Originally Posted by
Bikewer
That's the main difference.... Likely the lowest and highest gears on the three-speed and the 8-speed are pretty similar. It's just that the jumps between are substantial. You might find yourself in gears that are too low or too high and nowhere else to go.
With my wonky old knees I just love gears.... The more the better.
8 speeds have about twice the range of a 3 speed. If the OP has any misgivings, and the extra coin for the 8 speed is not an issue, I'd definitely recommend the 8 speed. Much less chance for regrets that way.