Originally Posted by
canklecat
Check out
Biria. They're among the few making true easy boarding, low entry step-through frames. Listed weight varies from around 33 lbs on up, with the e-bikes weighing closer to 40 lbs or more.
Most other bikes advertised as "step-through" are actually mixte and compact frames with sloping top tubes. I've also seen a few folding bikes with step-through frames, notably by Tern a few years ago.
Keep in mind that a step-through or any upright bike will be less efficient for climbing. Sitting upright is comfortable for reasonably short distance/duration rides, but makes less efficient use of the adductor muscles. An ideal upright/step-through bike would have motor pedal assist for climbs.
I'm not sure disc brakes would offer any real advantage for the relatively leisurely pace of upright bikes used on pavement and groomed fine gravel/chat trails common to most cycling infrastructure, multi-use paths, etc. Good quality, properly adjusted rim brakes work very well.
My Biria made 3 speed Calvin is my favorite bike for daily riding on cold days when heavy winter shoes and pants make mounting a traditional "man's" frame more difficult for my 75 year old legs. The easy to make a quick safe dismount feature is also much appreciated when riding in slippery conditions and the coaster brake is 100% reliable and effective no matter how much snow and slop is on the street or stuck to the rim. It is not a lightweight, but unless carrying the bike up stairs or mounting on a roof rack that really doesn't matter all that much.
