I don't think he's saying he is going to wait till he's old and decrepit. My view is I'll buy one if or when I need it. I'd view the circumstances when I'd need an e-bike as health issues require me to ease off, no longer physically strong enough to stay with my buddies, my stamina has dropped limiting the distance I can ride.
The first person I met with an e-bike was a woman in her late 70s riding in the
Ribble Valley. She explained to how the e-bike allowed her to continue riding the area.
I've a friend who bought one to aid his return to fitness after a serious heart issue. The bike is now in his loft after he regained full fitness.
Both are examples of how I would define "need one" for myself and have nothing to do with being old or decrepit.
There are many reasons I've heard people give as to why they need an e-bike. Most of those reasons would reduce my pleasure in cycling. I'm happy to accept as an example some people will enhance their enjoyment by getting assistance on hills. For me that would reduce my pleasure, I like to climb and deliberately go looking for the challenge.