Today, I’d do that or at least get a road bike instead of the mtb I had, but this wasn’t an easy option years ago.

Still ride a bike for transportation though! Love it.

The exercise is a large part of what is enjoyable about bike commuting.

You can pedal to your heart's content, but with the motor you will be going faster than you would otherwise.

Yes. It's a multiplier, you get exercise and more range than a traditional bike and it opens up a larger portion of a city to bike commuting.