Get an electric rather than a conventional bike because you will ride longer and get out much more often and have more fun.
Avoid lead-acid (SLA) batteries at all costs!
Get a pedalec (pedal activated) electric bike so it forces you to pedal to get the assist. If you have a throttle, you'll rely on it too much and forget to pedal it sometimes.
Don't ask a conventional bike shop about electric bikes. They just look down on those things.
I'd recommend one of these bikes.
http://nycewheels.com/gianttwistfree...ybridbike.html