In defence of ebikes

E-bikes are having a renaissance during lockdown. Sales are through the roof, social media is full of people talking about their ebikes. Yet out and about there is still a feeling of guilt at owning one.
They are cheat bikes.
I haven't owned a bike since I had a Raleigh Shopper to get to school on. With three gears, I hated it. I vowed I would never cycle again... and I didn't!
Not until lockdown. My partner has an ebike hybrid. He kept telling me how great they are.
And finally, going stir crazy from not getting out, I took the plunge and spent an awful lot of money on a brand new Giant Fathom Hybrid ebike (in my defence it is an early birthday present for a significant birthday in July).
And I am a convert. It's not a moped, so you still have to work. But it means I'm not getting off and pushing my bike at the first uphill. As the weeks have gone on, I've got stronger. Now I'm using the engine less and less. 
We cycle from our home to Wentwood Forest, we're exploring the green lanes, bridleways, forest tracks and the country lanes of Monmouthshire. I've fallen off it more times than I've fallen off my horse. But I am truly a convert.
So please, to all those dedicated cyclists. don't sneer at ebikers; to those who are tempted but feel it's `cheating' it's not!! We did 25 miles today and I'm shattered, my thighs ache so much I can barely walk upstairs. But it was such fun and I couldn't have done it without that engine.
All that matters to me, is that I'm out enjoying the outdoors, breathing in fresh air and steadily getting fitter.