Resurrecting thread as new to the ebike game. Been wanting to try one for a while as a replacement for my trailbike (moto) which I loved but simply didn't have time to use.
Did a demo day and thought "these are better than I expected". Then I hired one and did a ride and explored a bunch of trails that I've always wondered what was over the hill. Wouldn't do it on a regular bike in case they sucked and I'd lose time riding trails I know I like.
Long story short - those trails would have sucked on a regular bike, but on the eMTB I had a ball exploring and found a whole bunch of new trails that ran off them. I find I'm using the bike for a quick squirt at lunch to blow off steam and as another mentioned above, as more of an adventure bike to explore.
Would I have it as one bike? I don't think so. I'm intending on using it to commute on as well when that time comes, but I think I'll always have a regular bike in the stable. I am now regretting having a boutique bike sitting there though, I'd be happy having a well spec'd bike from a mainstream manufacturer given I'm likely to ride the analogue MTB about 1 in every 4 rides.