My father (who is not in great shape) bought a Kalkhoff electric bike a couple of years ago. Nicely made if slightly weirdly sized thing with quality kit – but at a serious price.
My wife has used it to ride with me and its been surprisingly good at narrowing the difference between us. They weight a lot (I mean a proper lot – 45-50lbs) so when the battery is not engaged it’s hard work but if you contribute reasonably too the battery lasts a long way.
For the right sort of person, who just wouldn’t or plain couldn’t MTFU and ride the journey with a normal bike they are a great compromise. They can be used to flattened out lumpy terrain or make sure in a commute environment you can wear normal clothes and arrive without being clammy. When I was in Holland recently a couple of bike retailers I spoke to said they were out selling in terms of numbers normal bikes in their shops.
Would I have one – hell no! But for the right person doing the right thing they are great.
Since he purchased his a few more main stream UK known brands such as Giant and Trek have come into the market and might be worth a look.