SocialCow, The Electra has a 3spd internal rear hub that will give you a bit more gear range for the local hills. The flat foot pedaling is not unsafe for climbing; consider that people ride recumbents up hills and those pedals are even higher/forward. The flat foot geometry allows you to easily place both feet on the ground while you're butt is on the saddle (seat). This is even more safe because you can easily correct yourself if you're about to tip over. Most cruisers that I've seen use this kind of pedal geometry. Since you are riding on roads and going to/from stores you may want to budget in the following (if it doesn't already exist on the bike):

- helmet
- patch kit, tire levers, and knowledge of how to change a tire (bike shops usually offer free classes)
- lighting / blinkies for road visibility
- rear and maybe a front rack to carry bags (groceries, etc.)
- method of holding the bags to your rack (anything from old milk crate to high end panniers)

With any bike, you will absolutely want to test ride it for fit and comfort. Enjoy the new ride!