also, I am in a similar boat. When I got the Birdy/Bionx I was 43, decent but not great shape, lost 10 pounds last year w/o any real change to my diet. I use the pedal assist a reasonable amount but always pedal and just use the throttle to start on a hill. I have also been seduced by the compact folding of the Brompton, though if you want to add a motor both bikes will be heavy and the size becomes less of an issue than the somewhat awkward weight. So if that is the case I would always go for full suspension.