I have made 60 miles on a single charge with 21% remaining. To do this you have to put a committed effort into the ride. I wouldn't expect to get more 25 or so miles on throttle alone.
I just purchased a second battery and am modifying the rear rack to stow it without interfering with the saddle paniers. I will be attempting some long distance bike-packing rides this Summer. Stay at campsites and/or hotels, recharge the batteries, sample some local brews along the way. There are a lot of very interesting trails I imagine doing. The Erie Canal Towpath from Buffalo to Albany, The GAP/C&O trail from Pittsburgh to Washington DC, the Katy Trail along the Missouri River. I cannot do the daily mileage necessary without pedal assist.
I hear you, loud and clear. I enjoy it so much, having a paved bike trail 10 miles long just a few streets over. It goes into an old shut-down Army base that has been purchased by the state as a park, it has mostly unpaved roads.
I never would take a bike out for a lunchtime ride, but...when I work from home, I sometimes do take it out for a spin, do about eight miles to the old Army base. (It was a lot more fun when it was just an abandoned Army base)
I sure do enjoy it...