i certainly agree about gearing and psychological dimension, i have some objections once switching to low gears

-loss of balance when you have high cadence at low speed,less gyroscopic effect
-loss of pleasure and feeling heavy when you advance small distance per pedal revolution and have to keep focused turning it into an exercise, less freedom feeling and more discouragement
-loss of efficiency sometimes you spend less energy walking with the bike especially in high temperatures
i will try to get fitter anyway i carry low weight because i don't sleep outdoors

can anyone tell if e-bikes offer the same pleasure and can take you to the top without sweating let's say 50 mile hill?