fun is an important factor. if riding is fun, people look forward to it. i, for one, prefer my bike to driving my car or taking public transport. if riding your old clunker is a chore you'll find excuses at every opportunity and probably stop riding altogether (especially if convenience is also a factor, e.g. if you have to haul your bike out of the cellar, weight makes a huge difference).
also if it was true that ease of use wasn't a factor e-bikes wouldn't be booming.
also if it was true that ease of use wasn't a factor e-bikes wouldn't be booming.