Originally Posted by DoB
I also looked at the Giant "Lite" which is about the lowest weight electric on the market at 50 pounds and costs about $1000. It is a comfort style bike with an upright position. The bike senses pedal effort and then the motor "helps" you along by assisting the cranks. The drive is through a Shimano 8 speed internal gear hub. I actually liked this bike a lot. It's fairly rideable with the motor off. With the motor on, you can bike along at about 15 mph while pedaling with what feels like about 10 mph worth of effort. You won't outrun anybody though....the motor phases out to zero assist as you reach 18 mph. I think this would be a perfect bike for an older person with arthritis or a bad back, or perhaps an obese person.
I just sold (read gave) my Giant "Lite" to my brother. I bought it for strength training while recovering from a broken neck. I love that bike. It's still my preferred choice when dragging a trailer full of groceries home from the store. If you have to do consistent heavy hauling, it's something to consider.
--A