Oh, we only use the car in the summer here about 4 or 5 times per month. I'm sure my friends are all tired of me bragging how little we spend on gas. Which is still too much for my liking
. You can put 200lbs on the deck as long as it's between the axles; 50 lbs behind the rear wheel only. It's fun to ride on, but I don't think I'd want to do it for very long or in heavy traffic.
I've seen some of the electric assist in action and I'll definitely get one if/when (probably when) my knees go. (hopefully not for another 30 years or so.)
The thing I like best about it is that you can just carry your regular bags around - no bulky panniers to haul around the store.