We're not all not arguing that though. On an ebike powered to 30km/hr, that's an 80 minute ride. If their small town supplies most of their needs and they go into the big city once a month, that's quite feasible... lots of people do a 90+ minute drive once a month for something or other. 1-2 hour rides aren't exhausting or requiring special fitness on an e-bike, and can be very pleasant (if they had nice routes).

Now if they mean they go 40km to take the kids to school every day, that's a different matter.