Modern internal hubs have 7-8 gears, which is plenty for riding in all but the steepest terrain.
If you ride occasionally, then they are easy to use and to remember. You can change them when riding or stopped. You dont need an automated system to know when to change, your legs will tell you.
There has been a resergence in good quality hub-gear bikes, and they are well-worth checking out. On a low budget, the Breeze models are good. For a high quality bike, the Bianchi Milano is one to be seen on.
The Electra is a strange design, Im not sure if you could ride any distance on that style.