed. Wow. So, this is a person, who feels equipped to take on some relatively challenging downhills, opted for an assisted up. Made me think. Unlike previous years, the lifts aren’t taking riders up the mountain. You have to get up under your own steam, which is going to exclude quite a few folks. But now, the way up just got easier. And I get it. The guy would have had one heck of a climb and been spent for the technical challenges of the down. So, I gave him a pass. (Kind of.)
 
But then, if he gets a pass, where’s the line? Ultimately, it’s not my line to draw. I’m passing judgement on strangers. Never a good idea.
 
So I ask, what makes you say, “Hey, I think I’m passing on my regular trail bike and grabbing an e-bike?” Is it that you’re able to cover more ground, so you get to a spot you would have otherwise passed on? Do you feel like you’re still getting a workout?
 
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
 
Cheers to your next visit,
Your Resort Resident